Traditionally, acupuncture is based on the idea that there are patterns of energy (or Qi) flowing through the body which are essential for health. The theory in Chinese medicine is that when these energy flows are disrupted, disease and pain are the result. Acupuncture uses stimulation of specific anatomical locations (also called meridians) to correct the imbalances in the body and return the individual to health.
Is Science Involved in Acupuncture?
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| The Science Behind Acupuncture |
The neurotransmitters or “feel good” chemicals which acupuncture releases include serotonin and endorphins. Serotonin is a chemical substance which plays a key role in mood, sleep, and healing wounds. Endorphins are the chemicals which are commonly known for being released during pleasurable activities including physical exercise. But endorphins have a much deeper function. They help the body deal with pain along with enhancing pleasure. Endorphins are your body’s natural analgesics. Acupuncture can help an individual experience relief from pain as well an elevated mood through these chemical releases.
Acupuncture has been gaining ground in the US over the years. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has moved acupuncture needles from the category of “experimental medical devices” and now regulates acupuncture needles, just as it does with surgical implements and medical drugs. A properly trained acupuncturist follows the FDA standards, keeping the environment sterile and following the single-use health practices as listed by the FDA.
According to Dr. Adrian White and his respected scientific journal, Acupuncture in Medicine, the scientific nature of correctly done acupuncture has been tested and proven. The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed acupuncture as a solution to many ailments including pain, headaches, mobility issues, gout, infections, high or low blood pressure, as well as neurological and mental disorders. Acupuncture has been used to effectively combat stress, depression, and even drug dependence.
There isn’t any specific evidence indicating that acupuncture alone can enable a person to beat addiction, but it is often considered effective when used in conjunction with other traditional and holistic treatment methods. Additionally, because acupuncture has been proven to effectively treat pain, it can be helpful in relieving withdrawal symptoms.
Use of Acupuncture in Drug Detox
The symptoms of drug and alcohol withdrawal can be so uncomfortable, painful and even dangerous as to deter people from even attempting to quit. Drugs like methadone and buprenorphine (Suboxone and Subutex) were developed to alleviate the pain of opiate withdrawal, yet those drugs are themselves opiates with potential for abuse. Methadone in particular can be more addictive than heroin. In conventional detox, many addicts are prescribed antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and other pharmaceuticals in an effort to avoid the physical and mental disturbances of withdrawal. Yet, even those drugs are linked to dependence and other complications.
The practice of acupuncture, along with standardized nutrition and other therapies can help the body and mind safely through the period of detoxification and withdrawal.
Some of the most common drug withdrawal symptoms are:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Appetite changes
- Insomnia
- Exhaustion
- Headaches and migraines
- Digestive problems like nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea
- Heart palpitations
There are a number of ways to address these issues. Acupuncture has been listed by the World Health Organization as helpful for several of the above withdrawal symptoms. Specifically, it is listed as a non-addictive method for treating:
- Pain
- Any type of headache or migraine
- Muscle spasms common to opiate withdrawal
- Digestive disorders like nausea and vomiting
- High and low blood pressure
In conjunction with other treatment, acupuncture has been used in the remedy of infections. An addict may be suffering from medical conditions and infections which require immediate treatment. So while emergency or routine medical attention is given, acupuncture has been found to stimulate the immune system and thus help the body and medication work together to fight the infection.
Other Holistic Addiction Treatment Options
As explained above, while acupuncture can help with many withdrawal symptoms, it does not necessarily help with all of them and would not be used as the sole treatment in drug detox. If it is used in addiction treatment, it should be coupled with other proven, effective therapies. Scientific tests and studies have shown that the major results of acupuncture are elevated mood, pain relief, and a body stimulated to heal itself – all valuable in addiction treatment.
In keeping with the holistic approach, some of the additional treatments which can help relieve withdrawal symptoms and aid in addiction recovery are:
Nutrition therapy: Many individuals who have suffered from addiction are in need of additional nutritional supplementation. A diet filled with plenty of fruits, vegetables and protein can help. Vitamins and minerals can help ease the stress of withdrawal and help the body in the healing process. Group or individual therapy: There are therapies which have been proven effective for addiction treatment. An addicted individual can seek treatment in group or one-on-one therapy at a rehabilitation center or with someone they choose independently. Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. Exercise, sports, massage, yoga and even martial arts have been found effective when integrated in the recovery process.
Summary
Acupuncture is but one of many methodologies. There are a number of medical and holistic treatment systems which have been proven effective during the detoxification, recovery, and aftercare sections – all of which combined can make for a truly rewarding rehabilitation experience. The best approach focuses on the individual and his or her needs. A thorough assessment and subsequent tailor-made program that addresses those needs has been found to help immeasurably.
Sources:
www.MedicalNewsToday.com
www.BMJ.com
www.Medicinenet.com
www.NCADD.org
www.The-Scientist.com
www.FDA.gov
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