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Clients struggling with mental health and substance abuse often experience unpleasant physical side effects. These may include headaches, nausea, sleep disturbance, nutrition-related concerns, and more. The ancient eastern practice of acupuncture has proven highly effective as an alternative treatment for many people in these circumstances. This may be especially true when traditional western approaches have failed or are not workable for other reasons.
If you or your loved one is coping with addiction or another mental health disorder, call NuLife Behavioral Health at 888.568.2057. Our knowledgeable staff members stand by to answer your questions and connect you to resources. There are many reasons to try acupuncture therapy, and we’re excited to help you learn more about this unique approach and how it could help your healing journey.
Applications and Benefits of Acupuncture Therapy
Acupuncture can benefit clients seeking help in a variety of circumstances, including:
- Recovery from substance abuse
- Stress relief
- Treating sleep disturbances such as insomnia
- Managing menstrual cramps, labor pain, or other aspects of female reproductive health
- Reducing tooth pain
- Combatting nausea brought on by chemotherapy
- Alleviating migraines, tension headaches, and neck pain
- Managing fibromyalgia
During an acupuncture session, a trained practitioner inserts extremely fine needles into the skin at specialized points on the body. They may gently manipulate the needles in some way, such as by twirling them or leaving them stationary. The needles remain inserted for a few minutes to an hour and then are carefully removed. The client enjoys a calm environment during the session, usually featuring a comfortable treatment table or chair and dimmed lighting.
Chinese practitioners explain acupuncture as rebalancing the body’s life force, or chi, where blockages or stagnation have occurred. The needles are inserted into specific places on the body, acupuncture points, and known “energy meridians” to effect this rebalancing. Western medicine explains the practice in a slightly different language. It asserts that acupuncture needles stimulate nerves, connective tissue, and muscles. This, in turn, can trigger chemical releases that have positive effects.
4 Reasons to Try Acupuncture Therapy for Addiction Recovery
While still viewed as an alternative treatment by western practitioners, acupuncture has proven highly effective in lessening many ailments. The following are some reasons you might consider trying acupuncture therapy for addiction recovery.
1. It’s Non-Addictive
Especially for those recovering from a highly addictive substance like heroin, western medicine may prescribe other pharmaceuticals to facilitate treatment. For example, some heroin treatment programs administer methadone to manage clients’ painful and even dangerous withdrawal side effects. Unfortunately, methadone can also be addictive, so some clients substitute one addiction for another. Acupuncture avoids this problem by providing a side effects-free pain management option.
2. It Can Reduce Cravings, Anxiety, and Depression
Acupuncture’s ability to trigger the release of endorphins can be a game-changer for those in early recovery. These natural feel-good chemicals are potent tools for coping with emotions and desires that often feel haywire during the early stages of healing from substance abuse.
3. It Can Combat Other Challenging Physical Side Effects of Addiction
People in drug or alcohol treatment often contend with various physical ailments. From malnutrition to chronic headaches, physical damage and discomfort are common among those with addiction. Acupuncture’s ability to work with multiple chronic and temporary pain is thus a significant boon to people in recovery.
4. It’s a Natural Way to Access Impactful Calm and Well-Being
Clients receiving acupuncture often report feeling very calm and peaceful after sessions. This is a profound gift during substance abuse treatment because lower stress leads to better sleep, improved physical recovery, and the ability to get more out of other treatment approaches, such as individual and group therapy.
Learn More About Acupuncture and Addiction Treatment in Massachusetts at NuLife Behavioral Health
The caring team at NuLife Behavioral Health is eager to help you learn more about acupuncture therapy and other effective treatments for substance abuse and mental illness. Contact NuLife Behavioral Health today at 888.568.2057 or reach out online to get started on the road to recovery.
