How Does Acupuncture Work for Addiction Treatment?

AcupkWhen combating an addiction, patients are unlikely to ask a rehab center, “How does acupuncture work?” The answer to this question actually provides insight into the way modern treatment facilities can help end an addiction. For many decades, treatment centers were merely places where addicted individuals would dry out temporarily. Now, modern medicine offers effective ways to support patients on their journey to sobriety. One seemingly unlikely way is through the use of acupuncture.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

According to the National Institutes of Health, acupuncture can treat a variety of conditions. A review of clinical trials over the last 40 years shows that acupuncture can increase the effectiveness of opiate addiction treatment. Acupuncturists have managed pain and treated chronic conditions for centuries. Since many patients become addicted in response to chronic pain, it makes sense that a pain management tool like acupuncture would help.

How Does Acupuncture Work in Traditional Medicine?

For thousands of years, traditional Chinese doctors have used acupuncture to control the Qi (in Chinese medicine, the energy flow) and blood systems. There are a total of 365 acupuncture points placed along the meridians of the body. When something is out of balance, it can cause medical conditions, depression, addictions or other problems. Using some of these meridians, traditional doctors have brought the body back into alignment and removed the blockages stopping the flow of Qi.

Learning About How Acupuncture Works in Addiction Treatment Centers

Eastern methods are becoming increasingly popular in rehabilitation facilities for a reason. Unlike Western medicine, Eastern medicine looks at the individual holistically. From treating emotional problems to curing insomnia, Eastern practices work to fix every aspect of the individual’s problem. While these techniques tend to take more time, they are often more effective and provide a long-term approach for chronic problems.

For an addiction, acupuncture helps to rebalance people every day so that they feel better. It works to regulate their temperature and prevent some of the side effects normally associated with withdrawing from substance abuse. Practitioners work to open up the blocked meridians that stop Qi from flowing freely through the body. This ensures that body parts normally weakened from drug use like the kidney, liver and lungs are supported during treatment.

If you or a loved one has an addiction, you don’t have to go through it alone. To get individualized programs and alternative treatments for an addiction, individuals can check out Beaches Recovery by calling 866.605.0532 today.