Chiropractic care and acupuncture work to heal the body naturally without using drugs or surgery. Both practices seek to correct imbalances within the body’s systems and promote holistic healing and optimal health. 

While chiropractic care uses manual adjustments to correct subluxations in the central nervous system, acupuncture works to remove blockages that may inhibit the body’s balance of energy. Combining chiropractic care and acupuncture allows you to access the benefits of each practice at the same time. The treatments work together to help balance the body, improve energy flow, speed up healing, and improve your overall quality of life. 

The benefits of chiropractic care

A chiropractor is a doctor who treats muscle, bone, and joint pain. Chiropractic care is a non-surgical approach to treating pain caused by injuries, muscle strain, disc problems, arthritis, and other conditions. 

As a type of physical therapy that uses hands-on manipulations and chiropractic adjustments to correct misalignments of the musculoskeletal system, chiropractic care takes a conservative approach to treating pain that doesn’t include the use of prescription medication or other invasive treatments. 

Adjustments to the joints and spine can improve mobility and offer relief from back and neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches and migraines, and other spinal conditions. Bringing the musculoskeletal system back into proper alignment can also: 

  •  Improve circulation
  • Reduce inflammation and swelling
  • Restore range of motion
  • Reduce pressure on the nerves
  • Accelerate the natural healing process
  • Improve your quality of life

Millions of Americans visit a licensed chiropractor each year to find relief from pain and discomfort. Spinal manipulation is a safe alternative to traditional medical care and an effective way to reduce muscle tightness and nerve irritation. 

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that has been practiced for more than 2,500 years. It involves inserting very thin needles into the body at strategic points and various depths, and may be particularly effective for patients who have not found relief from traditional treatments or want to complement other types of care. 

In addition to supporting wellness, the practice seeks to stimulate muscles, nerves, and connective tissues in ways that release the body’s natural painkillers. While acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain, many patients find it can also help manage stress and anxiety. 

According to the practice, your natural energy or life force, known as chi or qi (pronounced “chee”), flows through pathways in the body called meridians. The free flow of chi throughout your body keeps you healthy. If chi is blocked, pain or disease may result. 

Acupuncture seeks to rebalance the flow of energy by placing needles into specific points along the meridians. Acupuncturists access chi through 361 acupuncture points in the body, along 14 major meridians. During a typical session, the needles remain in place for up to 30 minutes 

Does acupuncture hurt?

The needles acupuncturists use are extremely thin and cause little if any discomfort when placed. Many patients don’t feel a thing, although some experience a dull ache after a session. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ensures that acupuncture needles are safe, sterile, and labeled for single use. 

While the needles cause little to no discomfort, the immune system responds to the insertion, and increased circulation to the area reduces pain and speeds healing. Most patients find the experience to be very relaxing. 

The number of treatments varies depending on the severity of your pain and the condition being treated. 

The benefits of combining chiropractic care and acupuncture

Chiropractic care and acupuncture can complement each other to achieve noninvasive pain relief that doesn’t involve medication. Through spinal adjustments, chiropractic care encourages the central nervous system to heal, while acupuncture rebalances an optimal flow of energy throughout the body. 

In addition to sending signals to the brain to help the body heal by releasing natural feel-good chemicals, acupuncture enhances the benefits of chiropractic care by relaxing your muscles and improving the flow of energy through your body. It also stimulates muscles and nerves that cause pain and discomfort. 

Together, chiropractic care and acupuncture can treat a variety of conditions, including: 

 Used alone or in conjunction with chiropractic care, acupuncture can also treat allergies, anxiety and depression, high blood pressure, insomnia, menstrual cramps, and morning sickness. 

 Combining chiropractic care and acupuncture can reduce pain, realign the spine, and clear blockages to improve the energy flow throughout the body. The goal is to allow your body to heal itself rather than relying on drugs or surgery. 

Find out if chiropractic care combined with acupuncture is right for you

Dr. Andrea’s Chiropractic & Spinal Decompression is here to provide the holistic treatment you need to improve your quality of life. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or looking for relief from chronic pain and discomfort, contact Dr. Andrea today or call us at 918-364-2225 to learn more about the benefits of combining chiropractic and acupuncture as a dual modality treatment.