Acupuncture addresses many health problems

Acupuncture also is one of the best available methodologies to reduce stress.

by Kim Blankenship — 

Many people may be unaware of the broad range of health concerns that can be addressed with acupuncture. Almost everyone has heard how effective it can be for pain relief, but acupuncture also can be utilized to treat problems such as digestive disturbances, respiratory complaints, sports injuries, post-surgical recovery, insomnia, headache, infertility and more.

One reason that acupuncture is so broad-ranging and effective is rooted in the fact that an acupuncturist, when making an assessment, does not just focus on and isolate the chief complaint. Instead, the problem area is examined specifically and also explored in relation to the rest of the body. The goal is not only to fix the problem or symptoms, but also to address the root cause of the problem and correct it by bringing the entire body into balance.

This is a terrific way to avoid the side-effects that sometimes occur with more conventional care (when a problem is corrected, only to have a new problem manifest as a result). Side-effects related to acupuncture therapy tend to be of a positive nature. Patients frequently comment on the fact that problems seemingly unrelated to the chief complaint, and perhaps not even previously mentioned as a cause of concern, clear up as well.

Acupuncture also is one of the best available methodologies to reduce stress. Stress-reduction is, if you will, the one constant “side-effect” of nearly every acupuncture treatment — no matter which other complaints are being addressed. And because stress is a major component of so many health care issues, any acupuncture treatment can’t help but positively affect many aspects of your health.

With acupuncture being offered for as little as $15 or $20 per treatment from Community Acupuncture clinics, patients can now affordably address specific issues and their overall health picture simultaneously while enjoying deep relaxation.

Kim Blankenship, M.S.O.M., L.Ac., is a licensed acupuncturist who practices at Jade Spirit Community Acupuncture in Phoenix. He founded Arizona’s first Community Acupuncture clinic in order to make acupuncture affordable and accessible to many people. 602-957-3675 or www.jadespirit.info.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 28, Number 2, Apr/May 2009.