Acupuncture and massage both offer patients a variety of benefits including reduced muscle pain, neck tension, and more. Most people use them separately to treat certain issues. Research has shown, however, that when combined together, the benefits of both are greatly enhanced.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient medical practice that has a licensed specialist stimulate specific points on the body with small, sterile needles. When the needles are inserted, blood flow improves to the area. The blood then pushes out any toxic fluids that might be causing the body pain.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), acupuncture can be used to treat over 70 conditions. Acupuncture is perfect for treating tissues in the body that cant't be accessed with fingers, elbows or palms -- or traditional massage therapy techniques.
Acupuncture needles are precise and can access these difficult deep tissue areas -- directly influencing the nerves. Scientific research has confirmed that Acupuncture created biochemical changes in the body that can facilitate healing.
What is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy is the manipulation of soft tissues in the body and aids in the recovery of joint and tendon conditions. This can include everything from muscle spasms and tightness to scar tissue conditions as well as imbalances in the positioning of body parts that result in weakness and pain. Massage therapy also works to prepare muscle tissues that need to be separated from other issues such as scars or potential contractures.
Massage therapy treatment has a therapeutic effect on the body and is an integral part of a holistic health plan. Not only does it work within the muscular, nervous and circulatory systems to improve overall well being, it can be used to maintain current health levels.
Massage and Acupuncture Combined
It seems clear that when administered separately, both acupuncture and massage can have tremendous health benefits. However, more people are finding even more success when combining the two techniques. In fact, many patients report enhanced health benefits and longevity when enjoying same-day acupuncture and massage.
How It Works
Massage works to warm the body up. Once the body has fully relaxed, a healing practitioner can then begin acupuncture. During the acupuncture treatment, blood flow begins to improve, working to disrupt blockages in the area and release tension. Once the acupuncture session ends, the therapist will administer a final round of massage, relaxing the body further.
Better Together
Patients that have found one treatment more beneficial than the other may find that in combination, acupuncture and massage actually reduce pain more than when they are administered on their own. When combined with massage, acupuncture can also be highly effective in the treatment of orthopedic, pain, and sports injuries.