The Link Between Dehydration and Headaches
Not getting enough fluids can trigger a headache, but it’s not always easy to tell if dehydration is the root of the problem or if it’s just exacerbating something else.
Understanding the Healing Power of Acupuncture
For thousands of years — since at least 2500 BCE — certain medical practitioners have been using one treatment modality to help their patients heal and find relief from their symptoms. It doesn’t involve medication, it doesn’t require incisions, and its side effects are minimal.
So, what is this ancient healing technique? Acupuncture.
As scientific research evolves, we’re learning more and more about how acupuncture works. And it’s proving what many acupuncturists have long known: This treatment can be effective for a wide range of health conditions.
Dr. Halina Snowball is one of these acupuncturists. At Integrated Pain Solutions in Stamford, Connecticut, Dr. Snowball can help you explore acupuncture, determining if it’s right for your condition and health goals. And if it is, she administers the acupuncture treatment from the comfort and convenience of our office.
If Dr. Snowball does recommend acupuncture for you, you might be wondering how it works. We can help you get a grasp on its healing power.
Understanding acupuncture
During acupuncture, Dr. Snowball inserts tiny sterile needles into strategic locations on your body. The needles are so small and thin that the most you should feel is a tiny pinch at insertion.
Once inserted, the needle stimulates the acupuncture point. Because these points connect to your central nervous system, that stimulation encourages your body to release certain chemicals. The acupuncture points that Dr. Snowball chooses to target determine the biochemical changes that occur. This allows her to tailor your treatment to your condition and symptoms.
That might still sound relatively vague, so we’ll give you an example of what acupuncture can do.
A recent study looked at a specific acupuncture use case: cytokine storms. Cytokines are small proteins that tell your immune system to get to work. But when your body releases too many of them — the cytokine storm — it can trigger serious inflammation.
Acupuncture may help to reduce the storm, limiting your body’s inflammatory response to things like COVID-19 or cancer treatment.
Even in 2024, researchers still don’t have complete clarity about how acupuncture works. As we learn more, though, findings illuminate what many acupuncturists already see in their daily practices. This treatment option brings many people relief without the need for invasive treatment or side-effect-causing medication.
What acupuncture can do?
Talk with Dr. Snowball about your specific symptoms so she can help you determine if acupuncture could help you. People often see improvement when this treatment is applied to the following conditions:
- Allergies
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches
- Low back pain
- Menstrual cramps
- Nausea and vomiting after surgery or chemotherapy
- Neck pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Respiratory conditions
- Tennis elbow
Clearly, acupuncture has a wide variety of use cases. And because it doesn’t require any medication, many people prefer it over something that could bring side effects into their lives.
If you’re curious about acupuncture or want to see if it could help with your specific health condition, don’t hesitate to call our office at 203-293-0549 or request an appointment online today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Can a Labral Tear Heal on Its Own?
If you tear the labrum that stabilizes your shoulder or hip, you want to heal it so you can get back to normal living as quickly as possible. That means seeing a doctor because usually, that labral tear won’t heal on its own.
How Does PRP Work to Heal My Shoulder Pain?
Shoulder pain doesn’t have to limit your range of motion — or your life. With platelet-rich plasma (PRP), you get a way to support your body’s natural healing processes, helping to ease your discomfort.
Can Exercise Cause Chronic Neck Pain?
While exercise shouldn’t cause neck pain, the way you’re working out could be contributing to your discomfort. If you think your sweat sessions might be playing a role in your pain, you’re in the right place to learn more.
How to Relieve Migraines Without Medication
If you’re tired of taking migraine medication, there are other effective treatment options you can explore. Let’s talk about migraine therapy and Botox® for migraines.
What to Expect After Trigger Point Injections
A trigger point injection gives you a targeted way to address a knot in your muscle. But will it give you immediate relief? And do you need to prep for recovery time? Here’s a look at what to expect.