As many of you know, there have been some pretty big changes here at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation Center over the last year or so. For example, we’re seeing more and more patients experience the multiple health benefits of using acupuncture.
In reaction to such an overwhelming response from our patients, we’ve recently expanded our acupuncture department. We are now able to offer a larger number of patients the chance to add acupuncture to an existing program of pain management or to take advantage of this treatment alone (for non-pain related issues).
I know that some of you might be hesitant to try acupuncture, mostly because the treatment is not as well known as it should be in the Western world. Let me assure you—acupuncture is a painless, safe, and relaxing experience.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles at specific points on the body; this part of the treatment is quick and the vast majority of patients do not experience discomfort during this stage of the session—even patients who are normally sensitive to pain and/or who are very anxious.
What most patients do report, however, is an almost immediate sense of calm and well-being. The benefits of acupuncture are cumulative. As you continue along a course of treatment you will start to feel a snowball effect of relief from whatever condition for which you are being treated.
You don’t have to take my word for it, though. The World Health Organization has already compiled a list of diseases, conditions, and symptoms that acupuncture has been proven to treat. Some of these include:
- Painful conditions such as Low Back Pain and Neck Pain
- Allergies
- Depression
- Headache
- Hypertension
- Sciatica
- Sprains
- Postoperative Pain
(Feel free to check out our web site to learn more about the conditions we are able to address with acupuncture)
Acupuncture helps patients to reduce drug use for pain relief by taking advantage of the body’s natural ability to heal and remedy itself. Although it is a practice of ancient medicine, it has a number of very real, modern-day results. Acupuncture decreases pain by prompting the release of serotonin, which interrupts pain signals before they reach the brain. Acupuncture also helps with the release of endorphins; endorphins are produced naturally by the body and act in ways that are similar to the most commonly prescribed painkilling medications.
Acupuncture, however, can be used for so much more than just pain relief. Whether you are suffering from a painful condition or not, many people are living with issues such as anxiety or depression. Acupuncture is a truly valid, successful, and—better yet—drug free method of dealing with these feelings. One of our newer patients recently had a great experience with acupuncture and wanted to share:
Because of a previous bad experience at a different office, I was scared to try acupuncture again. However, I’d been having some anxiety and sleep disturbances and wanted to give it another try. Seeing Keith [Keith Koehler, our attending New Jersey Certified Acupuncturist] for acupuncture was a completely different experience. He listened to all of my concerns and was completely understanding about the nervousness I was feeling in his office. He also listened carefully to everything I had to say and answered all of my questions. Placing the needles was painless—and I’m terrified of needles. I found that after all of my reluctance to try acupuncture again, I was disappointed when the session ended. I loved being in the relaxing atmosphere of the office and noticing the various effects of the acupuncture itself. I also felt more relaxed than I had in a long time and fell asleep with no difficulty that night.
Additionally, acupuncture is the central treatment in our Quit Smoking Now program. Smoking Cessation for Monmouth County patients has been extremely successful in our office—with an astounding success rate of 75%.
To learn more about our expanded acupuncture program, or to schedule an appointment for acupuncture in Red Bank, NJ, please contact our office.
