I’ve always leaned towards more alternative methods of healing, such as Naturopathy and therapies with a holistic lens. It was around 2010-2011 when I first learned about this field of medicine that went beyond fixing the symptom (typically associated with Western methodologies) and brought in entire lifestyle experiences.

Ever since then, I’ve tested out different therapies in order to see what works best for me. As of late, acupuncture has been a therapy I’ve found so much relief in when it comes to stress and blockages in my body.

In this blog post, I will be singing my praises to this ancient Chinese therapy treatment and speaking about how it’s helped provide relief in my life.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese practice of using thin needles placed in very specific meridian points within the body to provide relief, healing, and relaxation to your mind and body (source).

One key aspect of acupuncture is that it stimulates your parasympathetic nervous system. In today’s western world, a majority of people live in a stressful state. Traffic jams, high work demands, and rising costs for basic necessities would put anyone in some form of stress or anxiety. What is often disregarded, is that the body is more prone to illness when feeling stressed or anxious.

When you’re relaxed and healthy, your body physically reflects that too. After all, your mood, mental health, and general well-being do affect your physical health. Acupuncture aims to assist people in achieving balance, or qi, and, as a result, provide relief for many ailments.

Balance in the body

Qi or energy is another term frequently used with acupuncture. That is because Chinese acupuncturists believed that the human body was filled with this invisible life-giving force, ‘qi’, and when the qi was flowing well and going to all the right places, then a person would experience good mental and physical health. When the qi was flowing incorrectly (blocked or deficient) that would result in illness.

To determine the unbalance of qi within the body, meridian points are used as the map to pinpoint where qi and the other fundamental substances flow.

The Benefits of Acupuncture

Acupuncture can lead to a plethora of benefits, as it helps stimulate the nervous system, endocrine and immune systems, cardiovascular system, and digestive system. However, acupuncture is known to help to resolve pain and improve sleep, digestive function, and sense of well-being.

Here’s a list of ailments that can improve or be completely healed with acupuncture therapy:

• anxiety and depression
• chronic pain, often in the neck, back, knees, and head
• insomnia
• menstrual cramps and PMS
• migraines
• digestive issues

In my own experience, I’ve sought out acupuncture for digestive issues as well as stress relief, better sleep, and blood circulation. Again, in my experience, even after one session lasting 30-40 minutes, I feel deeply relaxed (which is great) and notice an increased blood flow to my extremities (hands and feet).

So onto the 5 reasons why I believe you should incorporate this traditional Chinese therapy into your self-care routine:

1. Improve your health. Quite simply, it’s worked for me and many people but that’s in part because I believe in this type of therapy. If you’re into alternative methods of healing like myself and haven’t tried them out yet, I am going to suggest that you do!
2. Switch off your constant fight/flight mode. In the 1st world, we’re tuned to our phones/social media/work/expectations of self and otherwise and that puts us in a stressful state. Even if you do not feel stressed, the body has ways of showing it (suppressed eating, lack of sleep, constant aches/pain). Learn to relax your body and more importantly tap into your healing powers so that you can gear yourself for the day.
3. Improve your mind and body connection. Our bodies are always speaking to us, but how in tune are we to actually hear what’s being said? This takes time, but noticing small changes within your body from after your acupuncture or even, in general, is a big step in the right direction of showing up for yourself and being attentive.
4. Take accountability. Just as we are responsible for our health and healing, we’re responsible for when things go off the handle.
5. Do something good for yourself. How do you give back to yourself? I consider all of my self-care routines a different way of showing myself love. Acupuncture falls into the relaxation and healing bucket but is something I make sure I make time for.