5 Health Benefits of Acupuncture You Didn’t Know About

You’ve likely heard how effective acupuncture can be for pain in your joints, neck, and back — and for good reason. Studies show that pain relief is the most common reason people in the United States seek out acupuncture.

But did you know that this traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice offers a wealth of benefits beyond simply easing aches and pains? Licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist  Bethany Leddy, Doctor of Acupuncture, provides expert care for a diverse range of health conditions at Elemental Acupuncture in Bryant Park in New York City and Tuckahoe, New York.

From supporting fertility and pregnancy to alleviating anxiety and depression, acupuncture addresses the underlying imbalances that can contribute to your health concerns. In this month’s post, discover five surprising health benefits of acupuncture that you may not know about.

Improving fertility

Dreaming of growing your family? Acupuncture can be a great option for couples who may have difficulty getting pregnant, improving fertility in both men and women. For women, acupuncture can:

• Regulate your hormones, improving ovulation and increasing the chances of conception
• Improve blood flow to the uterus, enhancing the environment for egg implantation
• Reduce stress and anxiety, creating a more relaxed state for conception

For men, acupuncture can:

• Improve sperm count, motility, and morphology (shape) — crucial for successful fertilization
• Naturally increase testosterone levels, supporting sperm production

Once you successfully conceive, acupuncture can help alleviate common pregnancy discomforts that expectant moms often face, such as nausea, swollen ankles, back pain, and fatigue.

Finding relief from allergies

If you’re seeking a natural and effective way to manage allergy symptoms, acupuncture can offer a solution — whether you’re looking for an alternative to medications or a way to enhance their effects. Here’s how acupuncture can help with your allergies:

Reduces inflammation

When you experience an allergic reaction, your immune system triggers an inflammatory response in your body. Acupuncture can calm this inflammation, reducing mucous production and common allergy symptoms such as congestion, runny nose, and itchy eyes.

Modulates the immune system

A series of targeted acupuncture treatments, combined with regular maintenance sessions, can re-train your immune system and reduce your body’s reaction to allergens.

Supporting gut health

Dealing with digestive difficulties? Whether you have occasional discomfort or a chronic gastrointestinal disorder like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Chron’s disease, acupuncture can restore balance to your digestive system. By gently stimulating specific points on your body, acupuncture can support your gut health by:

• Regulating digestive enzymes, enhancing your body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food
• Reducing inflammation in the digestive tract
• Improving digestive function, reducing issues like constipation and diarrhea
• Calming the nervous system, which plays a large role in digestive function

Enhancing natural beauty

These days, injectable cosmetic procedures like neuromodulators and dermal fillers are often seen as the go-to solution for achieving a refreshed, youthful appearance. However, there’s a natural alternative that harnesses your body’s own healing power: cosmetic acupuncture.

Unlike other treatments that introduce foreign substances into your skin, cosmetic acupuncture enhances your natural beauty without any fillers, chemicals, or toxins. Stimulating acupoints on the face and body can promote collagen production, improve circulation, and reduce stress — all of which contribute to a more radiant and youthful complexion.

Balancing emotions

If you’re struggling with stress, anxiety, or depression, don’t ignore your symptoms. Mental health challenges are medical conditions that deserve the same level of care and understanding as any other health issue. Acupuncture can provide a gentle, yet powerful, path to inner peace and emotional balance by:

• Lowering levels of cortisol, the primary stress hormone
• Increasing the production of endorphins, your body’s natural mood-boosters
• Regulating your nervous system, reducing anxiety
• Improving sleep quality

When you visit Elemental Acupuncture, Dr. Leddy takes the time to understand your individual needs and goals so she can create a customized treatment plan just for you. To learn how the principles of TCM can address your specific health concerns, call or message Elemental Acupuncture today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Leddy.