Treating Addiction With Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing modality. And in recent decades, it’s also grown popular in the U.S. Millenia of use show that it can safely treat a wide variety of conditions.

Many rehabs offer acupuncture as part of a holistic approach to recovery. It isn’t meant to replace traditional options like talk therapy and medication, but it can still be an effective and important part of treatment. 

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).¹ In most sessions, the practitioner inserts a number of small needles into your skin. Each needle is carefully placed to achieve a particular goal. Some practitioners also offer these alternative types of acupuncture:²

• Electrical stimulation, also known as “electroacupuncture,” moves electrical pulses through the needles. One study found that this slowed down heart rate, increased relaxation and tranquility, and decreased tension and distress.
• Laser acupuncture uses light instead of needles. This option may be best for people who don’t like needles, and it’s proven just as effective as traditional acupuncture.
• During warm-needling, or heat acupuncture,³ the practitioner inserts warm needles into the body.

Acupuncturists are licensed professionals with extensive training. If you get acupuncture in rehab, you may have regular sessions throughout your time there. The clinician will likely create a long-term plan of care, and track your progress after each treatment. 

What Happens During an Acupuncture Session?

In your first acupuncture session,⁴ the practitioner will take your health history. You’ll describe any current symptoms, and they’ll perform a physical exam. During the session itself, your provider will use needles to stimulate acupuncture points. There are about 350 of these points located on 14 meridians on the body, each with a different purpose. The clinician will plan needle placement around your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. 

Next, you’ll lie down in a calm and quiet treatment room. The acupuncturist will insert needles into various parts of your body. These needles are much smaller than the ones used in most medical procedures. While you may feel some discomfort when they’re first put in place, the process is rarely painful.

In most acupuncture sessions, the provider will then leave you alone for 10-20 minutes. You can use this time to relax, meditate, or process any emotions that come up. Then the acupuncturist will return and remove the needles. They may ask you about your experience, or even perform another physical exam.

Because this is a holistic treatment, it can help you heal every aspect of yourself. This includes physical, emotional, and spiritual concerns. Acupuncturists aim to achieve this by improving the flow of qi, or vital energy.

What is Qi, and Why is it Important?

Acupuncture is based in the belief that the flow of vital energy through the body can impact your health. Acupuncturists refer to this vital energy as qi.⁴

Qi moves through the body via meridians, or distinct energetic channels. If the meridians get blocked, the flow of qi is interrupted. Acupuncture uses needles to break up these blockages. This helps qi flow freely again, and reach a state of equilibrium. Once your qi is in balance, you can reestablish physical and spiritual wellness. 

Side Effects and Limitations

Most people find that acupuncture doesn’t hurt.⁴ Some clients experience numbness or a small amount of pain or tingling. This is actually called “de-qi,” and may be a sign of successful treatment. If you’re a candidate for acupuncture, there is a very low risk of serious side effects. 

However, this treatment isn’t safe for everyone. You should avoid acupuncture⁴ if you have any of the following conditions: 

• an active infection, especially involving the skin
• cancer
• a decreased white blood cell count
• psychosis or delusions

Make sure you talk to your provider about any concerns before your first session. You can also consult with your doctor to make sure this treatment is safe for you.