Should You Consider Acupuncture for Alcoholism?

It’s no laughing matter: hundreds of thousands of people from around the country struggle with the problem of alcoholism. Hitting the bottle can be a hard habit to break, and many people do not find help through the more traditional means available to them.

But what about acupuncture for alcoholism? Many people haven’t considered giving the Eastern medicine staple a shot, or aren’t even aware it is an option when dealing with addiction.

How does acupuncture work as a treatment option for those struggling with alcohol addiction? Read on and we’ll walk you through what you should know.

What is Acupuncture?

The practice of acupuncture was first developed thousands of years ago in China. It is an alternative medical practice that relies on putting points of pressure on different spots on the body.

Often, this is done with the use of needles, which has made some people squeamish to the idea of the practice. Stimulating these areas is said to help reduce pain, aches, and aid in the healing of mental and physical conditions.

The idea of acupuncture is based on the concept of the improper flow of energy in the body. The Chinese called this energy Qi. Inserting needles and pressure at certain points is intended to restore the proper balance of Qi energy. Often, these are points where nerve, muscle, and tissue can all be affected.

Often acupuncture is used to cure headaches, blood pressure issues, and muscle sores, among other issues. It also is used quite frequently to attack addictions of many sorts.

Acupuncture for Alcoholism

The idea of using acupuncture to combat alcoholism is a relatively new one in the United States, dating back to sometime during the 1970s. This is when the practice was integrated into many recovery centers and addiction programs.

As you likely know, breaking the hold of addiction can be stressful, painful, and difficult for an individual. Withdrawal symptoms can be extreme, and the stress and anxiety the process can trigger can be immense.

That’s where acupuncture can help. Going through the process of acupuncture during this time can help to relax a person and significantly lessen withdrawal symptoms. This makes it much easier for a person to fight through this difficult period and break their dependency on alcohol.

Acupuncture alone can’t end addiction, of course, but it can be a very powerful tool in lessening the symptoms and side effects that often turn people back to the bottle.

When it comes to alcohol addiction treatment, it’s important that struggling individuals understand acupuncture can be used in addition to other forms of treatment. It might not be successful just on its own.

Fighting Back Against Alcoholism

If you or someone you love is currently struggling with addiction, it can be a difficult time. Looking into acupuncture for alcoholism might provide an additional tool that can help in this very tricky fight.

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