The Benefits of Acupuncture Pre- and Post-Surgery

Would you like to have a quicker recovery from surgery? Would you like to have less chance of infection from surgery or, if possible, avoid surgery altogether?

There are many reasons for surgery. Some of the reasons include confirming a diagnosis, removing diseased tissue or organs, repairing or removing traumatized tissue, relieving symptoms of a disease, improving appearance with cosmetic procedures, and performing preventative measures such as removing precancerous lesions.

Acupuncture is helpful both as preparation for a surgery and recovery after surgery. Before surgery, the body, mind, and spirit may anticipate the upcoming trauma to the body. This anticipation, anxiety, and stress can decrease the immune system and cause other stress-related symptoms, such as digestion problems and pain. By having acupuncture before surgery, you reset your energy so that stress levels are lowered, the immune system is strengthened, and inflammation and pain are decreased before, during, and after the surgery.

Acupuncture reprograms the body. It flips the switch from fight or flight to rest and relax, rest and digest. It increases the body's production of endorphins, the body's natural anti-inflammatories and pain relievers. After receiving acupuncture treatments leading up to oral surgery, I have had patients report back that their surgeon noted less bleeding and less anesthesia needed than other patients.

By entering surgery with decreased inflammation and pain as well as a strengthened immune system and healthier body, there can be better outcomes during and after surgery. The body is able to heal quicker after surgery. With the growing problem of opiate addiction, patients are often happy to be able to take no painkillers, fewer painkillers, or get off them more quickly after surgery. Acupuncture helps to reduce pain to help reduce the need for opiates and other pain killers.

The body perceives surgery as an attack or injury. There is often inflammation, pain, and lowered immune system. Receiving acupuncture after surgery is one of the best things you can do. Acupuncture initiates and speeds up the healing process. It decreases pain and sends the "clean up crews" into the areas needing to heal. Adhesions or scars from the surgery can be addressed with acupuncture to help with circulation through an area, and scar therapy can be done with acupuncture to erase scars and reduce pain at scars. There are also specific Chinese herbal formulas that can reduce inflammation and pain and speed up the healing process, as well as heal any other side effects caused by the surgery, such as digestion problems or decreased mobility after surgery of a joint.

In some cases, it is possible to avoid surgery by healing instead. The body has an innate ability to heal, and acupuncture can encourage this ability. There are limitations to how far the body can heal, but with acupuncture, we can bring your body to its highest healing potential. Patients may come in and say that they don't want surgery - for example, their back or gallbladder - and the underlying condition is one that we are able to change and heal so that they don't end up needing surgery.

If you or anyone you know is planning on having surgery, call to see how acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help you.

Dr. Megan Marco, Doctor of Acupuncture, Licensed Acupuncturist, Owner, Clinic Director

Dr. Megan Marco enjoys helping people with all health concerns, including pain, stress, fertility, depression, anxiety, and digestion. She looks forward to helping you, your friends, and your family. She has been helping people with acupuncture and Chinese medicine since 2000 and is here to help you.

Stonington Natural Health Center

Your Place for Health, Healing, and Happiness

107 Wilcox Road, Suite 103

Stonington, CT 06378

www.snhc.com

860.536.3880