As a little girl who grew up in a low-income household, acupuncture and other alternative medicine were considered luxuries out of our reach. We did our routine dentist checkups and annual doctor’s appointments, but making a “spa-like appointment” was never something we spoke of because we correlated these treatments with affluence.
But as an adult, I have discovered that acupuncture can be convenient and a fantastic tool for maintaining my health. I never would have imagined that these excellent practices could now be an integral part of my everyday life.
This shift in my healthcare habits was amplified when I completely tore my ACL in the spring of this year and craved something that would complement my physical therapy sessions. I have managed the pain that comes with my ACL recovery through acupuncture and stayed focused on other areas of my health.
It’s the reason I recruited Dr. Rhonda Coleman for an exclusive interview to talk about the amazing acupuncture benefits this practice provides to many women who want to maintain and/or restore their health holistically. So let us not prolong this interview any further.
Read on to learn more about acupuncture and how it can benefit you!
Dr. Coleman supports people in achieving optimal wellness through coaching and manually applied therapies. Her mission is to help individuals and communities reconnect with ancestral healing practices and release antiquated survival methods mislabeled as “traditions”.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a tool within a system of medicine that most people recognize as Traditional Chinese Medicine. It involves the use of very fine needles which are inserted into the skin to affect change.
There is evidence that many different cultures have used acupuncture in the past, however China was able to preserve the medical history that was lost to many other societies.
What happens to your body when you get acupuncture?
Whenever any foreign body breaches your body’s protective layer, ie the skin, there is an immediate immune response. Your body wants to protect against any pathogens as well as repair damage, so there is an increase in white and red blood cells.
This means increased circulation of blood to the area or areas breached. Increase in blood circulation brings hydration and more oxygen to tissues at the site of the puncture. When needles are applied in different regions of the body, these bodily responses are systemic.
Therefore, what happens when you get acupuncture is that the needles activate a systemic response from multiple systems which help to improve the body’s health condition.
Do’s and dont’s after acupuncture?
After an acupuncture treatment, keep your body covered and protected against any cold or damp/wet climate. Do not drink alcohol directly afterward. Drink plenty of water and rest as needed.
Does acupuncture release toxins?
Effects of acupuncture are indirect. In response to the needle insertion, the body releases certain hormones including endorphins and other pain/stress reducing agents. These hormones help create a sense of calm and reduce stress and pain.
If toxins are present in the body, the increased blood circulation and the release of various hormones will eventually result in a release of unwanted or unneeded products in the body. Drinking plenty of water will help support this release.
What are the long term benefits of acupuncture for women?
The following benefits are related to Traditional Chinese Medicine broadly, of which acupuncture is only 1 part:
- Regulate pain signaling
- Regulate blood pressure
- Regulate sleep
- Reduce stress/anxiety
- Regulate digestion
- Regulate menstrual cycle
- Regulate body temperature
Acupuncture and women’s health:
Is there any truth to experiencing relief by the pressure points for hot flashes?
Yes. Women have experienced relief from hot flashes with Traditional Chinese Medicine, including acupuncture. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, hot flashes are believed to be a result of liver or kidney imbalances. Acupuncture and other TCM treatments can help bring these imbalances back into balance, thereby reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes.
Can women experience pain relief by the pressure points for period cramps?
Yes. Women have experienced pain relief from menstrual cramps. Yes. Women have experienced pain relief from menstrual cramps. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, menstrual cramps are believed to be a result of poor blood flow or stagnation of qi (or life energy).
Acupuncture and other TCM treatments can help improve the body’s balance by increasing blood flow and restoring healthy circulation. This can help reduce menstrual cramps and other symptoms associated with menstruation, including bloating, headache, and mood changes.
Acupuncture points for period cramps is a safe and effective way to manage pain without resorting to over-the-counter or prescription medications.
Can acupuncture help with knee pain? And for other parts of the body like acupuncture on your feet?
Yes. Acupuncture can help with pain, including acl knee pain relief and foot pain. Acupuncture can help restore balance to these organs and reduce inflammation and pain.
Additionally, acupuncture can also be used to treat a variety of other conditions, such as foot pain, back pain, and headaches. Whether applied to the feet or different parts of the body, acupuncture can provide amazing benefits for a range of health conditions.
What would you say to women who are interested in acupuncture for general wellness?
I would advise women who are interested in acupuncture for general wellness to visit a licensed practitioner and discuss their concerns.
Acupuncturists will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that can help address your specific needs and support your overall health. Whether you’re struggling with chronic pain, fatigue, or depression, acupuncture can help bring the body back into balance and promote overall wellness.
Should acupuncture be an everyday thing?
Acupuncture is not necessary every day, however, understanding the principles of how eastern medicine can help improve the quality of life in daily living. I would not suggest anyone receiving treatments for acupuncture two days in a row because your body needs time to rest and heal in between treatments.
But, if you are interested in maintaining a regular acupuncture regimen, there are amazing benefits to be enjoyed, including pain relief, reduced inflammation, improved sleep quality, and more.
How can our readers connect with you online?
Readers can follow me on socials @blacupuncturist or on my website at www.blacupuncturist.me
Addressing Women’s Health with acupuncture
When it comes to our health, the average millennial woman wants to find natural and holistic ways of healing herself. As a black woman, I know that it can take time before challenging ourselves to step outside the confinements of traditional western medicine. Exploring acupuncture for myself led me on to the path to understanding my knee better, and the time it takes to heal.
I hope you found this interview enlightening and encouraging for women whose general knowledge of acupuncture is limited. Acupuncture is not just a treatment but a lifestyle that can help you address a broad range of health concerns, from pain management to mental well-being.
I highly encourage you to consult an experienced acupuncturist who can craft a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. For readers in the Tucson, AZ, area, connect with Dr. Rhonda if you’re interested in beginning acupuncture treatments.
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