Acupuncture for Addiction in Idaho
Movies and television shows often depict acupuncture therapy in a hilarious situation that has people lying paralyzed on spa couches with enough pins stuck in them to make porcupines turn green with envy. In reality, acupuncture is a serious, natural, and holistic treatment that can help you overcome your addiction and improve your well-being. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse, you may be looking for alternative ways to cope and heal, and acupuncture may suit your needs perfectly.
Research on acupuncture is still in its early stages. The utilization of acupuncture for addiction treatment commenced in the early 1970s in China, when a physician observed that acupuncture could alleviate withdrawal symptoms in individuals struggling with opiate abuse. Acupuncturists discovered that by inserting and manipulating meridian points, it might be possible to decrease cortisol levels and restore dopamine balance, thereby alleviating withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings associated with drug and alcohol detoxification.
Acupuncture is safe, cost-effective, and widely available at our drug rehab center in Nampa, Idaho. Find out if you are a candidate for holistic therapies such as this one.
Holistic therapy considers examining the whole person: body, mind, spirit, and emotions in the quest for optimal health and wellness. These alternative treatments are based on the idea that everything is connected and that our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health are influenced by each other. Holistic therapies aim to balance and heal all aspects of a person’s being, not just a specific problem or symptom.
Holistic rehab tends to include both traditional and non-traditional methods, such as psychotherapy, acupuncture, massage, meditation, yoga, and more. Therapists use a variety of techniques to help their clients understand themselves better, cope with stress, manage emotions, and improve their quality of life. By tackling the root causes of issues, holistic therapies can help prevent or treat many conditions, such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, addiction, and more.
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What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a natural and holistic treatment that can help you with various health problems. It’s an ancient practice that originated in China more than 2,500 years ago as part of traditional Chinese medicine, which includes herbs, massage, diet, and exercise. It is based on the idea that your body has a flow of energy called qi (pronounced “chee”) that needs to be balanced and harmonious for you to be healthy.
This holisitic form of therapy is an ancient practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of energy and restore balance. It can help reduce unwanted behaviors and desires from the body while promoting more positive ones. Acupuncture is widely used around the world for various conditions, such as headaches, back pain, allergies, insomnia, depression, and more, all while being safe, effective, and affordable. It has also been known to improve a person’s blood circulation, reduce pain, calm the mind, and enhance overall well-being.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Auricular (acupuncture of the ear) is the most-used form of acupuncture that helps people with addiction. The acupuncture specialist inserts a thin needle into the person’s ear and targets 5 specific areas
- Lung Point: Enhances your lung functioning and relieves feelings of grief.
- Liver Point: Removes toxins from your liver and blood, and curbs your aggressive tendencies.
- Kidney Point: Restores vital organs to full health and eases your fears.
- Shen Men: (Also known as the “spirit gate.”) Decreases your anxiety levels.
- The Autonomic (or Sympathetic) Point: Facilitates relaxation and soothes your nervous system.
How Is Acupuncture Used In Addiction Treatment Programs?
Acupuncture is often used as a complementary therapy in addiction treatment programs, along with other methods such as counseling, medication, and support groups. Acupuncture can help people with different types of addiction, such as alcohol, drugs, nicotine, or gambling. This therapy from the holistic family can also help people cope with stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma, which are common factors that contribute to addiction.
Acupuncture is usually offered in group settings, which can make it more affordable and supportive. You can experience the benefits of acupuncture in a safe and comfortable environment, with other people who share similar challenges and goals. Acupuncture can also be customized to meet the individual needs and preferences of each person.
What Are The Types Of Acupuncture For Addiction?
Acupuncture for addiction comes in two general types: auricular acupuncture and body acupuncture.
- Auricular acupuncture is a form of ear therapy that uses five needles in each ear to target the organs and functions related to addiction. Doesn’t that sound exciting?
- Body acupuncture uses needles at various points on the body to address the physical and emotional aspects of addiction.
Both types of acupuncture can be used as complementary therapies in addiction treatment programs, along with other methods such as counseling, medication, and support groups.
What Are The Benefits Of Acupuncture For Drug And Alcohol Addiction Recovery?
Acupuncture has actual benefits and is not just a gimmick used to get you into “hippie” wellness centers and programs. A few of the benefits of acupuncture for drug and alcohol addiction recovery are:
- It can complement other forms of treatment, such as counseling, medication, and support groups. The more beneficial components you add to your recovery plan, the smoother the process can be.
- It can help with different types of addiction, such as opioids, alcohol, nicotine, or cocaine.
- It can help with co-occurring mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. Co-occurring disorders are where addictions are present in a person alongside mental health issues like PTSD, anxiety, or depression.
- It can improve physical and emotional well-being, such as blood circulation, immune system, sleep quality, and mood. This shows that acupuncture can be beneficial even for people who are not undergoing any addiction recovery treatments.
- It is safe, effective, and affordable. There are no side effects or huge medical bills to worry about.
What To Expect Before An Acupuncture Treatment
If you are planning to try acupuncture for the first time, you may be wondering what to expect before your treatment, whether or not the needle will hurt when they’re inserted, whether you will be paralyzed or you will be able to move, and other fun things like that. There’s no fun in ruining the surprise, but there are a few things you should do before your acupuncture appointment, such as:
- Consult with your acupuncturist: Your acupuncturist will ask you about your medical history, your current condition, and your goals for treatment. They will also examine your pulse, tongue, and abdomen to assess your overall health, and this will help them design a personalized treatment plan for you and your specific recovery needs.
- Prepare physically: You should eat a light meal, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol and caffeine before your treatment. You should also wear loose and comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the acupuncture points. Make sure you avoid strenuous exercise or stress before your session. You do want those needles to come back out, right?
- Get there early: You should arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to fill out any paperwork and relax. You should also turn off your phone and any other distractions as this will help you get ready for your treatment and enjoy the experience. Feel free to question your acupuncturist about anything or have them explain the entire process to you as you go through it.
Incorporating Acupuncture into Your Addiction Recovery Plan
If you want to use acupuncture as part of your recovery from addiction, you need to find a good acupuncturist who knows how to treat people like you. The first time you meet them, they will check your health and make a plan that suits you and your goals.
Acupuncture is when they put tiny needles in some parts of your body. The needles stay there for a while and sometimes they move them a little to make them work better. How long you need to do acupuncture depends on how bad your addiction is. You may only need a few sessions, or you could require many more that could stretch into months, but if you keep going to your appointments, you will see the difference. Acupuncture can help you feel better and heal faster from your addiction.
Holistic Therapy At Eagle Creek Ranch Is Available
Holistic therapy at Eagle Creek Ranch is available for people who are struggling with addiction and mental health issues. We are a rehab center located on a scenic ranch in Oregon, where people can receive personalized and comprehensive care. We combine traditional therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and medication management, with holistic therapies, such as yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and equine therapy.
Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery in Nampa, ID, helps people discover and address the root causes of their conditions and provides them with the tools and support they need to achieve lasting recovery. Contact us today to begin your recovery journey and regain control over your health and your future.
Clinical Director
Kendall Maloof is the clinical director at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist and has held multiple leadership roles before settling here at Eagle Creek. Kendall received her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2016. Her career in mental and behavioral health began in 2014 when she took up internships in both the nonprofit and for profit sectors. She interned at multiple reputable companies, such as The Living Success Center and 449 Recovery in California.
In 2019, Kendall became the clinical director of Sunsets Recovery for Woman, a dual diagnosis program in southern California. Kendall is a natural leader. She has an incredible ability to problem solve and stay calm in any situation. Kendall never fails to show up when she is needed, and her calm demeanor makes her team and clients feel at ease. Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery is proud to have Kendall as our clinical director.