Acupuncture Treats Many Conditions

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to promote healing and alleviate various conditions. Below is a partial list of what acupuncture treats. Each of these treatments is hyperlinked to more information about how we treat them:

Muscle Pain

Acupuncture helps relieve muscle pain by enhancing qi and blood flow and reducing inflammation in affected areas. The insertion of needles, both local and distal, stimulates the body’s natural pain-relieving mechanisms and encourages the release of endorphins, promoting relaxation and recovery. From a Chinese medicine perspective, treatments open blocked channels and increase Qi and blood circulation to the affected muscles. This enables healing and a significant reduction in pain.

Joint Pain

Acupuncture is effective in managing joint pain, including arthritis and over-use injuries. By targeting specific acupuncture points, the treatment can reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and ease stiffness, helping to restore mobility. From a Chinese medicine perspective, pain comes from Qi stagnation in the channels. Arthritis and trauma will often cause Qi blockage as the channels pass through joints. Acupuncture reopens these blockages, restoring pain-free function. Joint treatments often provide long-lasting relief.

Sciatica

This painful condition, resulting from impingement of the sciatic nerve, can be alleviated through acupuncture. The therapy focuses on releasing muscle spasms in the piriformis and glut muscles of the hip, which relieves pressure and inflammation along the nerve pathways. When the impingement is caused by a bulging disc, acupuncture helps the body reabsorb the bulge. Treatments diminish pain and promote healing.

Frozen Shoulder

Acupuncture is a highly effective treatment for frozen shoulder syndrome. By breaking up encapsulation within the joint, reducing inflammation, and promoting circulation, acupuncture can help restore mobility and relieve pain associated with this condition. Our treatment utilized multiple techniques to restore normal shoulder function, often allowing the patient to avoid costly and time-consuming surgery.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Acupuncture treats the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, which arises from pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. Symptoms include pain in arm, wrist and hand, with numb and tingly fingers. The treatment helps open the affected meridian, reduce inflammation and muscle tension in the surrounding area, improve nerve function, and relieve pain. We see amazing results in just three to four sessions.

Plantar Fasciitis

This common foot condition characterized by foot and heel pain can benefit dramatically from acupuncture. The therapy promotes healing by reducing inflammation and improving qi and blood circulation on the bottom of the foot. Runners don’t even have to stop their training to benefit from this treatment. Our treatments start seeing results after just one or two treatments.

Tendinitis

Acupuncture provides relief for tendinitis by targeting the affected tendons to reduce inflammation, encourage blood circulation around the injured tendon, promote healing, and improve flexibility. Common areas of tendinitis include tennis elbow, golf elbow, Achilles tendinitis, bicep and patellar tendinitis. Treatments typically relieve pain and restore function after just a few sessions.

Migraines

Acupuncture can be a powerful and effective treatment for migraines, helping to reduce their frequency and intensity. Treatments work on multiple levels based on a person’s Chinese medicine diagnosis. In Chinese medicine there are twenty types of headache. Your practitioner will first identify the type of types you are suffering from and then treat the root causes responsible for the imbalances. Results are long-lasting.

Stress

Acupuncture promotes relaxation and improves the body’s stress response by increasing qi circulation. Good qi circulation is a key to reducing physical and emotional stress. When the stress of the world hits a body that is qi stagnant, the stress lodges in the body, attacking the gut and muscles in the neck and head. However, when qi is circulating in the body, stress cannot take root, and conditions like stomach pain, bowel dysregulation, and migraines can be dramatically reduced.

Anxiety

Acupuncture treats anxiety by nourishing the heart, regulating the nervous system, and balancing neurotransmitters. This can foster a feeling of calmness and stability, reducing the symptoms of panic and anxiety. Treatments also reduce heart palpitations and racing heart associated with this condition. Anxiety is one of the most common conditions we treat because it is triggered by many other health issues. When you come for treatment, we will always treat comprehensively, addressing all underlying issues as well.

Depression

The practice of acupuncture can help alleviate depression by improving mood and overall emotional regulation. Similar to stress, the key is improving qi circulation. Depression, however, is a more complex pattern than generalized stress. Therefore, it is important for the practitioner to clearly understand the underlying root causes of the depression. These will vary from patient to patient. Research has shown that acupuncture can enhance the body’s production of endorphins which promotes a sense of well-being.

ADHD

Acupuncture can be beneficial for individuals with ADHD by improving blood circulation to the head, reducing stress, improving concentration, calming hyperactivity, and enhancing the overall emotional state. Treatments help balance the nervous system, promoting a calmer mental state.

Insomnia

Acupuncture is often used to address insomnia by promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality. Treatment regulates sleep cycles and alleviates underlying causes of sleep disturbances. Many times, we can help a person ween off sleeping medications that they have been taking for years. When treating insomnia, it is important to identify the root cause of sleep disturbance. Once we do, sleep quality naturally improves.

Infertility

Acupuncture has been shown to improve fertility by enhancing blood flow to the reproductive organs, regulating hormonal balance, and reducing stress. From a Chinese medicine perspective, acupuncture boosts Kidney function, which is the root of all reproductive issues. We help women who want to get pregnant on their own as well as those going through fertility treatment. Acupuncture significantly improves successful outcomes for IUI and IVF.

Stomach Pain

Acupuncture alleviates multiple forms of stomach pain by addressing the underlying imbalances in the digestive system, reducing inflammation, and promoting healthy digestion. We address the symptoms along with the root imbalances. Acupuncture points like ST36 are incredibly powerful for improving stomach function and reducing pain.

Abdominal Pain

Similar to stomach pain, acupuncture can target abdominal discomfort by promoting overall digestive health, reducing stress, and alleviating tension in the abdominal muscles. It also regulates bowel and intestinal function, which is often the cause of abdominal pain.

Bloating

Acupuncture can assist with bloating by promoting digestive health and reducing inflammation in the intestines. Bloating can have many different causes. The acupuncturist first determines the causes and then addresses them with treatment. Bloating is fairly easy to treat. Many patients who have suffered for years with bloating pain are amazed when their pain is eased after just a few treatments.

Acid Reflux

Acupuncture can help alleviate symptoms of acid reflux by calming the digestive system, reducing inflammation, and improving esophageal function, leading to fewer incidents of reflux. Treatments regulate the acid/base balance in the stomach. They also help the stomach qi (energy) descend toward the intestines instead of rebelling upward toward the chest and throat. Benefits are most often long-lasting.

Constipation

The therapy of acupuncture can stimulate peristalsis in the large intestine, improving bowel function. Treatments alleviate constipation by optimizing digestive health and promoting the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Many other health conditions can lead to constipation. It is important to identify any triggers for the condition and address them simultaneously.

Diarrhea

Acupuncture treats diarrhea by addressing underlying issues related to stress, diet, or digestive system imbalances, ultimately promoting digestive stability. Your acupuncturist will determine the root causes of loose stools and address them to deliver long-lasting improvement in bowel health.

Night Sweats and Hot Flashes

Common during menopause, these symptoms can often be alleviated with acupuncture. It can help balance hormones and regulate body temperature, providing relief from these uncomfortable experiences. The key to successfully resolving “internal heat” conditions like these is to nourish the Kidney Yin, which is the body’s natural coolant.

Dizziness

Acupuncture is a powerful treatment for alleviating dizziness by improving circulation, balancing the inner ear’s function, and addressing underlying health issues that contribute to the sensation. Dizziness is a common symptom in many health conditions, so it is important to figure out what is causing the dizziness. Acupuncturists are excellent sleuths at finding the root cause of symptoms.

Autoimmune Diseases

Acupuncture can support the immune system and reduce symptoms related to various autoimmune diseases by promoting overall well-being and managing inflammation. A key aspect of treatment is calming an overactive immune system. So many people with autoimmune conditions are in perpetual “fight or flight.” Acupuncture excels at freeing them from this debilitating state.

Vertigo

Acupuncture treats vertigo by improving circulation to the inner ear and brain, reducing inflammation, and balancing the body’s energy, or Qi. From a Chinese medicine perspective, vertigo often results from Liver Yang rising, Phlegm accumulation, or Blood deficiency affecting the brain. Acupuncture helps regulate inner ear function, clear dampness, and restore equilibrium, reducing dizziness and instability.

Shingles

Acupuncture helps shingles by reducing pain, inflammation, and the duration of the viral outbreak. It strengthens the immune system, alleviates stress (a common trigger for outbreaks), and promotes faster skin healing. In Chinese medicine, shingles is often associated with Liver and Gallbladder Heat or Damp-Heat. The acupuncture needles help clear heat, drain dampness, and relieve nerve pain.

Post-herpetic Neuralgia

Acupuncture is highly effective in relieving post-herpetic neuralgia by reducing nerve inflammation, improving blood circulation, and calming the nervous system. From a Chinese medicine perspective, lingering Heat and Blood stagnation contribute to persistent nerve pain. Acupuncture points and local tender points help restore nerve function, reduce hypersensitivity, and provide long-term relief.

Painful and Heavy Menstrual Periods

Acupuncture regulates heavy and painful periods by reducing uterine inflammation, improving blood circulation, and balancing hormones. In Chinese medicine, this condition is often due to Blood stagnation, Liver Qi stagnation, or Spleen Qi deficiency. Treatments help invigorate blood flow, relieve cramps, and regulate menstrual cycles.

Amenorrhea

Acupuncture treats amenorrhea by restoring hormonal balance, improving ovarian function, and regulating the menstrual cycle. In Chinese medicine, it is often due to Blood deficiency, Kidney deficiency, or Qi stagnation. Points nourish the blood, strengthen the Kidneys, and encourage menstrual flow.

PCOS

Acupuncture helps PCOS by regulating the endocrine system, improving insulin sensitivity, and promoting ovulation. From a Chinese medicine perspective, PCOS is often linked to Phlegm accumulation, Kidney deficiency, and Liver Qi stagnation. The acupoints help clear dampness, regulate hormones, and enhance fertility.

PMS

Treatments with acupuncture effectively relieve PMS by balancing hormones, reducing stress, and improving circulation. PMS symptoms like irritability, bloating, and breast tenderness are often caused by Liver Qi stagnation in Chinese medicine. Acupuncture points help regulate emotions, relieve tension, and ease symptoms before menstruation.

Overactive Bladder

Acupuncture treats overactive bladder by strengthening the Kidney and Bladder function, calming the nervous system, and improving urinary control. In Chinese medicine, it is often due to Kidney deficiency or Dampness affecting the lower burner. Acupuncture helps restore bladder control and reduce urgency and frequency.

Chronic Sinus Infections

Treatment with acupuncture relieves chronic sinus infections by reducing inflammation, clearing nasal congestion, and strengthening the immune system. In Chinese medicine, it is often due to Lung Qi deficiency, Dampness, or Heat accumulation. Points help open the sinuses, drain mucus, and prevent recurrent infections. Often, someone will have taken multiple rounds of antibiotics and still has the infection. One course of treatment with acupuncture and Chinese herbs is typically all that is needed to alleviate the infection.

Chronic Cough

Acupuncture helps chronic cough by strengthening Lung function, reducing inflammation, and clearing phlegm. In Chinese medicine, chronic cough is often due to Lung Qi deficiency, Phlegm-Damp accumulation, or residual Heat. Acupuncture and herbs soothe the throat, strengthen the lungs, clear phlegm, and restore normal breathing.

Low Sperm Count, Poor Motility, Poor Morphology

Acupuncture improves male fertility by enhancing sperm production, increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs, and balancing hormones. In Chinese medicine, these issues are often related to Kidney deficiency, Qi stagnation, or Damp-Heat accumulation. Acupuncture quickly nourishes the Kidneys, enhances vitality, and improves sperm quality.

Erectile Dysfunction

Acupuncture treats erectile dysfunction by improving circulation, balancing hormones, and reducing stress. From a Chinese medicine perspective, ED is most often due to Kidney deficiency, Liver Qi stagnation, or Dampness obstructing circulation. Points help restore sexual function, enhance blood flow, and reduce performance anxiety.

Testicle Pain

Acupuncture is every effective for relieving testicle pain. Treatments reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and address underlying imbalances causing the discomfort. In Chinese medicine, testicle pain is often due to Liver Qi stagnation in the channels, Cold in the Liver channel, or Damp-Heat accumulation. Acupuncture helps move Qi, dispel Cold, and relieve discomfort. None of the points are local, meaning they are discrete and non-invasive.

In Conclusion

Acupuncture is a versatile therapy with a broad spectrum of applications. While the conditions listed above are commonly treated with acupuncture, the practice can also address many other issues related to physical, emotional, and mental health, making it a valuable complement to conventional medicine. For a full list of the conditions we treat, see the link below.

About Raleigh Acupuncture

At Raleigh Acupuncture Associates, we are deeply committed to providing the highest quality professional acupuncture while being rooted in strong Judeo-Christian values of love, faith, kindness, and truth. Our practice is guided by a belief in compassionate care, where each patient is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background, faith, or beliefs. We welcome people from all walks of life, creating a warm and inclusive environment where healing and holistic wellness are our top priorities. Our dedication to delivering exceptional acupuncture is paired with a genuine love for helping others, making our clinic a place where faith and top-tier medical care come together for the well-being of every patient.