Acupuncture, Mindfulness, and Self-Care

How can we nurture harmony, revitalize health, and relax in our busy lives?

Finding balance has steadily become a cliché, with every meditation guru shouting from the rooftops, "Find balance!". While I'm not sure it is possible to find balance because the whole point of growth and life's challenges is to knock us out of our comfort zones, it is entirely possible to seek harmony. As a mindfulness guru, Michael Beckwith famously said:

"When you see the world that God sees, you see a world that is loving, compassionate, and filled with individuals who live together in harmony and peace."

But, how do we get there and harmonize the mind, body, and spirit? How can we instill a self-care regimen that focuses on harmony and mindfulness?

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a modality of Chinese medicine. The treatment involves inserting thin, stainless steel needles into acupuncture points on the body which stimulates the central nervous system. There are hundreds of acupuncture points along the body, each of which has several clinical applications and uses to help treat a variety of illnesses and conditions. As a result, the body releases ‘feel-good’ hormones such as dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin. This stimulation of the central nervous system can be beneficial for a multitude of conditions such as arthritis, back, neck, and muscle pain, sports injuries, inflammation and pain, headaches, immune deficiencies, digestive disorders, depression and anxiety, women’s health issues such as infertility, menopause, and is even safe and supportive throughout pregnancy. Acupuncture is a very relaxing treatment and ultimately signals a healing response in the body to regulate any disharmonies. 

What Will You Feel?

Deanna Carell Acupuncture uses a treatment style that is very gentle. Patients typically do not experience pain during treatment but you may experience a slight sensation around the points in which needles are placed. Your acupuncturist will guide you through the treatment and ensure that you are comfortable at all times during treatment. Most patients are so relaxed they don’t want to leave! Always consult with your acupuncturist and discuss any concerns or questions you may have. 

Acupuncture and the Body

Acupuncture also stimulates the immune system and improves blood circulation. As a result, it strengthens the body’s innate defense system while reducing inflammation, increasing blood circulation, and healing pain or traumas. Whether you are facing an acute and sudden onset of pain, have experienced a traumatic injury or undergone surgery, have chronic pain and inflammation, or have recently been diagnosed by your doctor with a particular condition, acupuncture is a great natural way to help the body heal at any stage.

Acupuncture and the Mind

When acupuncture stimulates an endorphin release into the brain, the biochemical changes reinforce and improve physical and emotional well-being. Endorphins, commonly called the feel-good hormone, stimulate your body's opiate and pain-blocking receptors. This stimulation can lessen pain and produce a euphoric effect.

Acupuncture and the Spirit

We strive to make your acupuncture appointment as stress-free and relaxing as possible. Essential oils and aromatherapy throughout the office offer a sense of ease while calming music is played quietly in the background. During the process, you can quiet down, practice mindful breathing or even meditate. This is your time to unwind and rest. The whole process brings you into a harmony of mind, body, and spirit.

As you can see, acupuncture is more than a remedy. The practice has enormous benefits in preventing disease and rebalancing your mind, body, and spirit. A regular acupuncture regimen will leave you refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to tackle life's opportunities.