Advanced Wellness Solutions offers personalized holistic healthcare, including primary care, medical weight loss, gentle chiropractic, acupuncture and medical massage therapy. Discover the difference patient-centric care makes. Advanced Wellness Solutions is offering primary care in our Stuart location in Martin County. Offering primary care is not just a service; it’s a commitment to the health and […]
acupuncture
Pain Management Alternatives
Gentle chiropractic care, acupuncture, and medical massage therapy are pain management alternatives that have demonstrated impressive results in managing various types of pain. These natural approaches offer a compelling alternative to traditional pharmaceutical interventions, providing long-term solutions that address the root cause of discomfort.
Addressing the Source of Pain
Chiropractic care, acupuncture, and medical massage utilize traditional knowledge and modern techniques to target the root cause of pain, rather than just masking its symptoms. Whether you’re grappling with chronic back issues or recovering from an injury, these modalities promise more than just relief; they aim to restore balance and foster resilience within your body’s intricate systems. As we delve deeper into each approach—examining their benefits, methodologies, and potential synergies—we invite you to discover how these transformative practices may redefine your relationship with pain and inspire a renewed sense of vitality in your life.
Pain Management Alternatives: Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic treatment focuses on aligning the spine and restoring proper joint function, which can have a profound impact on pain originating from musculoskeletal issues. Gentle chiropractic care uses unique, targeted adjustments to improve mobility, reduce inflammation, and promote the body’s natural healing processes.
Therapeutic Benefits of Gentle Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care has gained recognition as a powerful and holistic approach to pain relief, particularly for those suffering from musculoskeletal issues. Gentle chiropractic not only targets the spine but also unlocks tight muscles and improves joint function throughout the body. This comprehensive treatment can lead to significant reductions in pain while promoting overall well-being, making it an attractive option for individuals seeking alternatives to medication or invasive procedures.
One of the standout benefits of chiropractic care is its focus on addressing the root cause of pain rather than merely masking symptoms. For example, many patients report relief from chronic headaches after receiving spinal adjustments that improve neck alignment—a testament to how interconnected our bodily systems truly are.
Furthermore, chiropractic techniques such as soft tissue therapy can enhance blood circulation and facilitate quicker recovery times by optimizing muscle repair. As patients begin to experience less discomfort, many also find themselves more energized and willing to engage in physical activities they once avoided due to pain, leading to a healthier lifestyle overall.
Pain Management Alternatives: Acupuncture
Acupuncture, a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine, involves the strategic placement of thin needles along the body’s energy meridians. This ancient practice has been shown to effectively alleviate pain by stimulating the release of the body’s own pain-relieving chemicals, such as endorphins and serotonin.
Therapeutic Benefits of Acupuncture
Research has shown that acupuncture may be helpful for treating chronic pain and has gained popularity in recent years as an effective method of drug-free pain relief.
Acupuncture stands out as a time-honored remedy that taps into the body’s inherent ability to heal itself. By targeting specific points, this ancient practice helps unblock stagnant energy and promotes both physical and emotional well-being.
One of acupuncture’s compelling benefits is its effectiveness in addressing chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis and back pain, often giving patients relief when conventional treatments fall short.
What many find surprising is that acupuncture does more than just alleviate surface-level discomfort; it also nurtures a deeper connection between mind and body. As practitioners insert fine needles into carefully selected acupoints, they stimulate the release of endorphins—nature’s own painkillers—while simultaneously reducing inflammation. This multifaceted approach diminishes pain and enhances overall quality of life by encouraging relaxation and reducing anxiety associated with ongoing health challenges.
Offering an Individualized Approach to Personalized Care
Moreover, acupuncture offers an individualized approach to personalized care. Each session can be tailored to address specific concerns or shifts in condition, meaning patients can engage actively in their healing journey. This approach helps people feel more in control, letting them look into treatment options that go beyond medications or surgery, and encouraging a healthier way of living through mindfulness and better self-awareness.
Pain Management Alternatives: Medical Massage Therapy
Medical massage offers a targeted approach to pain relief that goes beyond mere relaxation, focusing instead on the underlying issues causing discomfort. Unlike traditional massages, which may simply address surface-level tension, medical massage employs specific techniques tailored to individual ailments. This precision fosters not only immediate relief from muscle tightness but also promotes long-term healing by enhancing circulation and reducing inflammation in affected areas.
Therapeutic Benefits of Medical Massage
Furthermore, the therapeutic benefits of medical massage extend into mental wellness, alleviating stress and anxiety that often accompany chronic pain conditions. By creating a nurturing environment during treatment, patients can experience significant emotional release alongside physical improvement. Integrating this form of therapy with conventional medical treatments cultivates a holistic approach to health—transforming patient care into a multi-faceted strategy where mind and body collaborate toward recovery. Embracing medical massage as part of your regimen could therefore be pivotal for anyone grappling with persistent pain challenges, encouraging both relief and rejuvenation on multiple levels.
A Safe, Drug-Free Path to Lasting Relief.
Incorporating these alternative pain management methods into your healthcare routine can provide a safe, drug-free path to lasting relief. Explore the benefits of chiropractic, acupuncture, and medical massage at Advanced Wellness Solutions and take control of your pain management journey.
Acupuncture for relief of TMJ pain
We’ve been seeing excellent results using acupuncture for relief of TMJ pain as well as for chronic pain relief.
What is TMJ disorder?
TMJ disorder, or temporomandibular joint disorder, refers to a complex group of conditions affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. It presents as pain in the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders, which activities like chewing or yawning can exacerbate. Surprisingly, it isn’t just about physical discomfort; TMJ issues can also trigger emotional strain due to chronic pain and limited mobility. Many people are unaware that their stress levels can inadvertently heighten symptoms by prompting teeth grinding or clenching during sleep.
What makes TMJ disorder particularly fascinating is its multifaceted nature. It often intersects with other health concerns like migraines or dental issues but remains an enigma in terms of definitive causes—ranging from ergonomic stressors to postural imbalances.
Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMJ pain often manifests as discomfort in the jaw, headaches, and even neck pain, making daily tasks like eating or speaking a challenge. Many people don’t realize that stress can exacerbate this condition. Tension can lead to jaw clenching and teeth grinding. Such behavior simply compounds the issues. The interplay between physical health and emotional well-being is crucial in addressing TMJ disorders.
How Acupuncture Works for Pain Relief
Acupuncture1 offers a unique approach to managing TMJ pain. It targets specific points on the body that promote relaxation and increase blood circulation around the affected area. By stimulating these acupoints, practitioners aim to alleviate muscle tension not just in the jaw but throughout connected regions, such as the neck and shoulders.
Additionally, acupuncture encourages an overall state of calm that can help reduce stress-related triggers for TMJ pain. This holistic treatment perspective offers relief not only through localized care but also by addressing underlying factors contributing to discomfort—providing a pathway toward more comprehensive healing.
Benefits of Acupuncture for relief of TMJ pain
Acupuncture has gained recognition as an effective treatment for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), offering a holistic approach that extends beyond mere symptom relief. One of the key benefits of acupuncture is its ability to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the affected jaw muscles. By stimulating specific points around the face and neck, acupuncture alleviates pain and encourages blood flow, which helps repair tissues and restore function to the jaw. This process can be especially beneficial for individuals who experience tightness due to stress or habitual grinding.
Another intriguing aspect of acupuncture for TMJ is its role in addressing underlying emotional factors that often exacerbate physical symptoms. TMJ issues are commonly linked to stress and anxiety, leading patients into a cycle of tension that intensifies discomfort. Acupuncture sessions provide a calming environment, allowing individuals to unwind while activating their body’s natural relaxation response. This dual action—physically relieving muscle tension while promoting emotional well-being—sets acupuncture apart as a comprehensive treatment strategy, making it particularly appealing for those looking to tackle TMJ from multiple angles. The result? The outcome is a more balanced approach to health that addresses both body and mind, paving the way for lasting improvement.
Advanced Wellness Solutions is delighted to offer residents of Stuart, Palm City and their surrounding areas acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine.
If you’re looking for a holistic approach to TMJ pain, call 855-509-5400 to schedule an appointment for acupuncture to relieve it.
Acupuncture for Chronic Pain
Advanced Wellness Solutions offers Acupuncture for Chronic Pain
As modern science increasingly validates its efficacy, acupuncture emerges not just as a relic of history but as a viable solution for managing chronic pain conditions ranging from arthritis to migraines. Whether you’re seeking relief from relentless discomfort or chronic pain, discover how these tiny needles can lead to profound changes in your well-being.
Originating from ancient China, acupuncture has been touted for its ability to provide natural and effective pain relief without the need for medication or invasive procedures.
Imagine tiny needles delicately placed on strategic points of your body, unlocking the body’s innate healing abilities and restoring balance within. This age-old technique is not just about sticking needles into skin; it’s about tapping into the body’s energy flow to promote holistic wellness.
Join us as we explore how this traditional practice can be a game-changer in managing pain and improving overall well-being.
Overview of Acupuncture for Chronic Pain
Research 1 has shown that acupuncture may be helpful for treating chronic pain. Acupuncture has gained popularity in recent years as an effective method of drug-free pain relief. By inserting thin needles into specific points on the body, acupuncture aims to stimulate the nervous system and release endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Drug-free pain relief using acupuncture is increasingly being used alongside conventional medical treatments to manage various types of chronic pain, including back pain, neck pain, headaches, and osteoarthritis.
Moreover, acupuncture is not just about treating physical ailments; it also addresses emotional and mental well-being. Some studies suggest that acupuncture can help reduce anxiety and depression by promoting relaxation and reducing stress hormones in the body. The holistic approach of acupuncture focuses on restoring balance and harmony within the body, which can lead to overall improved health and well-being. As more research emerges supporting the efficacy of acupuncture for pain relief, it continues to be a valuable option for those seeking alternative methods for managing chronic pain conditions.
How acupuncture helps alleviate pain
Acupuncture has been proven to effectively alleviate pain by stimulating specific acupoints in the body. This holistic approach to pain management works by promoting the flow of energy, or Qi, through the body’s meridians. By inserting thin needles into strategic points along these pathways, acupuncture helps to release endorphins and other natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body. This process not only provides immediate relief from acute pain but also addresses the root causes of chronic pain conditions.
Furthermore, research has shown that acupuncture can help reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation, which are key factors in managing various types of painful conditions. In addition to its physical benefits, acupuncture also promotes relaxation and releases tension in the muscles, helping patients experience a sense of overall well-being. With its minimal side effects and non-invasive nature, acupuncture offers a safe and effective alternative for those seeking relief from pain without relying on medication or surgery.
Advantages of using acupuncture for chronic pain relief
Acupuncture offers a natural and holistic approach to pain relief that targets the root cause of discomfort rather than just masking symptoms. By stimulating specific points on the body, acupuncture promotes the release of endorphins, our body’s natural painkillers, leading to effective and long-lasting pain relief. This ancient healing technique also helps improve circulation and relax muscles, which can further alleviate pain in various parts of the body.
Additionally, acupuncture is a safe and non-invasive treatment option for individuals seeking an alternative to medications or surgeries for managing chronic pain conditions. When carried out by a qualified and trained practitioner, acupuncture typically has few negative effects, in contrast to some conventional treatments that might have risks or side effects. Furthermore, many people find that acupuncture not only reduces physical pain but also enhances their overall well-being by reducing stress levels and improving sleep quality.
Common conditions treated with acupuncture
Acupuncture is used to treat a wide range of conditions beyond just pain management. In recent years, more scientific research has supported its effectiveness in treating various health issues, including stress and anxiety. By stimulating specific points on the body with thin needles, acupuncture can help regulate the nervous system and promote relaxation. This natural approach to addressing mental health concerns is gaining popularity as people seek alternatives to medication.
Furthermore, acupuncture has shown promising results in treating digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). By targeting key points related to gut health and digestion, acupuncture helps improve gastrointestinal functions and reduce symptoms like bloating and discomfort. The holistic nature of acupuncture considers the interconnectedness of bodily systems, offering a comprehensive approach to managing chronic digestive issues. As more individuals explore integrative therapies for their overall well-being, acupuncture continues to emerge as a valuable treatment option for common ailments beyond conventional medicine’s scope.
Acupuncture has also been used for centuries to treat some, but not all, causes of infertility. Fertility acupuncture can benefit both men and women. From regulating hormone levels in women to enhancing sperm quality in men, acupuncture can play a crucial role in optimizing your chances of successful conception.
Scientific studies supporting effectiveness of acupuncture
Scientific studies have shown that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for various conditions. In a study published in the Journal of Pain, researchers found that acupuncture was more effective than usual care for reducing chronic pain. Additionally, a meta-analysis published in JAMA Internal Medicine concluded that acupuncture is effective in treating chronic pain conditions such as back and neck pain.
Furthermore, recent research has suggested that acupuncture may help improve mental health outcomes. A study 1 found that acupuncture was associated with significant reductions in symptoms of anxiety and depression. Another study 2 showed that acupuncture can help reduce insomnia and improve sleep quality.
In conclusion, scientific evidence continues to support the effectiveness of acupuncture as a complementary therapy for various health conditions.
Acupuncture as effective option for pain relief
Acupuncture addresses physical, emotional, and mental pain by targeting meridian points, restoring body balance, and alleviating stress-related pain. Effective for migraines, lower back pain, and arthritis, it goes beyond medication-based pain management.
Research supports acupuncture’s effectiveness for various painful conditions, promoting its acceptance in mainstream healthcare. Acupuncture is gaining recognition as a safe, holistic pain relief alternative to pharmaceuticals, providing both physical and emotional well-being.
Call to schedule your appointment today.
Fertility Acupuncture In Martin County Florida
Fertility acupuncture can help those struggling with fertility issues.
Are you looking for a natural and holistic approach to support your reproductive health? Acupuncture may be the solution you’ve been searching for.
If you’ve suffered from the monthly disappointment of hoping for a positive pregnancy test, you know that the frustration and emotional pain of not being able to conceive can be overwhelming. People have compared receiving an infertility diagnosis to receiving a cancer diagnosis. This can lead to stress and anxiety, which may further hinder one’s chances of getting pregnant.
In addition, the constant worry about your reproductive health can consume your thoughts and may affect your relationship with your partner.
According to the American Pregnancy Association,
Acupuncture has been used for centuries to treat some but not all causes of infertility. For example, acupuncture and herbs will not work to address tubal adhesions which can occur as a result of pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis.
However, in this situation, an individual could still benefit from acupuncture because of the potential effect of the improved ovarian and follicular function. Additionally, acupuncture can increase blood flow to the endometrium, helping to facilitate a thick, rich lining.
There are minimal risks in using acupuncture for fertility treatment. The risk of miscarriage may increase if incorrect acupuncture points are used during pregnancy. This is one reason why those choosing to include acupuncture in their treatment regimen should only be treated by an acupuncturist who specializes in treating fertility disorders.
At Advanced Wellness Solutions, we provide this service on a pay-per-use basis. That means there’s no huge out-of-pocket expense upfront.
We are currently accepting new patients.
Call 855-509-5400 to schedule your appointment.
We invite you to discover the numerous benefits of fertility acupuncture for both men and women. From regulating hormone levels in women to enhancing sperm quality in men, acupuncture can play a crucial role in optimizing your chances of successful conception.
The benefits of fertility acupuncture:
Fertility acupuncture offers a comprehensive approach to addressing both physical and emotional factors that can impact fertility.
The benefits of acupuncture for fertility may include:
- It is important to regulate your menstrual cycle.
- The focus is on improving sperm count and motility.
- This will increase blood flow to your reproductive organs.
- The goal is to reduce stress and anxiety.
Diet and nutritional supplements play an important role in treating infertility.
By regulating hormone levels, improving blood flow to reproductive organs, and reducing stress through acupuncture sessions, you can enhance your chances of successful implantation and pregnancy. With proven benefits such as increased sperm quality, regulated menstrual cycles, and decreased stress levels, acupuncture for fertility provides a comprehensive approach to improving your reproductive health.
Take the first step toward improving your reproductive health with fertility acupuncture. Experience the transformative effects of this holistic treatment and increase your chances of conceiving naturally.
Book your appointment today and embark on your journey toward parenthood.
We are currently accepting new patients.
Call 855-509-5400 to schedule your appointment.
Acupuncture for Pain Relief
Acupuncture has been used to relieve pain for centuries and is used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It involves the insertion of needles into specific points on the body. The needles are inserted into the skin and manipulated. This promotes a healthy flow of energy, or “chi”, through the body. It is believed that this balance can help relieve pain and other symptoms.
Acupuncture for Pain Relief: How it Can Help You
Acupuncture facilitates the communication and activation of the nervous system, which releases specific chemicals within the body. These chemicals can help relieve pain and swelling. This is why acupuncture is used to treat headaches, back pain, arthritis, and joint pain.
Acupuncturists go through rigorous training and licensing. There are many different types of acupuncture. Each one is used to address a different health issue.
Acupuncturists are properly trained to stimulates points on your body that can relieve pain and promote healing.
What are the Benefits of Acupuncture for Pain Relief?
Acupuncture can effectively treat:
- back pain,
- neck pain,
- headaches
- shoulder pain
- wrist pain.
The biggest benefit to acupuncture for pain relief is the safety of the procedure. The complication rate for acupuncture is low and the side effects are usually mild. Soreness and minor bleeding or bruising are the most common side effects.
In a German study1, only 0.003% of patients (13 out of over 4,441,000) experienced severe adverse events from acupuncture.
Acupuncture is also cost-effective treatment the following conditions:2
- Allergic Rhinitis
- Low back pain
- Ambulatory Anesthesia
- Migraine
- Chronic Pain
- Neck Pain (plus usual medical care)
- Depression
- Osteoarthritis
- Dysmenorrhea (painful periods)
- Post-operative nausea and vomiting
- Headache
Individuals struggling to conceive can also benefit from acupuncture. Acupuncture can improve fertility through its ability to regulate hormone levels, improve blood flow to the reproductive organs, and reduce stress levels, which are all crucial factors in enhancing fertility.
How does acupuncture compare to other treatments for pain?
Acupuncture has fewer risks than those associated with taking pain medication. Unfortunately, addiction is a very real risk with prescription painkillers.
According to Hopkins Medicine3,
It takes a couple of weeks to become physically dependent on an opioid, but that varies by individual. If you take an opioid for a day or two, it should not be a problem and, generally, you will not become addicted. However, some studies show even the first dose of an opioid can have physiological effects.
One study found up to 25% of of patients develop a life-long addiction.4 In 2016, there were 63,632 drug overdose deaths in the United States, a 21.4% increase from 2015.5 Two-thirds of these deaths involved an opioid.6
A recent study concluded that any dose of NSAIDs for any duration increased the risk of heart attack.8 This means acupuncture is even safer than over-the-counter pain relievers (NSAIDs).
Acupuncture has treated pain and other chronic symptoms for centuries. It can supplement or replace other treatments, depending on the individual.
What is the evidence for acupuncture?
There have been over 8,000 intensive scientific clinical trials of acupuncture over the past 50 years.9
In 2017, the American College of Physicians began recommending acupuncture for both chronic and acute low back pain.10
The Acupuncture Evidence Project 11 found evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture for 117 conditions. Conditions with strongest evidence supporting the effectiveness of acupuncture include:
- Allergic rhinitis (perennial & seasonal)
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (with anti-emetics)
- Migraine prophylaxis
- Chronic low back pain
- Postoperative nausea & vomiting
- Headache (tension-type and chronic)
- Postoperative pain
Why You Should Consider Using Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been treating pain for thousands of years. There are many reasons why acupuncture may be a good treatment option for you. Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for pain. It’s a safe, cost-effective treatment option for many conditions.
Call Advanced Wellness Solutions at 855-509-5400 to schedule your appointment.
Feeling Tired?
Feeling tired is NOT just part of getting older. Fatigue could be a sign of an underlying medical condition that needs treatment.
Fatigue is more than just feeling tired. It’s an overall feeling of lack of energy. It isn’t the same as simply feeling drowsy or sleepy. Fatigue can also mean not having enough strength to do anything on your plate.
Feeling Tired? Symptoms of fatigue
Fatigue can include feeling sleepy or drowsy, but there are other symptoms as well. Other symptoms of fatigue include headache, dizziness and even impaired reflexes. Impaired reflexes can be especially dangerous, especially when driving in south Florida traffic. It can also impair your decision-making and judgement. It can affect your ability to react quickly and cause car accidents. The next time you see someone who’s driving like a crazy person, they may not be crazy. They may just be feeling tired and fatigued.
Fatigue is a common symptom for many medical conditions. If you’re feeling fatigued, it could be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition. It could also be caused by:
- depression,
- stress
- lack of exercise
- poor diet.
Since we live in Florida, it’s possible that your fatigue may be the result of the heat. When it’s oppressively hot, you’re likely to be avoiding the unairconditioned outdoors. This can lead to you not getting enough vitamin D or exercise, which can lead to exhaustion and lethargy.
Feeling Tired? Try these tips to help you feel more energized:
- Reduce stress.
- Drink lots of water.
- Eat for energy, foods like protein, whole grains, high-fiber vegetables, nuts, and healthy oils.
- Take frequent breaks from sitting to stand up and walk around.
- Avoid caffeine after noon
- Resist the urge to nap during the day.
Most importantly, avoid energy drinks. They contain sugar and other ingredients that could make you feel even more exhausted later on.
Seek Medical Treatment for Fatigue
If you’re suffering from fatigue even after getting a good night’s sleep, it’s time to seek medical help. Unfortunately, according to a report from the NIH 1,
Patients generally regard fatigue as important (because it is disabling), whereas doctors do not (because it is diagnostically non-specific).
What this means is that in the world of Western medicine, fatigue can be caused by factors other than an underlying disease.
At Advanced Wellness Solutions, we won’t dismiss your complaint of fatigue. We will first perform a thorough consultation and exam to identify the specific symptoms of fatigue. We’ll then work to identify and address the factors potentially causing your fatigue.
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine as well as chiropractic care are both effective at treating fatigue.
Chiropractic care has been shown to help successfully treat fatigue 2 with no dangerous side effects. Studies have shown that regular chiropractic care may contribute to an improved quality of life in patients suffering from CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) 3
Acupuncture is another treatment option for fatigue. A fundamental concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine is that QI (vital energy) flows freely through the body. When Qi isn’t flowing properly, it causes fatigue.
Scientific studies show that acupuncture and TCM offer proven benefits for treating fatigue without any negative side effects.4 Acupuncture has also been shown to increase serotonin levels which improves sleep and mood.5
Feeling tired shouldn’t be normal.
Fatigue is not just part of getting older. If you’re feeling fatigued, don’t dismiss it. Extreme stress, lack of sleep and decreased physical activity can trigger fatigue. It can also be a sign of a serious medical condition. If gentle chiropractic care and Traditional Chinese Medicine aren’t able to resolve your symptoms of fatigue, the medical professionals at Advance Wellness Solutions will refer you to another medical professional who can help.
Accepting new patients.
Call 855-509-5400 to schedule your appointment.
If you’re suffering from fatigue, it’s time make an appointment with Advanced Wellness Solutions.
Offering Veterans Treatment for PTSD
Find veterans treatment for PTSD at Advanced Wellness Solutions.
Veterans seeking treatment for PTSD should know that acupuncture can treat PTSD symptoms of depression and pain. Acupuncture for veterans treatment for PTSD can also improve physical and mental health functioning. Acupuncture can also significantly improve sleep quality which in turn improves physical and mental health.
What is PTSD?
PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) can occur after a traumatic (extremely stressful) event. It is common to suffer stress after surviving traumatic events such as combat, being assaulted or even being in a car accident. However, if your stressful reactions don’t subside over time or are impacting how you live your life, you may have PTSD.
Experiencing trauma doesn’t mean you’ll develop PTSD. While about 8% of the general population will experience PTSD, the incidence for veterans is much higher. A public health study of PTSD in Iraq and Afghanistan veterans showed 15.7% of OEF/OIF deployed Veterans screened positive for PTSD compared to 10.9% of non-deployed Veterans.1 It is estimated that 30% of Vietnam Veterans have had PTSD in their lifetime.2
PTSD symptoms
There are four main types of PTSD symptoms:3
- intrusive memories
- avoidance
- negative changes in thinking and mood
- changes in physical and emotional reactions.
Behavioral symptoms of PTSD include agitation, irritability, hostility, hypervigilance, self-destructive behavior, or social isolation. The psychological symptoms of PTSD include flashback, fear, severe anxiety, or mistrust.
PTSD also causes negative mood changes such as a loss of interest or pleasure in activities, guilt, or loneliness. Sleep disturbances including insomnia or nightmares are also common in people suffering from PTSD.
Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional if you or a loved one:
- have had disturbing thoughts and/or feelings about a traumatic event for more than a month
- if these thoughts and/or feelings are extreme or severe,
- feel you (or they) are losing control of your/their life.
Early treatment can help prevent PTSD symptoms from getting worse.
PTSD comorbidities
PTSD often presents simultaneously with other mental health conditions. Depression is the most common comorbidity of PTSD in veterans. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is nearly three to five times more likely to emerge in those with PTSD than those without PTSD.4 Other common comorbidities of PTSD in military veterans include anxiety and substance abuse or dependence. 5
Veterans Treatment for PTSD
One of the most frequently reported symptoms of PTSD among OEF/OIF veterans returning from deployment is sleep disturbances. 6 Sleep plays an incredibly important role in physical and mental health. See Sleep Helps you Heal for more information.
It is important for everyone to find drug free ways to get essential healthy sleep. Veterans suffering from PTSD need extra help in this area.
Acupuncture has been commonly used to treat insomnia in China for thousands of years. Dozens of randomized control trials show that acupuncture improves sleep quality. In these studies, acupuncture was superior to medications regarding the number of patients with total sleep duration.
Acupuncture plus medications showed better effect than medications alone on total sleep duration. Also, acupuncture plus herbs were significantly better than herbs alone on increase of sleep rates. 7
According to Chinese medicine, there are 2,000 meridian acupuncture points on the body. These points connect the body’s meridians or energetic pathways. Acupuncture is the practice of inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points to facilitate natural healing.
Benefits of Acupuncture for Mental Health and Veterans Treatment for PTSD
Acupuncture has shown potential benefit in a wide range of mental health disorders including anxiety disorders and substance abuse disorders. There is growing clinical evidence to support the use of acupuncture for a variety of mental health disorders.
In 2014, Charles C Engel et. al. ran a well-designed randomized controlled trial. The trial compared the effectiveness of using acupuncture for PTSD. The subjects in the trial were divided into two categories: those who received usual PTSD care plus acupuncture compared to usual PTSD care alone.
The following is taken from Complementary and Alternative Medicine Approaches in the Treatment of PTSD by Gary H. Wynn
Acupuncturists in the study delivered a standardized treatment during the first four sessions to facilitate clearing of trauma, calming the spirit, and balancing the Qi. For the remaining four sessions, the acupuncturist was allowed to adjust the treatment based on clinical findings. Both groups were followed for 12 weeks.
At 12 weeks, the acupuncture treatment group showed significantly greater improvements in PTSD symptoms as well as improvements on ratings of depression, pain, and physical and mental health functioning.
In the study abstract,8
Mean improvement in PTSD severity was significantly greater among those receiving acupuncture than in those receiving UPC. Pre-post effect-sizes for these outcomes were large and robust.
If you suspect you or a loved on is suffering from PTSD, please seek treatment. PTSD symptoms usually get worse without treatment.
Call (772) 403-7640 to schedule your appointment.
Acupuncture for Pain Relief
Using acupuncture for pain relief has been an effective drug-free treatment for thousands of years.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine have been treating pain and illness for thousands of years. Researchers have conducted numerous studies to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture. The Acupuncture Trialists’ Collaboration compiled raw data from trials where the main outcome measures were pain and function. They concluded that acupuncture is an effective method of treating chronic pain. Their conclusions included: 1
- acupuncture is effective for the treatment of chronic pain
- that the effects of acupuncture persist for up to 12 months,
- and that the benefits of acupuncture cannot be explained solely by the placebo effect.
The report itself states:2
Acupuncture is effective for the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal, headache, and osteoarthritis pain.
Acupuncture for Pain Relief
Acupuncture involves the insertion of sterile, fine needles into specific spots to stimulate the body to heal itself. There are 2,000 acupuncture points according to traditional Chinese medicine. These points are connected by meridians or energetic pathways. Energy, or Qi (pronounced “chee,” which means vital energy), flows through the body using these pathways.
In a healthy body, Qi (vital energy) flows freely. Pain, lack of function, or illness are signs that Qi has been disrupted.
By stimulating specific points on the body, Dr. Heather can help to restore healthy function to the body.
Advanced Wellness Solutions patients frequently tell us that they didn’t realize how much chronic pain was impacting their lives.
The research makes it clear that chronic pain is detrimental for your physical health. Chronic pain can elevate blood pressure, pulse rate, adrenaline and cortisol serum levels. This puts hazardous stress on the cardio-vascular system. Chronic pain can cause elevated serum lipids and glucose levels.1
According to Perry G. Fine, MD, of the Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Pain Research Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA,1 the long-term consequences of chronic pain include:
- sleep disturbances
- cognitive processes and brain function
- mood/mental health
- cardiovascular health
- sexual function
Living with chronic pain makes everything more difficult. Chronic pain can make performing the simplest tasks more difficult. It also has a significant impact on your mental health.
Chronic Pain Affects Your Sleep
According to the APA, 2healthy sleep has been proven to be the single most important factor, more important than diet, exercise, or even heredity, in predicting longevity.
Acupuncture for Pain Relief and Insomnia
Insomnia has been treated with acupuncture in China for thousands of years. Western clinical studies confirm that acupuncture may have a beneficial effect on insomnia.3
Chronic Pain Affects Your Thoughts
If you’re in chronic pain, you’re not operating at your cognitive best. Memory and attentioncare aree impaired in up to two-thirds of patients with chronic pain.3
Chronic pain doesn’t just harm your physical health. It affects your emotions and relationships. It even affects your state of mind. Chronic pain causes changes in the levels of stress hormones and neurochemicals found within your brain. This disruption can affect your mood, thinking and behavior.
Chronic pain can influence your thoughts, feelings, and memory. It also affects your concentration. It can even affect your connections with others.
Chronic Pain Affects Your Emotions
The emotional effects of chronic pain include:
- Depression
- Anger
- Anxiety, and
- Fear of re-injury
Living with chronic pain can affect your mood. Chronic pain can make you more susceptible to depression, anxiety, and fear. Chronic pain can cause sleep disturbances, depression, and a heightened risk of suicide.4
Acupuncture for Pain Relief and Mental Health
According to studies, acupuncture may be valuable for those suffering from mental health disorders.4
Chronic Pain Affects Your Heart
Chronic pain can lead to a chronic stress reaction. This in turn causes an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. This stress reaction can lead to a reduced ability to fight off illnesses and diseases. It can increase the risk for heart disease.5
Acupuncture for Heart Health
Acupuncture reduces stress and improves heart function, according to UCLA researchers.6
Chronic Pain Affects Your Sex Life
Chronic pain may interfere with sexuality for several reasons. One is the nature of the pain itself. Other factors associated with chronic pain include mood disorders, decreased sex drive (libido), medications or stress. All of these can affect sexual function.6
Chronic Pain: The Invisible Disability
Chronic pain is the “invisible” disability. 7What this means is that it is possible to look like the picture of health but suffer from chronic pain. Chronic pain makes everything more difficult.
Advanced Wellness Solutions’ health care practitioners treat chronic pain. If they can’t find a way to relieve or manage your pain, they’ll refer you to someone who can.
Advanced Wellness Solutions offers drug-free pain relief treatments. Our goal is to help our patients achieve a better quality of life.
Advanced Wellness Solutions offers drug-free pain relief using gentle chiropractic, acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
