In recent years acupuncture has been gaining recognition from its Western medical counterpart as a legitimate body of medicine with proven benefits to the health and well-being of patients. Integrative Chinese medicine is nowadays common practice, with many hospitals and medical center’s around the world embracing the holistic approach to healing.
The mind and body perceive an invasive procedure as a traumatic event weakening our immune systems and often the body reacts slowly to medicinal treatments. Acupuncture techniques can be sought and employed before or immediately after surgery without risk.
In practice, acupuncture has been scientifically proven to regulate red blood cell counts, boost the immune system, increase circulation, help with digestion and most importantly reduce pain. This is due a systematic approach targeting the central nervous system and stimulating the electro-magnetic impulses, a process that releases endorphins (the body’s natural opioid inhibitors).
Pre-surgery, many patients will manifest symptoms due to physical stress and mental anxieties. Acupuncture can also be sought as a per-emptive measure to ensuring a faster recovery. Studies have shown that patients receiving acupuncture before a procedure required 50% less post-operational morphine than patients who did not, and reported a 30-50% reduction in stress levels.
In the majority of cases where patients have undergone major or minor surgery, around 86% will claim to be experiencing post-operative pain. The prevalence of opioid analgesics as the industry standard for reducing post-operative pain in patients carries inherent side effects such as nausea, vomiting, vertigo and decreased or abnormal motility in the gut resulting in generally slower recovery periods.
The relevance of acupuncture in today’s age is being recognized by established medical associations and is reflected by its standing as a standard option within healthcare systems. When implemented as an adjunct (supplementary) method of pain relief, acupuncture can lead to improved post-operative recovery and most every patient can benefit from treatment of this type.
References
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/581266
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-patricia-fitzgerald/calming-the-shen-a-chines_b_439771.html
https://www.acufinder.com/Acupuncture+Information/Detail/Acupuncture+Pre+and+Post+Surgery
http://www.dukeintegrativemedicine.org/patient-care/preparing-for-surgery-success