Can Acupuncture Support Faster Recovery After Surgery? Exploring Its Effectiveness for Families

Oct 30, 2024 | Uncategorized

People need to undergo simple to complex surgeries to resolve a wide range of health issues. Even after a successful surgery, the recuperation can be taxing. After certain surgeries, the recovery period can be slow, and there can be pain and uneasiness. Medications and lifestyle changes help to an extent, but a section of people resort to acupuncture to get better results. Of course, one must find the right clinic offering nuanced acupuncture sessions and skilled therapists. 

How does acupuncture work in post-surgical recovery?

Acupuncture involves the insertion of needles in specific sections of the body to stimulate hormones and energy flow. It can be used as a complementary therapy to speed up recovery after surgical procedures. It is also effective in pain management in this phase. The process stimulates serotonin and endorphins, which help mitigate body aches, soreness, and pain. 

Is it better than traditional medication and treatment?

For post-surgery recovery, the application of acupuncture is said to be better than regular treatment options. It does not lead to any drowsiness or annoying side effects. People who are skeptical of developing a dependency on typical OTC pain management medications can try this method. 

Visible benefits of applying acupuncture

People undergoing surgeries benefit after resorting to acupuncture in the recuperation phase. It is often the source of healing faster.

  • Swelling of body parts is pretty common in people undergoing surgeries. Inflammation is the body’s natural response, and it is also a part of natural healing. However, it can also slow recovery at times, and in those cases, acupuncture can help. This works better for people undergoing surgeries involving body joints. 
  • Acupuncture is effective in enhancing blood flow within the body. Improved circulation ensures a regular supply of nutrients and oxygen to all body organs, speeding up recovery. It also quickens the wound recovery process.
  • Surgery often slows down the immune system’s functioning, and that can lead to infections. Acupuncture has a positive impact on the immune response. It helps improve the white blood cell production rate, allowing the body to fend off various diseases. It is crucial for people recovering after a major surgery. 
  • After surgery, a lot of people feel nauseous. Acupuncture helps reduce the symptoms of nausea in such people. Stimulation of pressure points and hormonal flow regulation help tune up the digestive system and control nausea. 

A look at the study findings

Leading institutes and researchers have done several studies. A study published in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery showed acupuncture done on people undergoing heart valve surgery benefitted from it. They experienced reduced pain and nausea, alongside other benefits. 

Final words

Checking key aspects will help assess the feasibility of clinics offering acupuncture for post-surgery recovery. One should check for treatment customization options and the track record of the therapists in treating people seeking such specific solutions. Of course, the reviews of their patients reveal a lot about the clinic’s credibility. At the same time, ensure that the practitioner carrying out the treatment is a certified one.

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