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Acupuncture in Kansas City, MO

Discover the Healing Power of Acupuncture at aNu Aesthetics & Optimal Wellness

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Are you struggling with chronic pain, stress, or sleep problems? 

You’re not alone—countless people suffer from these issues daily. 

But what if there was a natural, non-invasive solution that could help alleviate these problems and improve your overall well-being? 

Acupuncture, an ancient healing technique, might just be the answer you’re looking for. 

At aNu Aesthetics & Optimal Wellness, we are proud to offer acupuncture services to help our clients achieve optimal health and well-being. 

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a holistic healing practice that originated in China over 2,500 years ago. It is based on the concept of Qi (pronounced “chee”), the vital life force that flows through our bodies along specific pathways called meridians. 

When this flow of Qi is disrupted or blocked, it can lead to various health issues and imbalances. 

Acupuncture aims to restore the proper flow of Qi by stimulating specific points on the body, known as acupuncture points, with thin, sterile needles.

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How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture seeks to restore health by unblocking or re-establishing the body’s energy, known as “Qi” (or “chi”). To do this, acupuncture accesses anatomical points to stimulate and balance the body’s natural healing power.

Chinese medicine treatment is mainly herbal (85%) with needling accounting for a minor portion (15%). Herbs are used as the foundation while acupuncture visits help the healing process progress. ‘Acupuncture’ is a term that refers to various procedures, such as:

  • Needling
  • Cupping
  • Moxibustion
  • Electrical Stimulation
  • Massage (Tui Na)
  • Restorative Exercise such as Tai, Chi, Qi Gong, and Yoga

Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), used for centuries due to its non-invasive nature, simple application, wide range of uses, effective treatment, and affordable cost.

TCM is based on the belief that Qi (energy) runs through the body, and its balance of yin and yang affects physical and mental health. Imbalance of these forces can lead to disease. 

Even without a microscope, this theory allowed diagnosis of conditions such as cancer, gallstones, and diabetes in 3rd Century B.C.E. 

Benefits of Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been shown to provide relief for a wide range of physical and mental health issues. Some of the most common benefits of acupuncture include:

Pain relief

Acupuncture is widely recognized for its effectiveness in treating various types of pain, including chronic pain, headaches, migraines, and joint pain. 

It works by stimulating the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body, such as endorphins, and reducing inflammation.

Cancer treatments can lead to various side effects, including fatigue, decreased immunity, pain, nerve damage, such as numbness and tingling and muscle weakness, as well as nausea and/or vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, decreased appetite, and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, fear, anger, and apathy. These side effects can significantly impact the quality of life of cancer patients and make it challenging to continue with their treatment. 

Acupuncture can help lessen the severity of cancer treatment side effects and aid patients’ well-being during their cancer journey.

Stress reduction

Acupuncture can help reduce stress by promoting relaxation and balancing the body’s hormonal responses to stress. 

This can lead to improved mood, better sleep, and increased overall well-being.

Improved sleep

Sleep problems, such as insomnia, can significantly impact your quality of life. Acupuncture has been shown to improve sleep quality by regulating the production of melatonin, a hormone responsible for regulating our sleep-wake cycle.

Enhanced immune function

Acupuncture can help strengthen the immune system by stimulating the production of immune cells and regulating the body’s inflammatory response.

Digestive support

Acupuncture can help alleviate various digestive issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, and heartburn, by promoting the proper flow of Qi through the digestive system.

Current research suggests that acupuncture can potentially benefit individuals experiencing seasonal allergies, stress incontinence, and cancer-treatment related nausea.

Experience the transformative benefits of acupuncture today

Schedule a consultation with our expert acupuncturists at aNu Aesthetics & Optimal Wellness and embark on your journey towards improved health and well-being today.

Acupuncture Session: What to Expect

During an acupuncture session, a qualified acupuncturist will ask you questions, feel your pulse on both wrists, look at your tongue, and then carefully insert needles into specific points on your body. 

The needles are typically left in place for 15-30 minutes, and the process is usually painless, with most patients reporting a feeling of relaxation or even mild euphoria. 

After the session, you may experience a sense of calmness and well-being as your body’s Qi flow is restored.

Addressing Misconceptions and Concerns about Acupuncture

Despite its long history and growing popularity, there are still misconceptions and concerns surrounding acupuncture. Here are a few common ones:

Does acupuncture hurt?

Many people fear that acupuncture will be painful, given that it involves needles. 

However, acupuncture needles are incredibly thin, about the width of a human hair, and their insertion is typically painless. 

You may feel a slight tingling or heaviness at the site of the needle, but this sensation is generally mild and brief.

Is acupuncture safe?

Some people worry about the safety of acupuncture, particularly regarding infection risk. 

However, licensed acupuncturists are required to follow strict sterilization procedures and use single-use, disposable needles to ensure patient safety.

How to Find a Qualified Acupuncturist

Finding a qualified acupuncturist is crucial to ensure you receive safe and effective acupuncture treatments. Here are some tips to help you find the right practitioner:

Licensing and certification

Make sure the acupuncturist you choose is licensed and certified by a recognized acupuncture organization, such as the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) in the United States.

Experience and specialization

Look for an acupuncturist with experience in treating your specific health issue. Some practitioners may even specialize in certain areas, such as pain management, fertility, or mental health.

Recommendations and reviews

Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or healthcare professionals who have had positive experiences with acupuncture. You can also check online reviews to get a sense of the practitioner’s reputation and expertise.

Consultation

Schedule a consultation with the acupuncturist to discuss your health concerns and goals. This will give you an opportunity to ask questions, get a feel for their approach, and determine if they are a good fit for your needs.

When searching for an acupuncturist, consider giving aNu Aesthetics & Optimal Wellness a try. 

Our team of skilled and experienced acupuncturists is dedicated to providing personalized and effective treatments to help you achieve optimal health and well-being.

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Uncovering Acupuncture’s Benefits: A Glimpse into Scientific Evidence

The effectiveness of acupuncture has been supported by extensive research, and numerous studies have demonstrated its potential benefits for various health conditions. 

Efficacy for Specific Conditions

A BMJ analysis of over 2,000 acupuncture therapy reviews found strong evidence supporting its effectiveness for various health conditions, including post-stroke aphasia, muscle pain, fibromyalgia, lactation issues, lower back pain, vascular dementia, and allergies. 

The NIH also acknowledges acupuncture’s potential for pain relief, particularly in chronic conditions.

Anti-inflammatory Mechanisms

Harvard Medical School researchers discovered that acupuncture can trigger an anti-inflammatory response by activating a subset of neurons

Another study suggests that electroacupuncture may reduce cytokine storms in mice, providing valuable insights into the technique’s potential improvements and refinements.

Pain Relief Applications

Acupuncture has been studied extensively for pain relief in conditions such as back, neck, and knee pain, as well as postoperative pain. 

Data from 20 studies showed that acupuncture’s beneficial effects continued for a year after the end of treatment, highlighting its potential for long-lasting pain relief.

Reduce the side effects of cancer therapies:

  • Fatigue, low energy
  • Decreased immunity
  • Pain
  • Nerve damage: numbness and tingling, muscle weakness
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Weight loss 
  • Decreased appetite
  • Depression, anxiety, fear, anger, apathy

Support for Non-Pain Conditions

Acupuncture has been researched for at least 50 other health issues, with evidence supporting its potential benefits for seasonal allergies, stress incontinence, and cancer treatment-related nausea. 

Acupuncture has been found to improve symptoms and quality of life in asthma patients, although it has not been proven to enhance lung function.

Clinical Trials and Systematic Review of Acupuncture Use in Clinical Cancer Care (2001–2007)

  • Chemotherapy-induced nausea & vomiting:
    • Patients in the acupressure group experienced less nausea on the day treatment compared to controls (p<0.05)
    • No adverse events were discussed
    • Study population features: 85% breast cancer, 10% hematologic neoplasms patients undergoing chemotherapy
  • Post-operative nausea and vomiting:
    • The complete response rate was 77% vs. 64% and 42% (p=0.01); electro-acupoint stimulation is more effective in controlling nausea.
    • No difference in adverse events rate among groups
    • Study population features: Patients undergoing major breast surgery
  • Cancer pain:
    • Pain intensity decreased by 36% at 2 months from baseline in the study group (p<0.0001)
    • No infection was reported; no other adverse events were reported
    • Study population features: Patients with chronic peripheral or central neuropathic pain arising after cancer treatment
  • Postoperative Pain:
    • Patients in the massage and acupuncture group with usual care experienced a decrease of 1.4 points on a pain scale (p=0.038)
    • No adverse events were discussed
    • Study population features: Patients undergoing cancer-related surgery including breast, bladder, prostate and ovarian cancers
  • Post-thoracotomy wound pain:
    • A trend for lower visual analogue scale pain score in the electroacupuncture group was observed. Post-operative morphine use was significantly lower in electro-acupuncture group (p<0.05)
    • No adverse reactions related to acupuncture were observed
    • Study population features: Patients with operable non-small cell lung carcinoma
  • Hot flashes:
    • True acupuncture was associated with 0.8 fewer hot flashes per day than sham (p=0.3)
    • Very minor slight bleeding and bruising at the needle site were reported
    • Study population features: Breast cancer patients
  • Vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes) and psychological well-being:
    • Longitudinally, patients in the electro-acupuncture group experienced a decrease of hot flashes >50% at 12 weeks and at 6 months follow-up
    • No adverse events were discussed
    • Study population features: Patients treated for breast cancer
  • Chemotherapy-induced leukopenia:
    • WBC counts in the study group were significantly higher than that in the control group (p<0.05)
    • No adverse effects were discussed
    • Study population features: Patients with non-small cell lung cancer or nasopharynx cancer undergoing chemotherapy
  • Post-chemotherapy fatigue:
    • The mean improvement from baseline fatigue score was 31.3% (95% CI: 20.6%–41.5%)
    • No adverse events were reported
    • Study population features: Cancer patients who had completed cytotoxic chemotherapy at least 3 weeks previously but complained of persisting fatigue.
  • Radiation induced Xerostomia:
    • Response rate as improvement of 10% or better from baseline Xerostomia Inventory (XI) was 70%; 48% of patients received benefit of 10 points or more on the XI.
    • No adverse effects were reported.
    • Study population features: Patients with Pilocarpine-resistant xerostomia after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.
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Transform Your Health with Acupuncture: Schedule a Consultation with aNu Aesthetics & Optimal Wellness Today

Acupuncture is a time-tested, natural healing modality that can provide relief for various physical and mental health issues. 

By understanding the basics of acupuncture, its benefits, and how to find a qualified practitioner, you can make an informed decision about whether this ancient healing technique is right for you. 

If you’re interested in exploring acupuncture further, aNu Aesthetics & Optimal Wellness is here to help. 

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a healthier, more balanced life.

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