Did you know? You don’t have to be sick to benefit from acupuncture!
Most people first come to acupuncture for treatment of a specific health condition, often after having no success with conventional medicine. This is a fortunate circumstance, because it opens them up a whole new healing modality that they can take advantage of for just about any health issue from now on. But you don’t have to have anything “wrong” with you in order for acupuncture treatments to be good for your well-being! Beyond restoring your body to its natural balance from an acute condition, regular acupuncture is also an excellent part of maintaining good health, because it functions as preventive care.
We all know that prevention is the “best medicine” in terms of our overall health. Exercise, healthy eating, stress management, etc. are key components to general health and longevity,and regular checkups with your primary care provider can help detect some problems at early stages. But alternative healing methods like acupuncture also help prevent dis-ease. Many people make regular visits to their chiropractor and/or their massage therapist to keep their spinal, muscular, and/or lymphatic health in optimal form. Regular acupuncture can be a very beneficial addition to your preventive care plan.
Acupuncturists often call these preventive visits “maintenance tune-ups.” Just as your car needs its tires rotated, its oil changed, and its air filters replaced periodically, your body “runs better” when you get regular energetic adjustments. The benefits of these treatments include improved energy, metabolism, and blood circulation, strengthened immunity to diseases, deeper sleep, relief from stress, regulated digestion and menstrual cycles, decreased general “aches and pains,” and better focus and performance in all activities. In short, people who visit their acupuncturist regularly just feel better all-around!
Furthermore, subtle imbalances may be spotted and corrected before the imbalance turns into a larger issue. Acupuncturists are often able to see these energetic processes long before any symptoms develop, reducing your chances of having to spend time and money on conventional medicine down the road. And if you’ve been experiencing any changes or minor issues in between visits, we can discuss them and tailor your treatment accordingly.
How often should you come in for a regular tune-up? The answer varies from person to person. Some benefit most from monthly treatments, while others might come in every three to six months. Seasonal changes are a great time to come in and help your body deal with adjusting to warmer or colder temperatures, changes in daylight patterns, and any allergens that may be coming into bloom. If you deal with chronic issues that tend to recur, such as headaches or back pain, you can get out ahead of flare-ups with maintenance tune-ups. If you feel like you’re “coming down with something,” are dealing with a stressful life change such as moving or starting a new job, or are just experiencing lower energy levels than usual, these are also good reasons to schedule an appointment.
Ancients healers believed that staying well, rather than “getting better,” was the primary function of Chinese medicine, and encouraged their patients to take the same approach. Waiting until one was sick to visit their acupuncturist was seen as waiting far too long. In modern times, this is what the preventive care philosophy is all about. So if you’re feeling healthy right now, schedule an appointment in order to keep feeling your best! The cumulative effects of regular acupuncture treatments can truly last a lifetime.