Acupuncture and massage are holistic treatments aimed at enhancing overall wellness. Both are effective in reducing pain, improving circulation, and lowering inflammation, but they employ different techniques. Acupuncture uses thin needles inserted into specific points on the body, while massage involves various kneading techniques to manipulate muscles or soft tissues.
Depending on your symptoms and wellness goals, combining both treatments can maximize their effects. Here are some benefits of receiving acupuncture and massage together:
Relieves Pain
Acupuncture treats pain by inserting needles at strategic points, releasing blocked energy flow, and improving blood circulation. It also stimulates the production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Massage therapy, on the other hand, alleviates pain by relaxing muscles, tendons, and joints, and inhibiting pain messages to and from the brain.
Enhances Range of Motion
Combining acupuncture and massage can enhance flexibility and range of motion by using complementary techniques to heal muscle pain. Massage relaxes muscles, tendons, and joints, while acupuncture works deeper to stimulate inactive and constricted muscles.
Reduces Inflammation
Chronic inflammation can harm the body. Both acupuncture and massage have anti-inflammatory effects. Acupuncture affects cytokines, proteins that control cell movement, thereby increasing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Massage therapy can reduce inflammation at a cellular level and promote the growth of new mitochondria in skeletal muscle.
Lowers Stress
For high stress levels, acupuncture and massage provide a sense of calm by lowering heart rate and stimulating the central nervous system. They also reduce cortisol, a stress hormone.
Improves Sleep Quality
After massage and acupuncture sessions, a sense of relaxation and calmness can improve sleep quality. Research indicates acupuncture is more effective at treating insomnia than sleep medications, increasing patients’ total sleep duration. Massage therapy encourages the release of serotonin, which is a precursor to melatonin, the hormone that controls the sleep cycle.
Before booking sessions, consult with your doctor to ensure these treatments are suitable for your condition. Go to licensed professionals for both treatments. Usually, it’s best to get a massage first to relax your body, making acupuncture more effective. If you’re hesitant to do both treatments on the same day, consult with your therapist to develop an effective treatment plan.