How Patients Can Benefit from Acupuncture
Acupuncture, with its roots in traditional Chinese medicine, is a particularly compelling complementary therapeutic option that may enhance the holistic care provided by functional medicine practitioners. Dr. Jason Chong, a physician in traditional East Asian Medicine and an educator, underscores how integrating acupuncture can benefit your patient management strategies.
Understanding Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a sophisticated intervention designed to restore and maintain health by targeting specific body points. Thin needles are inserted at these sites to release constrictions in the connective tissue, which enhances circulation, promotes the removal of metabolic waste, and increases the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the cells. As Dr. Chong explains, "This approach not only alleviates pain but also activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reduces inflammation, and supports the healthy functioning of all organ systems." Modern scientific research corroborates that acupuncture's stimulation of strategic points can influence the central nervous system, potentially improving blood flow, boosting immune responses, and modulating pain perception.
Who May Benefit from Acupuncture?
The versatility of acupuncture makes it suitable for a wide array of health conditions. Dr. Chong notes, "There is compelling evidence supporting acupuncture's efficacy across diverse conditions—from musculoskeletal pain, such as back and neck issues, to mental health challenges like depression and anxiety, and even in stroke rehabilitation." He further elaborates on the synergy between acupuncture and other treatment modalities including osteopathy, physiotherapy, and functional medicine, particularly in complex health cases. This compatibility is grounded in both acupuncture and functional medicine's shared goal: to identify and address the root causes of symptoms.
Treatment Timeline
Acupuncture's benefits can vary widely among individuals, but as Dr. Chong suggests, a general treatment guideline could range from "3-6 sessions for acute conditions to 6-10 sessions for noticeable improvements in chronic conditions, with 10-20 sessions needed for more profound and enduring transformation."
Finding a Qualified Acupuncturist
The American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is an excellent resource, offering a comprehensive directory of qualified practitioners.
By integrating acupuncture into your functional medicine practice, you not only expand the therapeutic options available to your patients but also may enhance the overall efficacy of your treatment plans. This holistic approach, underpinned by both traditional wisdom and contemporary science, enables us to meet patient needs comprehensively and compassionately. Dr. Chong’s insights underscore the profound potential of acupuncture to complement and enhance functional medicine, providing a more enriched, patient-centric model of care.
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Dr. Jason Chong is a traditional East Asian Medicine physician, the owner and principal practitioner at Dantian Health, and educator and college director at the Australian Shiatsu College. Dr. Chong has studied a wide range of styles of East Asian medicine practice and has a passion for teaching and mentoring upcoming health practitioners.
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