How Acupuncture Helps Reduce Arthritis Pain

Arthritis is one of the most common causes of physical disability, with over 27 million Americans dealing with some form of this condition. Finding a non-invasive, drug-free solution becomes extremely important for managing this ongoing condition without adverse side effects. Acupuncture for arthritis may answer the problem that so many people face. Continue reading to learn how this holistic service can help you get your life back.

What is Acupuncture for Arthritis?

Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years as an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is believed that your energy, or qi (pronounced ‘chee’), runs along certain pathways, known as meridians, throughout the body. By inserting hair-thin needles in specific points, your acupuncturist in Bend removes any blockages that may be causing pain or illness.

When using acupuncture for pain, the acupuncture points may sit near the affected area or in a corresponding part of the body. Treatment is generally not painful, and many patients report feeling relief as early as their first appointment.

The 2019 American College of Rheumatology and Arthritis Foundation guidelines even list acupuncture as a recommended treatment option for osteoarthritis (OA), making it a prominent option in your ongoing quest for comfort.

Benefits of Acupuncture for Arthritis

Evidence shows that acupuncture for arthritis can significantly ease the discomfort associated with both OA and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). According to a study by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, patients experienced a 40% decrease in pain and increased joint mobility after 3.5 months of treatment.

A review of 43 RA studies showed that 1 to 3 sessions for four weeks could improve symptoms and even decrease the physical markers of the condition.

It’s important to know that acupuncture will not cure or reverse your arthritis. However, it can make your pain and symptoms more manageable daily. You should work with your primary care physician to find an appropriate balance in care.

Thanks to the anti-inflammatory effects of acupuncture for pain, you may experience these benefits:

• Reduced inflammation in the joints
• Decreased pain as the nerve fibers help block out pain signals
• Better circulation and blood flow
• Increased joint mobility
• Relaxed muscles
• Lower reliance on common prescriptions and opioids

You may also reap several other benefits that improve your quality of life, including:

• Stress relief thanks to the stimulation of endorphins and oxytocin, your body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals.
• Better sleep due to melatonin regulation.
• Greater sense of well-being because of a release of serotonin

How Many Acupuncture Sessions Do I Need for Arthritis?

During your first session, the acupuncturists in Bend will complete a full assessment, including your medical history, current treatment plan, and a full record of your symptoms and lifestyle goals. They will then build an individualized treatment plan based on your needs. Studies have varied from 4 weeks to 14 weeks, with results present in all scenarios. For best results, you should follow the plan your acupuncturist gives you.

Generally, for mild to moderate cases, only a limited amount of work is needed to see results. If you have a more advanced case of arthritis (bone-on-bone), you may need ongoing acupuncture treatments for continued comfort.

At Total Body, we believe in a holistic approach to chiropractic care. So, we will offer additional recommendations to help prolong your results, like exercising regularly, wearing supportive shoes, and reducing the strain on your affected joints throughout the day with tweaks. You may also benefit from combining acupuncture with other services, like massage therapy and chiropractic adjustments. These therapies support the function of your entire body and may further bolster your results.

Are you ready to feel more comfortable throughout your day? Schedule an appointment to try acupuncture with Total Body Chiropractic, Massage & Acupuncture.

5 Tips for Reducing Holiday Stress

From dealing with extended family members to the pressure of making everything go perfectly, it’s not easy to remain relaxed this time of year. Holiday stress not only impacts you mentally and emotionally, but it can cause you physical pain. Not to mention, high stress levels make you more susceptible to illness during the cold and flu season. That’s why managing your stress is as important as ever to keep the holiday cheer going.

Continue reading to learn how to identify stress and five ways to reduce its impact year-round.

How to Know if You’re Dealing with Holiday Stress

It’s easy to power through the signs of stress without even recognizing it. Fortunately, if you take a minute to rest and reflect, the symptoms are easy to pinpoint:

• Tension headaches
• Anxiety
• Low mood
• Body aches, especially in the neck, shoulders, and back
• Trouble sleeping
• Increased irritability
• Poor diet choices and cravings

If you’ve noticed the signs creeping up on you or getting worse, then it’s time to take some steps toward relaxation.

5 Ways to Stay Relaxed This Season

1. Plan Ahead

Your to-do list is probably a mile long right now, but you can’t do it all yourself. Designating time for shopping, cooking, and decorating can make your to-do list feel more focused and manageable. If you still can’t fit everything in, choose the most important (and most joyful) items on your list and delegate or decline the rest.

2. Set a Budget

Expensive wish lists and extensive gift lists can put a strain on your bank account, so much so that money is the main holiday stressor for many people. Before you start shopping, set your holiday budget for gifts, décor, and the menu. You can keep an eye on your spending by pulling out cash or using a preloaded card.

3. Maintain Your Healthy Habits

It’s no secret that this is the most indulgent time of year. So, it’s easy to completely trade in your usual balanced diet and exercise routine for a season-long celebration. However, your body and mind will benefit more by practicing moderation.

When you’re not actively celebrating, try to stick to your regular regimen. Fill your plate with healthy fats, vegetables, and fruits that reduce stress. Exercise is also a natural stress reliever, and you don’t have to do much to reap the benefits—just take a 30-minute walk or complete a brief yoga practice. If you can, take your exercise outdoors! Sunlight and nature have been shown to improve your mood and ease the effects of stress on your nervous system.

4. Get Enough Sleep

Have you ever noticed that you’re crankier and more irritable after a late night? That’s because sleep is your body’s time to reset and stabilize your mood and hormone levels. When you wake up, you’re refreshed and better equipped to handle the minor stressors throughout the day. Aim for 7 to 8 hours each night.

If you find it hard to fall asleep, try reducing the temperature, putting your phone away an hour before bed, and keeping your room dark.

5. Keep Up with Your Chiropractic Care Appointments

Chiropractic care, massage therapy, and acupuncture for pain are tools that can instantly relieve stress in the body. The benefits of massage therapy in Bend helps with stress in a few ways:

• reduces the stress hormone cortisol in the body
• increases feel-good hormones, like serotonin and dopamine
• provides time to unwind and relax

Plus, massage therapy for pain reduces the irritability and increased anxiety that occurs when you’re experiencing discomfort.

As we mentioned earlier, stress can greatly impact your body, causing inflammation, pain, and muscle tension. Not only do chiropractic adjustments relieve pressure on all your body’s systems, but they also release muscle tension to put your body in a more relaxed state. The best chiropractor in Bend will give you daily stresses that help keep tension at bay even after your appointment.

Your acupuncturist in Bend can provide a full-body reset, including your stress and pain levels. Together, these treatment options keep you relaxed and ready for whatever the season throws at you.

Gifting chiropractic and massage services with the best massage therapists in Bend is an affordable, simple, and meaningful way to take the stress out of the holidays for yourself and your loved ones. The longer you spend away from your chiropractic care regimen, the more your stress grows. So, if you’re already on a holistic care plan, now is not the time to stop. Schedule your appointment with Total Body today and get into the holiday spirit.

Give the Gift of Health & Wellness This Holiday Season

What if you could give one gift to everyone on your list, and it was still meaningful, impactful, and unique to each person? You can! Wellness services, like chiropractic care, acupuncture, and massage therapy, deliver several mental and physical benefits in just one session. And the best part—it makes shopping a breeze for you.

Here are three ways to give the gift of health and wellness this year:

1. Chiropractic Adjustments

A chiropractic appointment is a perfect way to show someone you care about their overall wellbeing. Each adjustment works to restore balance within the nervous system and optimize body function. While one session will not completely resolve everything, many patients report feeling immediate relief. Not to mention, the best chiropractor in Bend will provide lifestyle, diet, and exercise tips to make sure the problem does not occur in the future. It’s the gift that keeps on giving!

Consider gifting a chiropractic appointment for those that could benefit from:

• Joint and nerve pain relief
• Improved posture
• An immune boost
• Faster recovery from sports, auto, or other injuries
• Reduced inflammation

2. Massage Therapy

Everyone deserves time to relax and unwind. Why not be the person who gives this precious and often overlooked gift to your loved ones? The long gentle strokes and targeted pressure during massage therapy in Bend help undo knots and tension within the soft tissues. Plus, it releases “feel good” hormones, so the recipient leaves their session feeling happier and more relaxed.

The physical and mental benefits of massage extend well past the confines of each session:

• Reduced stress levels
• Decreased muscle tension
• Pain relief
• Increased flexibility (perfect for the athletes in your life)
• Better sleep (a great gift for new parents)
• Enhanced blood circulation
• Mood boost

Whether your recipient needs to relax with a Swedish massage or prefers massage therapy for pain relief with a deep tissue, you can completely customize this gift to cater to anyone on your list. Massage therapy is a particularly good gift for expecting mothers. The best massage therapists in Bend use gentle, safe techniques to relieve lower back pain, nausea, and other symptoms that make pregnancy uncomfortable.

3. Acupuncture Sessions

Acupuncture for pain and other ailments gives the body a full reset. Your acupuncturist in Bend inserts tiny needles into specific points in the body to restore positive energy flow, or Qi, along pathways known as meridians. When energy is flowing properly, patients can experience:

• Reduced pain
• Fewer and less severe headaches
• Mental clarity
• Better digestion
• Increased energy
• Allergy relief
• Help with fertility
• Relief from menopausal symptoms, like hot flashes

Who can benefit from chiropractic care, massage therapy, and acupuncture?

Everyone in your life can benefit from wellness services. Because of the range of benefits, each person on your list will experience exactly what they need during their session. Bend Total Body services are the perfect gift for:

• Athletes
• Expecting mothers
• New parents
• Business executives
• People who sit at a desk all day
• Avid gymgoers
• Manual laborers
• Those with chronic pain
• And anyone else on your list!

This time of year is extremely stressful, and we want to make it easier for you. As you’re checking names off the list, don’t forget your own! You deserve a wellness boost to send you into the new year feeling your best.

How to give wellness services as a gift

We make it simpler than ever to give the gift of wellness year-round with gift certificates. That means no scheduling or coordinating on your part! Simply present your loved one with the certificate, and we will handle the rest. If you need help determining what service may work best for your friends and family, feel free to ask for our recommendation during your next session.

Friends don’t let friends live in pain. Wrap up comfort and put it under the tree this year with a gift certificate to Total Body Chiropractic, Massage & Acupuncture.

How Often Should I Go to the Chiropractor?

If you’ve been considering starting or resuming chiropractic care, you may be wondering, “how often should I go to the chiropractor?” Is one adjustment enough to reap all the benefits of this holistic therapy? Do you have to go to the chiropractor monthly, weekly, or even more frequently to get results? Your treatment plan varies greatly depending on how you feel, your condition, and your wellness goals.

Continue reading to determine how often you should go to the chiropractor:

Why Should You Go to the Chiropractor?

Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive treatment option to soothe, correct, and heal the spine, nerves, and joints. Our chiropractors in Bend use hands-on manipulation to restore balance and proper functioning of your body systems. The chiropractor will also provide stretches and exercises for longer-lasting results.

This form of therapy can provide several full-body benefits:

• Relieve neck, back, and joint pain
• Reduce stress
• Boost the immune system
• Ease inflammation
• Encourage faster and more complete healing of injuries
• Promote overall wellbeing
• Increase flexibility and mobility
• Prevent injuries

Common Chiropractic Schedules

Chiropractic care is a highly individualized practice. There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to this treatment method. However, most individuals will need between 4 to 12 initial sessions to thoroughly correct misalignments and reap maximum benefits. You can experience immediate results with a single session, but these effects are generally temporary, and symptoms may return within weeks or even days.

After your initial session, you should schedule a follow-up to determine how your body responded to your first adjustment. From there, the chiropractors in Bend will formulate the best treatment schedule for you in one of these categories.

Weekly

You will likely need to visit the chiropractor several times a week (or even daily in certain instances) if you have disc issues, severe injuries, or chronic joint pain. Even mild problems, like sprains, strains, and muscle spasms, can require weekly visits to the office.

It is also not uncommon to visit multiple times a week when you’re first starting treatment, regardless of your current state, as your body needs to be trained to break its bad habits.

Bi-Weekly

As you begin to move and feel better, you can scale back to every two weeks. You should consider keeping this schedule if you sit for long periods each day, regularly lift heavy loads, or bend frequently. These actions can put a strain on your back and lead to misalignments in the spine.

Monthly (Maintenance Stage)

Your chiropractor will recommend a monthly or quarterly maintenance schedule once you begin to hold onto your adjustments for longer. It is important to stick to this schedule even without symptoms or pain to prevent the discomfort from returning.

It is a common myth that once you start chiropractic care, you’ll need to go forever. In fact, many people find they only need to go quarterly or every six months for a tune-up, especially if they are incorporating additional wellness services, like massage therapy in Bend.

You may notice that you need to visit more frequently if you neglect the stretches, exercises, and other tips from your chiropractor. It is all about listening to your body and working with your chiropractor in Bend to build the most beneficial regimen for you.

Signs You Should Book an Additional Chiropractic Session

It’s always best to visit the chiropractor before the pain begins. If you wait until you are already in pain, your joints and spine are likely significantly out of alignment, and you will need more visits to reach your baseline. As you become familiar with how your body moves and feels after your adjustments, you’ll be able to increase or decrease your frequency as needed. You may also choose to substitute services with a massage therapist or acupuncturist in Bend.

Certain signs may call for a visit earlier than your next scheduled appointment:

• Loss of flexibility
• Recurrent headaches
• Joint and muscle pain
• Tingling in the arms and feet, which could indicate a pinched nerve
• Recent accidents or injuries
• Uneven wear on shoes

If you are not noticing positive changes after consistent treatment, tell the best chiropractor in Bend. They will schedule x-rays or refer you to a specialist for appropriate treatment. While you may experience slight discomfort after certain adjustments, you should not be in more pain than when you began. If this is the case, contact your chiropractor immediately.

Chiropractic care is like any healthy lifestyle change—when you remain consistent, you will see positive, long-term changes. At Total Body Chiropractic, Massage, & Acupuncture, we help you build a beneficial plan that works for your body and budget. Schedule your appointment today to start your journey and receive your customized care plan.

Why Am I Sore After a Massage?

So, you decided to treat yourself to massage therapy in Bend to relax and unwind, only to wake up the next morning feeling sore. Now you’re wondering, “Is it normal to feel sore after a massage? Absolutely, especially after a deep tissue massage. However, your discomfort should subside within a few days. Keep reading to learn why you feel sore, how to ease your current discomfort, and the trick for reducing soreness after your future massage appointments.

Massage therapy works to treat and heal soft tissues, like muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Healthy muscles should be smooth and flexible, but many of us experience stress and tension that leave our muscles feeling rigid. This rigidity leads to limited flexibility and mobility, along with discomfort.

The massage therapists in Bend use stretching techniques and various levels of pressure to ease muscle tension, bring blood and nutrients into the muscles, and remove toxins. Some of the techniques used during deep tissue massage, including cross-fiber friction, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release, can result in inflammation and soreness. In this case, inflammation is a good thing that triggers affected areas to begin or restart the healing process. However, that inflammation may also be the source of your discomfort.

As they work out these knots, it results in micro tears, comparable to a strenuous workout. So, just like you feel sore after a hard gym session, you may feel the same sensations after your massage.

You are also more likely to feel sore after your massage when you’re dehydrated because your muscles are not hydrated enough to be flexible. That’s part of the reason your therapist always recommends drinking water after your appointment.

4 ways to ease soreness after a massage

1. Drink more water — As mentioned, dehydration is a sure-fire way to feel sore after your session. Drinking water before and after encourages healthy muscles and flushes out toxins, making the treatment easier on your body. Aim to drink 8 glasses each day, or more if you can!

2. Do gentle stretches — If you can pinpoint the areas of soreness, try to do some gentle stretches to release tension in the affected muscles. Don’t overdo it, as it can have the opposite effect.

3. Take a warm bath — Continue your relaxation therapy with a warm soak for 20-40 minutes. You can add a bit of Epsom salt to fill your body with magnesium that reduces inflammation and encourages muscle relaxation.

4. Make massage part of your routine — If it’s been a long time since your last massage or you’ve never had one, you will certainly feel it in the morning. As your body becomes used to this form of treatment, you will feel less sore after your appointments. Make massage a bi-weekly or monthly part of your wellness routine to keep your muscles healthy and discomfort at a minimum.

While a little soreness is normal after massage therapy for pain, your muscles and joints should not feel worse than they did when you went in. Always communicate with the best massage therapists in Bend during your session so that they can reduce pressure or change techniques. You can also opt for massage with lighter pressure, like Swedish massage, which involves long, light strokes toward the heart that boosts circulation and relaxes superficial muscles.

The benefits of massage

Don’t let the idea of a little soreness stop you from booking and reaping all the benefits associated with massage therapy. This form of treatment is just one component of maintaining overall mental and physical wellness.

Your 60-minute session can offer:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Mood boost
• Quicker and more complete healing of injuries
• Increased blood circulation
• Improved flexibility
• Pain relief and maintenance
• Detoxification
• Strengthened immune system
• Correct posture

You should hop off the table feeling relaxed and better than you did before. Schedule an appointment at Total Body Chiropractic, Massage & Acupuncture in Bend to treat yourself to relaxation.

Benefits of Acupuncture for Sciatica

You’ve probably heard the phrase ‘sciatica’ or ‘sciatic pain’ before. Nearly 40% of people will experience the symptoms of sciatica at some point in their lifetime. But do you know what this condition is, how to tell if you’re experiencing it, and most importantly, your treatment options?

Continue reading to learn how acupuncture for sciatica can restore comfort to your everyday life.

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica describes the radiating pain in the low back, buttocks, and legs that occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes compressed at the root or by surrounding inflammation. The sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in the body, stretching from the back all the way down to the feet, which explains why you may experience pain throughout your entire lower region.

Causes

Problems or obstructions anywhere along the sciatic nerve can lead to pain. However, the most common causes for this issue include:

• Bulging or herniated disc
• Tight muscles pressing on the nerve (if this trigger point is in the buttocks, it is referred to as piriformis syndrome)
• Disc degeneration
• Spinal stenosis
• Muscle spasms
• Pregnancy

Symptoms

Because sciatica results from a deeper underlying issue, it is considered less of a condition and more of a symptom characterized by:

• Low back pain
• Numbness or tingling down the leg
• Weakness in these areas
• Radiating pain
• Worsening discomfort after sitting for long periods

How does acupuncture work for sciatica?

Acupuncture in Bend is a clear treatment option if you are experiencing symptoms of sciatica. Research has even shown this holistic therapy to treat pain just as well, if not better than traditional NSAIDs. This effect occurs because acupuncture sessions — and all treatments at Total Body Chiropractic, Massage & Acupuncture — directly address the problem rather than masking it.

Acupuncture involves placing tiny needles in various points to restore energy flow along pathways, known as meridians, throughout the body. When energy flows freely, your body can function and heal itself properly.

Regular acupuncture treatments can treat sciatica in these ways:

• Relaxes tight muscles that may be compressing the nerve
• Increases blood flow for quicker, more complete healing
• Reduces inflammation
• Decreases pressure on nerves
• Stimulates the nervous system to release endorphins and other biochemical that ease the severity of pain
• Promotes regeneration of the sciatic nerve

When it comes to acupuncture for sciatica, we use a distal technique. This means that needles may not necessarily be placed in the affected region. Instead, needles are placed some distance away from the problem area to stimulate other body areas to promote healing of the sciatic nerve and ease pain.

Acupuncture points for sciatica may be located in the wrists and forearms, lower calf and ankles, and the gallbladder and bladder meridians in the feet. The best Bend acupuncturist will create an individualized treatment plan to deliver the greatest results.

Acupuncture works even better in conjunction with the best chiropractic and massage in Bend. Acupuncture treats sciatic nerve pain, while chiropractic adjustments restore alignment and address the structural cause, and massage keeps muscles relaxed to reduce recurrence. Schedule your appointment with Total Body Chiropractic, Massage, & Acupuncture today to build the right holistic care plan for you.

10 Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture

So, you’ve decided to give acupuncture a try, but you still have questions about what this therapy can do for you. At Total Body Chiropractic, Massage & Acupuncture, we want you to feel calm, comfortable, and confident before your first session. Continue reading for the answers to the 10 most common questions about acupuncture in Bend.

1. What is acupuncture, and how does it help?

Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine that has been used for centuries to encourage natural healing. The idea behind acupuncture is that energy runs along various pathways throughout the body, known as meridians. When there is a blockage or inconsistency along one of these pathways, it can result in illness, disturbances, and low functioning.

By stimulating corresponding organs and systems, acupuncture is thought to rebalance the body, allow for pain relief, and promote proper body function.

2. What conditions can acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture is used to treat and ease the symptoms of several conditions, including:

• Sciatica
• Carpal tunnel
• Dental pain
• Migraines and tension headaches
• Chronic lower back pain, neck pain, elbow pain, or arthritic joints
• Women’s health issues, like menstrual cramps, menopause and infertility
• Conditions related to pregnancy, including labor pain, nausea, and discomfort
• Fibromyalgia
• Allergies
• Digestive problems
• Insomnia
• Stress
• Anxiety/depression

3. What happens during acupuncture?

During your session, a licensed acupuncturist in Bend will insert hair-sized, sterile needles made of stainless steel into specific points of your body. The placement and number of the hair-thin needles (ranging from 5 to 20) will vary depending on your symptoms and condition.

Once in place, you will lie still for about 30 minutes at the recommendation of your therapist. Your acupuncturist may also provide light stimulation to the selected acupuncture points.

4. Does acupuncture work immediately?

How quickly you feel the benefits of your acupuncture session will depend on your symptoms, severity, condition, and treatment plan. Generally, patients report feeling relaxed or energized as soon as their first visit with effective treatment. However, if you are not seeing results after a few weeks, you may need to take another treatment route, like chiropractic care or massage therapy.

It is important to recognize that acupuncture treatment is a process, not a quick fix. After all, if your symptoms have developed over months or even years, the full impact of your condition won’t be undone in one visit.

5. Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture should not feel painful. You may experience sensations, like heaviness, dullness, or warmth, which is a sign that the acupuncture points are being activated.

Some patients do report feeling slight discomfort during their first session, especially if needles are placed in sensitive areas. However, this feeling should go away once the needle is fully in place. If you feel continuous pain during your session, tell your acupuncturist in Bend so that they can adjust.

6. How far do acupuncture needles go in?

The needle depth varies based on the location and angle at which it is placed. Typically, the thin needles are placed deep enough to reach the targeted meridian point, which can range from 1/16 to 1-inch deep. For example, needles placed in the fingers may rest shallower than a point in the neck or back.

7. How long do the effects of acupuncture last?

There is no exact time for how long the effects of your treatment will last. This measure will vary depending on your condition, severity, and how long you’ve been dealing with symptoms. Whether you maintain these results with your lifestyle and diet may also impact the longevity of results.

Generally, the benefits of acupuncture can last up to a few days. As you continue with treatment, the effects should last from days to weeks. Your acupuncturist in Bend may even recommend scaling back to monthly treatments with significant improvement.

8. What can I expect at my first acupuncture treatment?

At your first treatment, your acupuncturist in Bend will discuss your medical history, symptoms, current treatment route, and conduct a physical exam, which often includes looking at the tongue to pinpoint imbalances.

They will then select points to treat the symptoms and underlying causes. This initial acupuncture appointment lasts about 90 minutes.

9. What is the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?

From the outside, acupuncture and dry needling look the same. However, these treatments vary greatly in their purpose, placement, and history. While acupuncture has been around for thousands of years, dry needling only started gaining popularity in the last few decades.

Acupuncture aims to help internal ailments. On the other hand, dry needling focuses specifically on muscle pain and stiffness. During dry needling, needles are inserted into the hard or knotted muscle to release tension and reduce spasms. The major downside of dry needling lies in the lack of training necessary to complete this therapy.

10. How can acupuncture work with chiropractic and massage?

Acupuncture, chiropractic, and massage can all fit into a holistic treatment plan for overall health. When used together, patients can expect faster and more complete healing and longer lasting results between visits.

Both acupuncture and massage increase blood flow and relax the muscles, which provides a good environment for a chiropractic adjustment. Each therapy has its own focus: chiropractic targets hard tissues (like bones) and nerves; massage focuses on tight muscles; acupuncture rebalances energy. We combine all three treatment options to deliver the best chiropractic care in Bend.

The skilled team at Total Body Chiropractic, Massage & Acupuncture can create an individualized treatment plan centered around acupuncture to help you feel your best for longer. Call to schedule your appointment today!

6 Ways Acupuncture Boosts Fertility

Choosing to start or expand your family is an exciting time for a couple! Unfortunately, 10% of couples struggle with infertility caused by hormonal imbalances, various health conditions, and environmental factors. Fortunately, advancements in medicine can increase your chances of conceiving, and when paired with holistic therapies like acupuncture for fertility, the chances are about 60% higher.

Continue reading to learn how incorporating acupuncture in Bend into your plan can help boost your chances of a healthy pregnancy.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient part of Chinese medicine. This treatment involves placing tiny, sterilized needles into specific areas of the body for proper function. The idea is that your energy runs along specific pathways known as meridians, and blockages can cause body wide illnesses, and yes, infertility. Each precisely placed needle restores proper energy flow and stimulates targeted organ systems.

How Does Acupuncture for Fertility Work?

When it comes to fertility, acupuncture has been found to boost both natural and assisted conception. Each session focuses on reproductive organs and hormonal imbalances that impact natural fertility. Some physicians even recommend this treatment in conjunction with IVF, IUI, and embryo transfers.

During your session, your acupuncturist in Bend will discuss your medical history, fertility history, and more to determine the best treatment route. Acupuncture points for fertility include the liver meridian (between the big and second toe), the spleen and kidney meridians (located on the inside of the legs), and several points in the abdominopelvic area.

Ideally, you should begin acupuncture for fertility sessions 3 to 4 months before your treatments. You can also continue your acupuncture sessions after the procedure to decrease the chances of miscarriage. Acupuncture is also safe during pregnancy when conducted by a certified acupuncturist in Bend.

However, after conception, your acupuncturist will avoid pressure points that could induce labor or trigger miscarriage.

6 Ways Acupuncture Boosts Fertility

Acupuncture for women’s health works to increase natural fertility in a few ways:

1. Increases Blood Flow

Acupuncture boosts blood flow to reproductive organs, especially the endometrium. This action delivers a thick, rich lining that is more prepared to accept fertilized eggs.

2. Relieves Tubal Spasms

Tubal spasms can cause temporary blockages in the fallopian tubes, hindering fertilization or resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. Acupuncture helps reduce the frequency of these spasms to improve your chances.

3. Decreases Stress

Stress is a known blocker of natural conception. If you experience chronic stress, your body may not feel comfortable or safe getting pregnant. One of the major benefits of acupuncture is its ability to relieve stress for all individuals.

4. Balances Hormones

It’s no secret that one of the most significant factors of pregnancy is proper hormone production. Acupuncture for hormone balance helps restore the levels of each biological chemical needed for conception. This includes imbalances from hyper- and hypothyroidism, elevated FSH levels, and PCOS.

5. Boosts Sperm Count and Motility

Studies show that about 30% of infertility is related to the male factor alone. Acupuncture for fertility may boost sperm count and motility in men to increase your chances of conception.

6. Creates a Healthy Environment

The healthier you are, the greater your chances of conceiving and sustaining a healthy pregnancy. Acupuncture creates a safe environment within the body to promote conception.

Acupuncture may not be a solution for certain circumstances of infertility, including tubal adhesions from pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis.

We know that getting pregnant can feel both exciting and stressful, but the outcome is always worth it. At Total Body Chiropractic & Massage, we want to help you experience a stress-free process from conception to labor with the best chiropractic and massage in Bend.

10 Health Conditions that Can Be Treated with Acupuncture

Acupuncture is not a new form of therapy. In fact, this practice has been around for thousands of years in Ancient Chinese medicine. Thanks to its ancestral roots and widespread usage, practitioners have discovered several benefits of acupuncture, from pain to your mood. Continue reading to learn 10 conditions treated with acupuncture in Bend.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture in Bend involves placing tiny, hair-sized needles into specific pressure points to realign the energy or Qi (pronounced ‘chee’) in your body. The idea is that when you have blockages along key pathways, known as meridians, you experience discomfort, low mood, and other complications. Each precisely placed needle stimulates the corresponding body system to promote proper function.

At Total Body Chiropractic, Massage & Acupuncture, we believe true healing comes from addressing the root problem. Your acupuncturist in Bend will discuss your health history, lifestyle, and diet to discover how these factors further influence your condition. They will also give you guidance on how to avoid recurrence in the future.

What Conditions Does Acupuncture Treat?

1. Musculoskeletal Pain

One of the easiest and most common conditions to treat with acupuncture is joint and muscle pain. Whether you deal with low back, neck, jaw, and elbow pain or plantar fasciitis and sciatic, your acupuncturist in Bend can provide targeted relief.

2. Stress

Whether you realize it or not, your body experiences stress every day from work and finances down to traffic and driving. Chronic stress can trigger problems with sleep, muscle tension, and digestion. Acupuncture for stress works to calm the nervous system, reduce stress hormones, and increase feel-good hormones. Plus, it physically relieves the muscle tension that is often held in the neck and shoulders.

3. Insomnia

Sleep is essential for good health. Without the ideal 8 hours each night, you experience exhaustion, headaches, sluggishness, and irritability. Even if insomnia isn’t your primary concern, you may still have an easier time falling and staying asleep with an acupuncture session.

4. Infertility

Many women struggling with infertility turn to acupuncture to aid the process. This treatment option often works in conjunction with IVF and other fertility therapies. Acupuncture for fertility gently regulates the hormones, which is an essential part of conceiving. Not to mention, by reducing stress and helping with your general health, acupuncture for fertility prepares the body for natural conception.

5. Hormone Imbalances

If you experience conditions like poor adrenal function, PCOS, irregular menstrual cycles, and hyper- or hypothyroidism, you may benefit from acupuncture for hormonal balance. Acupuncture for hormone balance helps reset the hormone levels to ease symptoms. This treatment also benefits women experiencing the hormonal imbalances and symptoms associated with menopause.

6. Headaches and Migraines

Acupuncture reduces the frequency and severity of headaches and migraines, including those caused by tension and sinuses.

7. Weight Loss

Acupuncture for weight loss works in two ways. This therapy increases metabolism, decreases appetite, and lowers stress levels, which makes weight loss easier. On the other hand, uncontrolled weight gain often stems from imbalances in the liver, spleen, kidneys, and other organs. By resetting these systems, you can start moving the scale in the desired direction.

8. Allergies

Allergies typically result from a confused immune system. The immune system believes allergens, like dust, pollen, certain foods, etc., are meant to cause harm to the body. Depending on when you schedule your appointment, acupuncture can reset the immune system to prevent or reduce the severity of symptoms.

9. Digestive Issues

The chances are high that you have or will deal with acid reflux, nausea, bloating, IBS, or diarrhea at some point. Acupuncture supports the gut and digestive system to ease these complications.

10. Mood Disorders

Acupuncture increases endorphins that provide an emotional boost, improve mood, and lowers cortisol to alleviate feelings of depression and anxiety.

Whether you are dealing with one of these conditions or simply want a general wellness boost to feel your best year-round, acupuncture in Bend could be the right option for you. Schedule your appointment with the best chiropractic, massage and acupuncture in Bend to discover how this trusted therapy can help you.

How Acupuncture Can Help Women’s Health Issues

Acupuncture has acted as an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. By balancing the body’s natural energies and stimulating various biological systems, acupuncture in Bend can make a significant difference in helping treat pain, mood disorders, and more. One of acupuncture’s most notable benefits is for women’s health. From acupuncture for weight loss to rebalancing your monthly cycle, this treatment method can help you feel your best and support your lifestyle goals.

How does acupuncture work for women’s health?

Acupuncture treatment involves strategically placing fine, hair-sized sterile needles into certain pressure points that correspond with specific body parts. This action with the thin needles is thought to reset those systems.

For example, acupuncture points for fertility include the center of the forehead, top of the foot, lower abdomen, and the lower leg/calf. While these specific points can boost fertility in non-pregnant females, they can induce labor in pregnant women. The effect of acupuncture can have multiple benefits for clients.

Before your session, your acupuncturist in Bend will gather information about your medical history, menstrual cycle, symptoms, and concerns. From there, they will create a treatment plan, implement the correct acupuncture protocol, and track your progress throughout your cycle.

Women’s Health Issues Treated with Acupuncture in Bend

Whether you still get monthly cycles, hope to start a family, or have passed through menopause, each phase of life involves different hormones that need to remain in perfect balance for your health. When you use acupuncture for hormone balance, it can ease the symptoms associated with many of these common women’s health concerns.

1. Menstrual Cycles

PMS symptoms like cramps, nausea, and headaches can feel extremely uncomfortable. For some women, these monthly side effects become so severe that daily activities seem impossible. Acupuncture works to improve blood circulation, which can regulate heavy flows and ease cramps and headaches.

2. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is associated with heavy bleeding, aches, cramps, swelling, and stomach pain. This condition has proved to be receptive to treatment with acupuncture, restoring regular blood flow and energy levels.

3. Infertility

Acupuncture can work on its own or alongside IVF to help women struggling with infertility. This form of treatment aims to direct blood flow to reproductive organs to deliver nourishment. It also involves using acupuncture for hormones, including FSH, estrogen, and progesterone, at various stages of your cycle to make conception more likely.Not to mention, acupuncture for fertility often relieves stress, which is a major blockage for natural fertility. Stress diverts blood away from the uterus to the adrenal glands and signals that the body is not a safe space for an embryo. By restoring this balance, acupuncture is thought to boost natural fertility.

4. Pregnancy & Postpartum

Acupuncture used during pregnancy keeps expecting mothers happy and healthy, especially when medication is not an option. Plus, it eases back pain, pelvic discomfort, morning sickness, swelling, etc. After delivery, acupuncture can even increase the milk supply, soothe pain, and help you deal with postpartum mood disorders and mental health.

5. Menopause

Menopausal symptoms such as hormonal changes, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, insomnia, and anxiety all come with the territory of getting older. Thankfully, acupuncture for hormones can reduce the fluctuations that cause these symptoms.

6. Aging

Acupuncture is also a secret weapon for aging. This technique can soften fine lines, improve skin tone and evenness, and increase collagen production for tighter skin and a more youthful appearance.

If you want to try a safe, non-invasive, drug-free approach for your concerns, try acupuncture in Bend. This treatment method works alongside the best chiropractic and massage therapy in Bend to provide full-body relief and wellness for women and men.