Houston Acupuncture Services Designed To Support Whole-Body
Acupuncture has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It’s also been the subject of a lot of research – research that shows acupuncture is safe and effective for a variety of health conditions. The medical literature on acupuncture is compelling enough that many practices have integrated it into Western medicine.
At Houston Acupuncture, we believe acupuncture services can provide relief from the symptoms and discomfort associated with many health problems. That’s why our team, led by David Cherian, offers acupuncture treatments to our patients in Houston.
With Houston acupuncture services, we can help our patients support their:
Cardiovascular and Heart Health
Acupuncture has proven beneficial effects on the heart and its ability to keep the circulatory system going. Several studies, some dating back decades, have shown that acupuncture can reduce sympathetic nervous activity, which is associated with the worst outcomes in patients suffering from heart failure. The effects can be lifesaving for people with profound heart failure and awaiting a heart transplant.
Pulmonary and Respiratory Health
Acupuncture is a viable therapy for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD covers a range of respiratory conditions, including emphysema and bronchitis, and it’s a major mortality risk.
In studies comparing placebo and acupuncture, COPD patients who receive acupuncture are able to exert themselves longer without shortness of breath and experience overall benefits to quality of life. It’s likely that these results are due to acupuncture’s ability to relax muscles involved in respiration.
Gastrointestinal Health
Acupuncture has been used for a variety of GI-related symptoms for a long time in Chinese medicine. Practitioners use it to treat constipation, nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, acid reflux and chronic GI conditions like IBS and Crohn’s disease.
Since acupuncture interacts with the nervous system, it is believed to restore balance in the gut-brain axis, which can help with digestive regulation.
Gallbladder and Liver Health
Acupuncture is also used to treat gallbladder and liver disorders in patients, and there is research to back this. For example, a study that included more than 1,000 Chinese patients found that acupuncture could improve liver function in people suffering from severe cirrhosis.
This and other chronic liver conditions are believed to benefit from acupuncture’s ability to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Acupuncture also inhibits hepatic stellate activation, which can result in fibrosis.
Metabolic and Thyroid Health
Acupuncture can benefit patients suffering from metabolic syndrome - a number of conditions related to increased heart disease risk. According to a meta-analysis of metabolic syndrome studies, acupuncture was shown to reduce triglyceride levels in patients and modulate levels of high-density lipoproteins.
Musculoskeletal Health
Meta-analyses of acupuncture also show that it’s an effective option for muscular pain. Studies find that it’s particularly helpful for chronic neck pain, shoulder pain, myofascial pain and lower back pain. This may be due to acupuncture’s ability to “interfere” with pain-related signals as they pass through high-traffic signal gates in the body.
Neurological Health
Acupuncture has been a popular target for recent research into neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Patient studies show that regular acupuncture is an effective secondary therapy for these conditions, improving patient mood, agitation, and cognitive function in both patient groups.
Connective Tissue Health
Fascia is a thin layer of connective tissue that envelopes each organ and is a common source of pain, particularly in myofascial tissue. Myofascial pain can be treated with acupuncture, and modern myofascial release therapy targets the same areas that traditional acupuncture has for centuries.
Hematological and Blood Health
Hematological disorders typically carry a debilitating symptom profile, including elevated pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and sleep disturbance. Studies show that acupuncture is effective in reducing the severity of these symptoms, and can be an option for patients suffering from sickle cell anemia and related disorders.
Renal and Kidney Health
Chronic kidney disease affects more than 10 percent of the U.S. population and is a top 10 leading cause of death for Americans. It’s associated with high blood pressure and diabetes, making it a serious condition for those who experience it.
However, acupuncture can help. Studies, including one published in 2018, show that acupuncture therapy can regulate sympathetic function in the kidneys, regulating proteinuria and hemodialysis function. It can also help with hypertension and anemia.
Genitourinary Health
Acupuncture is a popular option for treating menopausal-related symptoms and uterine fibroids. In menopausal women, acupuncture has shown to reduce the severity of hot flashes and the frequency of night-time hot flashes. Acupuncture also has a proven positive effect on anxiety and mood in menopausal women.
In women suffering from uterine fibroids, acupuncture reduces blood flow to the fibroids, which reduces the amount of blood lost during menstruation.
Dermatological and Skin
Acupuncture’s effects on the sympathetic nervous system through improved blood flow and enhanced release of neurotransmitters make it an effective form of treatment for several skin conditions. It is particularly effective against histamine-related itching, atopic dermatitis, and herpes zoster discomfort. Acupuncture may also support better wound healing.
Infectious Disease Support
Acupuncture can stimulate the body to produce additional immunological cells, including T-cells. Further, acupuncture regulates the inflammatory response, which can leave the body exposed to disease if it cascades out of control. With a stronger, less burdened immune system, the body will be better prepared against infectious diseases.
Adding Acupuncture To Your Health Regimen Can Support Overall Wellness
As you can see, acupuncture is a true holistic form of therapy. It treats the entire body rather than compartmentalizing it into separate organ groups. That means services from an Houston acupuncture clinic can help a wide variety of patients, no matter what their symptoms are.
Whether you’re suffering from a chronic condition, experiencing acute discomfort, or are looking for anxiety-reducing and relaxation-inducing therapy, our team of licensed acupuncturists can provide safe, effective acupuncture services in Houston.