Key West Wellness Center

Tag: stress

Exploring the Power of Acupuncture for Pain Management: A Holistic Approach Backed by Science

Acupuncture is a time-tested, holistic approach to pain management that has been practiced for thousands of years. Rooted in Eastern medicine, acupuncture has evolved into a widely accepted and evidence-based method for alleviating a wide range of pain conditions. From chronic back pain and migraines to arthritis and sports injuries, acupuncture offers a natural, non-invasive solution that is gaining popularity in the modern world.

The Growing Popularity of Acupuncture

In recent years, acupuncture has seen a surge in popularity, with an estimated 14 million Americans turning to this ancient practice for pain relief. The growing interest in acupuncture is not just anecdotal; a significant body of scientific research supports its efficacy. One landmark study, published in the *Archives of Internal Medicine* in 2012, conducted a meta-analysis of nearly 18,000 patients across 29 studies. The researchers found that acupuncture significantly reduces chronic pain, making it a viable option for those seeking alternatives to conventional pain treatments.

How Acupuncture Works:

1. Improved Circulation: Acupuncture needles can enhance blood flow to targeted areas, which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients while removing waste products. This increased circulation promotes healing and reduces pain.

2. Neurotransmitter Changes: Acupuncture stimulates the release of various neurotransmitters, including endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. Endorphins act as the body’s natural painkillers, while serotonin and dopamine improve mood and reduce pain perception.

3. Inflammation Reduction: Chronic pain is often associated with inflammation. Acupuncture has been shown to decrease inflammatory markers in the body, thereby reducing inflammation and alleviating pain.

4. Nervous System Regulation: Acupuncture can modulate the activity of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions. By balancing the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, acupuncture helps reduce stress and muscle tension, contributing to pain relief.

The Basics of Acupuncture for Pain Relief

Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate healing and pain relief. It is used to treat a variety of pain conditions, including chronic back pain, migraines, osteoarthritis, and postoperative pain. The National Health Interview Survey indicates that over 14 million Americans have used acupuncture for pain relief, highlighting its popularity and effectiveness.

One of the key advantages of acupuncture is its holistic nature. Rather than simply masking symptoms, acupuncture aims to address the root causes of pain and promote overall well-being. This approach aligns with the growing demand for natural and integrative therapies that support long-term health.

The Path to Becoming a Licensed Acupuncturist

To ensure patients receive safe and effective care, becoming a licensed acupuncturist requires rigorous education and certification. Acupuncturists undergo extensive training in both the theory and practice of acupuncture, as well as in biomedical sciences, to provide a well-rounded approach to patient care. This thorough training ensures that licensed acupuncturists are equipped to deliver high-quality treatments that meet the needs of their patients.

Why Consider Acupuncture for Pain Management?

With millions of people in the United States turning to acupuncture for pain relief and a growing body of scientific evidence supporting its efficacy, acupuncture is an attractive option for those seeking a natural and holistic approach to pain management. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain or looking for a complementary treatment to enhance your overall well-being, acupuncture offers a powerful tool for managing pain and promoting health.

Acupuncture stands as a testament to the enduring wisdom of ancient practices, now validated by modern science. If you are experiencing pain, consider exploring acupuncture as a potential solution and discover the benefits it can offer for your health and well-being.

Please call us to learn more, we are looking forward to working with you on your health journey.

Dr. Ashley Hoyt, AP.

Key West Wellness Center 3420 Duck Ave. Key West, FL 305.296.5358

September 25, 2024
Targeted Acupuncture Points To Help Treat & Reduce Inflammation

Your body can help heal itself with acupuncture!

Acupuncture works by stimulating various nerve points on the human body and this helps mitigate pain and energy flow.

When it comes to inflammation, cortisol is a known culprit as it increases inflammation in the body. Cortisol causes pain, and one way of reducing inflammation in your body is by reducing the pain-causing cortisol, as it coaxes the body’s pituitary gland to release cortisol.

Even with treatment it is important for the patient to create and lead a lifestyle revolving around their Wellness. Diet, inactivity, obesity, lack of sleep and stress can cause a great impact on our health. Several factors can cause inflammation in our bodies to rise; sleep patterns, smoking, high blood pressure, air pollutants, poor diet or consuming foods which we may be sensitive to, infrequent hydration, high stress home or work environments and exposure to toxic chemicals or high temperatures.

Some of the important acupuncture points for inflammation are as listed below:

Large Intestine LI4, On the back side of the hand located between the thumb and the first finger. This point helps treat inflammatory conditions and fevers.

Lung LU7, On the wrist on the inside of the arm. This acupuncture point treats pain and inflammation in the upper body. It includes pain in the head, neck stiffness, cough, sore throat, facial paralysis, and also several wrist conditions.

Gallbladder GB20, On the base of the skull where the neck joins the back. It treats disorders such as neck pain, headache, and fever. In addition, it also helps lower blood pressure.

Liver LV3, At the top of your foot, located between the first and second toes. It helps reduce pain in the chest, provides relief from headaches, and also reduces high blood pressure.

Urinary Bladder BL40, Behind the knee. It helps treat hip impairment, back pain, leg pain, muscular atrophy, nausea, abdominal pain, and many other ailments.

Kidney KI3, In the inner ankle. It treats chronic back pain.
Additional anti-inflammatory benefits provided through acupuncture are listed below.

For new patients seeking to understand. You may contact our office to schedule an appointment. The first session may last a bit longer as the acupuncturist gets to know the patient. A treatment plan is then formulated to address specific issues. The follow-up treatment includes reassessing the patient’s current condition and whether it requires specific changes.

How Often Should I Be Treated With Acupuncture?:
Each individual takes their own unique time to respond to the acupuncture treatment protocol, so ideally the frequency of your visits depend on the recommendations made by your Certified Acupuncturists based on your chief complaints.

“Take Control of Your Wellness” by giving us a call, we can help you begin your Acupuncture Therapy routine and to help answer any of your questions.

Dr. Ashley Hoyt, AP.
Key West Wellness Center 3420 Duck Ave. Key West, FL 305.296.5358

“Acupuncture can help with a wide range of inflammatory conditions including acute inflammation from sports injuries, to autoimmune disorders, and chronic inflammatory conditions.”

Some examples include:
Rheumatoid arthritis
See: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5925010/
Fibromyalgia
See: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6365227/
Crohn’s disease/ulcerative colitis
See: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30535303
Acid reflux/GERD
See: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20697939
Asthma/allergies
See: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25590322
Thyroid disorders (Hashimoto’s/Graves)
See: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30341025

September 6, 2023
Decrease Stress During The Holidays

Treating the Problem of Stress with Massage Therapy

And so it begins…

The stress of crazy lines at the grocery store, the mad rush to tidy the house to perfection, an influx of multiple relatives, the list goes on and on. Yep, you guessed it, it’s the beginning of the holiday season! The time where we as a society set out to conquer all that needs conquering in order to have the most perfect holiday occasion of them all. While on the quest for perfection we tend to always find something along the way… STRESS. This week, Dr. Ashley Hoyt offers some tips to help control stress.

What is it about the holidays that creates stress?

Good question. There are many reasons why we believe the holidays cause stress. Some would tend to blame backed up traffic, crowded malls, and never-ending sentimental commercials pushing holiday cheer and family love. However, believe it or not, our own memories of past holidays could be the reason.

Dr. Ronald Nathan, PhD, a clinical professor at Albany Medical College in New York says, “When we think about the holidays, we dwell on the past and what went wrong, or we romanticize it and make it impossible to re-create.” Whether or not you believe that, really isn’t as important as what you can do to make sure the stress of the holidays do not become so overwhelming that it overshadows the holiday season altogether.

What are some solutions to keeping the stress of the holidays to a minimum?

Dr. Nathan suggests we stop dwelling on the past and broaden our minds to what the holidays can be in the present.

Women’s Day Magazine suggests a good way to decrease stress during the holidays is when putting together that holiday “to-do list”. Alternate each task with something enjoyable which will allow you to relax a bit and truly enjoy what the holidays are about.

MassageTherapy.com suggests that taking time for yourself during a time when we are most going out of our way for others is key to a “stressless” holiday season. Here are some ways to do just that:

1.Take time for yourself.

YES, get a massage. Soak in a mineral bath. Get a facial. Take a moment at the moment when you think one is least available.

2. Shop online.

Another good way to decrease stress during the holidays is to forget the enormous battle with overcrowded malls and department stores. Shop online early and even get it gift wrapped to save the stress over having to wrap a million gifts before the grand opening of them all.

3. Eat right.

They don’t call it the most wonderful time of the year for nothing. Some of the most delicious food comes this time of year. Enjoy a traditional pie, puddings or cookies as long as it’s in moderation. Eat right because it will be a major factor in how sluggish you feel. That could prevent you from accomplishing what you need to do in time for the holidays. So, keep your portions moderate and spread them out over the course of the day.

4. Remember the spirit.

When it’s all said and done, no one will remember that the turkey was a little dry, or that you completely forgot the dinner rolls. What will shine brightest in their minds are the moments and special memories shared with each other along the way. Guarantee that your effort to enjoy yourself pays off by managing your stress.

If you would like to find out more about massage therapy or relaxing facials, book an appointment with Dr. Ashley Hoyt today, or call Dr. Ashley Hoyt’s Key West Wellness Center to schedule an appointment. (305) 296-5358.

September 2, 2016