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Here in the U.S., it isn’t uncommon for older people from the North to travel to southern states during the frigid winter months in search of someplace warmer to rest and relax after years of hard work. “Snow birds” we call them. And one great activity for snow birds to consider engaging in is acupuncture, as the two make the perfect combination.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a practice that involves placing tiny needles at very specific points in the body in order to release tension, reduce pain, and improve overall health. This makes acupuncture perfect for snow birds because these are generally the same reasons that they “fly south” for the winter, winding up in Daphne, AL and similar warmer climates. But doesn’t acupuncture hurt?
The Myth Behind Acupuncture Pain
Admittedly, the one thing that can keep snow birds from engaging in acupuncture is the thought of pain as needles are being placed in their skin. However, this is more myth than fact because acupuncture isn’t as painful as it sounds. In fact, many snow birds find it thoroughly relaxing as their trigger points become released. Plus, the needles are so tiny that they are barely felt upon insertion. So, how does acupuncture work?
Imagine Your Body as Roadways
Imagine that your body is made up of tiny roadways. Just like regular roadways can become obstructed due to everyone getting out of work at the same time or an accident, the roadways in your body can become obstructed too. This can throw your whole system off balance, ultimately affecting your health and wellness.
Therefore, the goal of acupuncture is to reopen the roadways and get traffic flowing smoothly once again (the Chinese refer to it as yin and yang). This makes you feel better mentally and physically, as a lot of snow birds can attest.
One of the main reasons snow birds “landing” in the Daphne, AL area want acupuncture is because it is an effective pain reliever. While some opponents suggest that this benefit is “all in one’s head,” research shows otherwise.
In fact, one particular study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine concluded that “Significant differences between true and sham acupuncture indicate that acupuncture is more than a placebo.” In other words, it actually provides physical results.
If you’re a snow bird who is in the Daphne, AL area and would like to see what acupuncture can do for you, call Back in Motion Chiropractic & Acupuncture today at (251) 621-2224 and schedule an appointment. We’ll have you “flying right” in no time!
References
Vickers, A et al. (2012). Acupuncture for Chronic Pain. Archives of Internal Medicine, 172(19), 1444-1453, doi: 10.1001/archinternmed.2012.3654