Beyond Pain Relief: Can Acupuncture Benefit The Middle-Aged?

So Firstly, What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the insertion of stainless steel, sterile, disposable filaments (or needles) into certain body areas.

It is based on a traditional Chinese therapy using fine needles inserted at specific points, to balance body’s energy or “qi”, potentially aiding pain relief and overall wellness.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

We all have energy within us; it has natural pathways that were discovered over 3,000 years ago. These pathways have little reservoirs of energy and those are the acupuncture points.

We stimulate those points and that elicits an effect of energy flow, which leads the body toward balance so that symptoms will abate or resolve.

Do the needles hurt?

There is a sensation. The initial insertion is quick, it goes to the skin fast, so you don’t get those little pricklings. But it is a metal object that could potentially cause a little bit of a sticking sensation. That can be a bit painful.

The sensation once we stimulate energy is usually a little bit of an ache in the area or a little tingle, and that’s a good thing.

It’s an energy sensation, so we differentiate. If you do feel a needle, the prickle part, it goes away instantaneously.

What Is a Typical Treatment For Someone Over 50?

Let’s start with the first initial visit. That initial visit has an extensive interview and an exam. We then pick select points based on classic patterns, if you will, of energy flow, what points need to be stimulated.

Many people over 50, often report the same types of aches and pains.

So we insert needles on those points. A patient typically lies on the practitioner’s table for 25 to 30 minutes. And after that we pull the needles and we work out an ongoing treatment plan – if one is necessary.

How many treatments are necessary?

Plan on a handful initially, especially if something is chronic. If somebody in their fifties has had a condition for 20 years. It may take several months actually to get significant benefit. It’s totally individual.

Superficial things like an invasion or like a cold only takes one or two treatments to clear. Those are not deep-rooted imbalances.

What can acupuncture treat?

The World Health Organization lists over 120 things that acupuncture can treat.

Again, any pain, whether it be headache, neck, joint pain; any pain at all, can be treated. Digestive issues can be treated. Insomnia can also be treated.

What Are Some Of The Health Benefits For Older People?

Acupuncture may help boost the immune system. It stimulates specific body points, aiming to balance the body’s energy or “qi”. Our immune system as we get older, becomes less robust, therefore anything that helps to boost it is welcome.

The process potentially triggers an immune response, releasing white blood cells and stimulating the production of antibodies.

Studies suggest acupuncture may increase T-cell count and reduce inflammation, enhancing immunity.

However, further robust scientific research is needed to validate these claims, though initial findings offer promise.

The Arthritis Foundation extensively cover the potential benefits of acupuncture.

They state that even though patients offer anecdotal evidence that acupuncture has helped them; a lot of studies have found acupuncture offers at least some minimal pain and stiffness relief for osteoarthritis

So it can often help not only with alleviating pain, of course, but keeping joints fluid. Which in turn helps with mobility.

A sense of well-being is enhanced 100% of the time. And that’s a big plus.

Even if the improvements were as a result of a placebo effect, it’s absolutely fine too. If you can feel better just in general, that’s a big plus to start with.

Can acupuncture replace pain pills for older citizens?

Acupuncture is becoming more and more accepted and utilized. And now even insurance often provides coverage for acupuncture, to get people off the addictive aspect of narcotics.

Acupuncture has never been shown to be addictive, but people love the benefits.

So if you feel like acupuncture may help you, as you age, have a look locally for acupuncturists in your area