Acupuncture vs. Drugs and Surgery: A Comparison
People have become aware of the dangers of chemicals used in medicines today, which is why many look for a safer alternative to drugs to relieve pain. Acupuncture is an increasingly popular solution and has been proven to be safe for treating a wide range of conditions that usually require a significant amount of medication.
Acupuncture works by inserting extremely thin needles to stimulate nerves, muscle, and connective tissue. It can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Back and neck pain
- Chronic headaches
- Facial or dental pain
- Chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting
- Fibromyalgia
- Osteoarthritis
When combined with the modern medical technology we have now, it provides a safe and effective alternative treatment for many conditions. In this article, we’ll detail why acupuncture should be considered as an alternative treatment opted for over prescribed medicines and surgery.
Acupuncture vs. Drugs
People have been using medicines to treat illnesses for thousands of years. Though medications are continually been refined throughout the years, the use of drugs is not always the best solution. Some medications have harmful side effects due to the composition of substances. These things can affect the patient’s long-term well-being and take quite a toll on their health. Some medicines are even addictive, causing severe withdrawal symptoms if a patient ceases usage abruptly.
For example, opioids have been used as painkillers for many years. As we know, opium is a highly addictive substance that affects our cognition and perception, causing patients with a severe addiction to become nauseated and confused, and can lead patients to experience erratic mood swings. Additionally, prolonged use can cause abdominal distention, bloating, and constipation. The combination of these effects is the reason why opium should be avoided if possible. Yet, the drug continues to be liberally prescribed by doctors, especially in the United States. Acupuncture offers an alternative solution for pain relief, and it does not have the negative side effects of potential drug addiction, and nausea and vomiting that occurs with drugs such as opioid medications.
Many other medications and drugs have similarly harmful side effects, which is why chemical-free alternatives are attractive to many people. Acupuncture treatment doesn’t involve any medication or chemicals, which makes it a safer option when performed by a professional. It can help relieve joint pain, tightness in the chest, and other conditions that are typically treated by opioid medications.
Acupuncture vs. Surgery
One of the most apparent reasons why acupuncture is better than surgery is the fact that the former has little-to-no recovery time. You can book an acupuncture session in the morning and go dancing at night without any issues. Surgery, on the other hand, will require you to be admitted in a hospital for days. More invasive surgeries will require you to be put under general anesthesia, which alone can pose some amount of danger. Although the chances are slim, young children and older adults can potentially die from being put under. For this reason, doctors will completely avoid it if possible.
Acupuncture is non-invasive, which means that it doesn’t break the skin and cause bleeding. Acupuncture involves a number of tiny, thin needles being placed in the pressure points in the body, called “acupuncture points”. This needle insertion allows for improved circulation which can help promote lung function, boost immune system function, and improve your overall well-being. The effectiveness of acupuncture is enough, in some cases, for patients to be able to forgo more serious forms of treatment, such as surgery. The treatment also doesn’t require you to take any post-op medications, so you can be sure that there are no chemicals involved whatsoever.
Are you considering whether acupuncture is right for you? The numerous benefits of acupuncture make it a great treatment option. For many conditions, acupuncture can be used as an effective alternative to surgery or medication.
If you’re looking to book an acupuncture session in Edmonton, Alberta, Glenora Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Clinic is your best option. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help.