What Issues Can Medical Acupuncture Address?

The practice of acupuncture may originate in ancient China, but it’s a popular and highly beneficial Western practice as well. 

And you don’t have to take our word for it — scientific studies also confirm medical acupuncture is effective as a supplemental therapy for several conditions.

Dr. Terry L. Franklin integrates Eastern and Western philosophies when treating people at his family medicine and preventive health care practice in Monterey, California. 

Not only is Dr. Franklin a board-certified physician and a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians with advanced degrees and training, but he’s also credentialed in medical acupuncture.

In this blog, Dr. Franklin explains the benefits of medical acupuncture and the issues it can address.

How acupuncture works

Both Eastern and Western acupuncture methods involve the precise insertion of superthin needles at strategic points on the body, but the philosophy behind the approaches varies.

Eastern acupuncture philosophy

Traditional Chinese medicine has incorporated acupuncture for thousands of years and describes the technique as a method for balancing energy flow or life force — also referred to as qi. 

Qi is a vital energy regulating all aspects of life, including mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being. When imbalanced or blocked, disease can set in.

But placing needles at specific points along the pathways this energy travels can restore balance to the body and bring health to the mind and body.

Western acupuncture philosophy

Unlike Chinese medicine, Western practitioners typically consider placement points for acupuncture needles as areas to stimulate muscles, connective tissue, and nerves. 

So when a Western practitioner inserts the needle in a specific spot, it triggers the central nervous and immune systems. 

In response, your body releases natural chemicals, like endorphins and neurotransmitters, that rebalance the body and ease your symptoms.

Issues medical acupuncture can address

Whether you follow an Eastern or Western acupuncture philosophy, this treatment can provide results for numerous medical issues. 

At his practice in downtown Monterey, California, Dr. Franklin recommends medical acupuncture for a wide range of issues, such as:

• Back, neck, and knee pain
• Headache conditions, including migraines
• Repetitive strain and sports injuries 
• Menstrual cramps, pregnancy symptoms, menopause, and hot flashes
• Nerve, muscle, and myofascial pain
• Arthritis
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Immune system problems 
• Infertility

Dr. Franklin even recommends medical acupuncture to relieve cancer symptoms and side effects from treatment.

And since medical acupuncture doesn’t require prescriptions or downtime, it’s safe to use in combination with other treatments.

What to expect for medical acupuncture

Undergoing treatment with needles can seem painful, but it’s not. The needles are typically as thin as a human hair, so it’s nothing like getting a shot or a blood draw.

During your appointment, Dr. Franklin inserts needles in specific areas based on your symptoms or condition. You may notice a dull ache or tingling at some points. If you feel any numbness or a deep heaviness, it typically means your treatment is working.

Overall, medical acupuncture typically has a calming effect. Dr. Franklin often recommends having a ride home from your appointment, especially the first one, but you can safely drive after resting for up to 10 minutes.

Medical acupuncture comes with few risks or side effects. It also provides greater benefits with consecutive treatments. In most cases, Dr. Franklin suggests giving this therapy at least five sessions to determine if it’s right for you.

Could you benefit from medical acupuncture? Contact our office in Monterey, California, to schedule a consultation with Dr. Franklin today.