Car accidents are common in the United States, with about 6 million occurring annually. The most reported injuries include whiplash, fractures, contusions, lacerations, and concussions.
While conventional medicine can address these injuries promptly, acupuncture can complement and accelerate recovery. This article discusses how acupuncture can be a valuable tool in speeding up recovery from car accident injuries.
Acupuncture Overview
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine that uses fine needles to treat various health problems. It involves inserting these needles into specific points on the body to alleviate pain. Additionally, it can be used to treat other conditions, including nausea, addiction, asthma, and more.
Post-Accident Issues Acupuncture Can Address
Pain Relief
Acupuncture can effectively alleviate pain associated with injuries like whiplash, muscle strains, and joint pain by releasing endorphins. Endorphins are natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body that help relieve pain, improve mood, and promote a sense of well-being.
Inflammation Reduction
Acupuncture after car accident can reduce inflammation by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines.
Improved Mobility
It can alleviate muscle tightness and improve mobility by releasing trigger points through needle insertion, causing involuntary muscle contractions. Additionally, acupuncture for car accidents can stimulate motor points, where nerves attach to muscles, helping to deactivate tight muscles or reactivate inhibited or weak muscles.
Improved Circulation
Injured areas of the body need sufficient blood flow to heal. Good circulation carries oxygen and nutrients while removing waste products from affected tissues, resulting in faster healing.
Acupuncture improves circulation by stimulating nerve fibers and dilating blood vessels, which increases blood flow. This stimulation releases nitric oxide, a vasodilator. Additionally, it releases endorphins, substance P, and peptides, which are chemicals that enhance blood circulation.
Strengthen Immune System
A robust immune system can accelerate healing. One benefit of acupuncture is its ability to boost the immune system, helping the body combat infections and diseases. Acupuncture activates and increases the production of immune cells such as red and white blood cells, T-cells, and natural killer cells.
Additionally, acupuncture after a car accident increases interferon levels, an immune system messenger hormone. Acupuncture improves cell communication, leading to better immunity.
Stress Management
Acupuncture can reduce stress and anxiety by stimulating the release of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine—natural chemicals that have calming effects on mental well-being. At the same time, an acupuncture car accident reduces cortisol, a stress hormone.
Benefits of Acupuncture in Recovery
Holistic Approach
One benefit of acupuncture for car accidents is its holistic approach to healing. It stimulates the central nervous system (CNS) and the immune system. Acupuncture promotes healing by releasing endorphins and neurotransmitters, which support mental well-being and rebalance the body
It restores the flow of energy, or qi, aiding the normal functioning of the digestive, cardiovascular, immune, endocrine, and nervous systems. Additionally, it alleviates pain.
Minimally Invasive and Drug-Free
Acupuncture uses fine needles to treat health issues and pain. The insertion of needles is minimally invasive, and some even consider it non-invasive because they don’t feel pain from the needles. It is drug-free and does not have any side effects.
Speeds Up the Natural Healing
Many studies have highlighted acupuncture’s ability to promote natural healing. It has shown effectiveness in speeding up recovery by reducing pain and inflammation, improving mobility and circulation, strengthening the immune system, and reducing stress.
Works Alongside Conventional Treatments
Conventional medicine can address injuries promptly. However, acupuncture can complement and hasten conventional treatments, working hand in hand. Although conventional medicine has not fully embraced acupuncture, many experts now use this approach and call the combination integrative health.
What to Expect from Acupuncture Treatment
Initial Consultation
In your first consultation with a practitioner, they will ask about your current symptoms and medical history and examine you. They might also look at your tongue, face, and pulse. Based on this interview and examination, they will create a personal treatment plan for you.
Preparation
Eat something before coming to the practitioner’s clinic especially if your appointment is in the morning. Don’t skip your breakfast. Wear something comfortable, loose clothing.
The Procedure
Before commencing, the practitioner will explain the procedure to you. Depending on your situation, you may undergo additional treatments such as acupressure, massage, cupping, guasha, heat therapy, and herbal medicine, in addition to acupuncture.
During an acupuncture treatment, you can expect needle insertion. They will insert the needles in specific points on your body called the meridians. You will feel a slight prick.
The needles will stay in place for 20-60 minutes, depending on the treatment. During this time, the practitioner will make you comfortable by dimming the lights, playing soothing music, and checking on you. Some people even fall asleep during this time. Afterward, the practitioner will remove the needles.
After the acupuncture session, you may feel either relaxed or energized. These effects can last from a few days to several weeks.
Frequency and Duration
The number of sessions needed depends on the severity of the injuries. Typically, patients require 1-2 acupuncture sessions per week for 3-4 weeks. For those with chronic conditions, it may take 1-2 sessions over several months.
How to Get Started
Finding a Qualified Acupuncturist
Offer tips for choosing a licensed practitioner.
Get a Referral
Ask a doctor or someone with a similar condition for a recommendation from a qualified practitioner.
Check Credentials
Look for an acupuncturist who is licensed and certified by a reputable organization or board. The following organizations certify acupuncturists:
- American Board of Medical Acupuncture (ABMA)
- National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
- Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAOM)
Search Online
The internet is a good source for finding qualified acupuncturists. Many have websites and are listed in Google Business, where you can find patient reviews.
Know Your Insurance
Check if your insurance covers acupuncture and the list of accredited acupuncturists.
Consulting Your Doctor
It is important to inform your doctor about your acupuncture plan. Let them know you want to integrate acupuncture with conventional care, and they will help assess if this is right for you.
Cost and Insurance
The cost of acupuncture varies by state and city, but the average is around $100 per session. Not all insurance plans cover acupuncture costs, so check your insurance plan to see if it includes acupuncture before your visit.
Final Thoughts
If you want a speedy recovery from a car accident, consider complementing your treatment with acupuncture. It speeds up recovery by reducing pain and inflammation, improving mobility and circulation, strengthening the immune system, and reducing stress.
The benefits of acupuncture in recovery include its holistic approach, being minimally invasive and drug-free, speeding up natural healing, and complementing conventional medicine.