Acupuncture Treatment Specialist in Elmhurst, IL 

Acupuncture is a minimally invasive method used to treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions. It uses incredibly thin needles to stimulate nerve-rich areas of the skin surface in order to improve blood flow, organ function, and various bodily operations. Each acupuncture needle produces a tiny injury at the insertion site, which stimulates the immune system, promotes circulation, and enhances wound healing. The puncture is so slight, that although it stimulates the body’s healing response, it does not cause any pain. Most patients report little to no discomfort.

Energy flows through the body along 14 major meridians that intersect at hundreds of points throughout the body. These points are known as acupoints or acupuncture points. During an acupuncture treatment, needles are placed on these areas. The needles stimulate the body’s existing systems to:

• React to an illness or symptom
• Rebalance the body
• Release natural chemicals, such as endorphins and neurotransmitters

These biochemical changes stimulate the body’s natural restorative abilities and promote physical well-being. Several studies have shown that acupuncture is an effective treatment when used alone or to complement conventional therapies to treat the following conditions:

• Nausea caused by surgical anesthesia and cancer chemotherapy
• Dental pain after surgery
• Addiction
• Headaches
• Menstrual cramps
• Tennis elbow
• Fibromyalgia
• Myofascial pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Low back pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Asthma
• It may also help with stroke rehabilitation.

There are countless conditions and symptoms that acupuncture has been said to help with, from acute pain to chronic circulatory conditions. A few of these include:

• Allergies
• Anxiety and depression
• Osteoarthritis
• Chronic pain, often in the neck, back, knees, and head
• Hypertension
• Insomnia
• Menstrual cramps and PMS
• Migraines
• Morning sickness
• Sprains
• Strokes

Like any other health treatment, acupuncture needs to be individualized to meet the unique needs of each patient. While it is logical to want to know how long the treatment will be, this is something that can only be determined with an acupuncturist. However, general guidelines can provide patients with a better idea of how many acupuncture sessions it will take to treat their condition. The first factor to consider that affects the duration and frequency of the treatment is the severity of the ailment or condition. Acute conditions can be treated in a more expedient manner, meaning treatment sessions can be held closer together. In many cases, it may be advised to have one to two sessions a week for the first two to four weeks when treating an acute injury or condition. Based on the patient’s progress, it will be determined if they will continue at this pace or if the frequency can be switched to once a week.

Once the condition is resolved, the acupuncture sessions can be discontinued. In most cases, maintenance sessions are in order, which can take place once a month or even just a few times a year. Chronic conditions typically respond better to acupuncture when treated once a week for two to four weeks. If the condition is showing a positive change, this may be decreased to once every two weeks. This is often a great way to manage the symptoms and ailments of a chronic condition.

If you or someone you love is looking for a trusted acupuncturist, come to Integral Med today. Our kind and compassionate professionals are experienced in treating a wide range of conditions with acupuncture and can help improve your quality of life. We serve patients from Elmhurst IL, Westchester IL, Addison IL, Carol Stream IL, Franklin Park IL, Berwyn IL, Bloomingdale IL, and nearby areas!