Types of therapy
At Paracelsus Recovery, we adopt an entirely holistic treatment model, with acupuncture playing an essential role. The aim of our acupuncture treatment is to strengthen the mind-body relationship and to encourage your body’s natural self-healing process.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture treatment is an ancient Chinese therapy that involves inserting fine needles into various specific points of the body to stimulate nerve endings and alleviate blockages. In Ancient Chinese medicine, acupuncture works by balancing energy flow, also known as Qi. This energy is thought to flow through a network of pathways known as meridians that run around your body. By triggering strategic points along these meridians with very thin needles, acupuncture practitioners believe it is possible to release blocked energy and rebalance the flow of energy. In doing so, your body can recover from illnesses and restore health and well-being.
From a Western point of view, accessing these acupuncture points with a needle stimulates nerves, muscles and connective tissue in a way that facilitates healing. Acupuncture is minimally invasive and leaves trace marks at the sites of insertion that generally cause very little or no discomfort. The body is aware of this tiny “injury” and responds by releasing natural chemicals to repair the imbalance. At Paracelsus Recovery, our team blends aspects of both Eastern and Western medicine into their practice, ensuring the most holistic and comprehensive treatment available.
How is acupuncture helpful?
While acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain, such as migraines, sprains and chronic pain, it is increasingly being used to enhance overall well-being and stress management. Common conditions it is used for include drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms, depression and anxiety symptoms, chronic pain and insomnia.
With potentially immediate effects on easing symptoms, very few side effects and increasing evidence supporting its efficacy, acupuncture is a key treatment tool in our toolbox. That said, acupuncture is a complementary therapy; it is not a substitute for other medical treatment. Our acupuncture sessions include a consultation with the acupuncturist beforehand to assess your condition and symptoms and decide on the most appropriate type of acupuncture treatment for you as an individual.
Is acupuncture evidence-based?
Due to a large body of research into acupuncture, it is widely considered to be evidence-based. While most commonly used as a treatment for chronic pain, there is also evidence of acupuncture’s efficacy in treating various mental health conditions. For example, it has been found to be beneficial for those suffering from generalised anxiety disorder and as an adjunct to antidepressant medication for those suffering from depression. In addition, acupuncture has been shown to be more effective than medicine therapy for treating chronic pain with depression and research into treating insomnia with acupuncture has been promising.
An increasing number of studies have found that when treating addiction, acupuncture therapy is a highly effective complementary tool. It can help relieve cravings, aid in the detoxification process and increase overall feelings of calmness and relief from stress. Acupuncture also increases endorphins which are our body’s natural stress-fighters and pain killers. Research shows that by raising levels of endorphins in the body, symptoms of withdrawal become more tolerable.
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