How Can Acupuncture Help Drug Rehab?

Once an almost unknown form of treatment, acupuncture is quickly becoming a more and more accepted practice in substance abuse treatment centers across the country. A great deal of research has been done on the efficacy of acupuncture to help people who suffer from drug and alcohol addiction, and though more evidence is needed, the results thus far point to very positive results. Because drug addiction and most psychological disorders are diseases that are chronic in nature, it is important that we utilize all effective therapies and weave them together to create a total treatment. Acupuncture is an excellent alternative therapy to integrate into any comprehensive treatment for drug and alcohol addiction.

At The Canyon, we provide acupuncture services as well as an extensive list of holistic therapies and services. In addition to bodywork and massage, yoga and meditation, your time spent with us in Peace Park outside of Malibu, California, will include a number of alternative and traditional therapies to create a complete and personalized treatment program.

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What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that has been practiced for thousands of years. It is believed that energy or "qi" (pronounced "chee") flows through the body under the surface of the skin along lines called meridians. The goal is to allow that qi to flow without restriction throughout the body. However, too often any number of things block the flow of this, and we have physical and mental issues as a result. By using needles and inserting them in meridians that correspond to different organs and bodily functions, acupuncture unblocks and rejuvenates the flow of energy, allowing the body to heal. These needles do not hurt, and it is a relatively noninvasive process. The needles are used just once, are sterile and barely break the skin. Beta-endorphins are triggered when needles are inserted, a physiological explanation for the traditional theory behind qi.

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Acupuncture and Its Relationship to Drug Addiction Treatment

Drug addiction is a medical disease of the brain with symptoms that manifest physically and mentally. Acupuncture needles are inserted into the meridians that correspond directly to organs affected by drug use, like the liver. The most popular form of acupuncture for drug addiction treatment is auricular, or needles placed in stimulation points in the ears, points identified as: kidney, lung, liver, sympathetic and shenmen. These detoxification points are considered standard and are used in all research related to acupuncture and drug addiction treatment, and this will be what you experience when you undergo acupuncture sessions for addiction treatment at The Canyon.

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Acupuncture and Drug Rehab at The Canyon

The research associated with acupuncture and drug rehab has not been reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since the 1970s, when they ruled that it should be termed an "experimental" treatment. Over time as more and more evidence has shown its effectiveness as part of a comprehensive drug addiction treatment program, acupuncture has become more and more accepted as a part of a holistic drug rehab program along the lines of other bodywork, massage, yoga and medication. All of these alternative therapies are employed at The Canyon to bring you a complete and personal treatment program. If you have questions about acupuncture and drug rehab or if you would like to visit us at The Canyon, contact us today at .

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