Acupuncture After Surgery

Acupuncture is an effective therapy to help improve the healing process after a surgical procedure. It has proven effects on promoting blood circulation which can help heal tissue. In addition to improving healing, acupuncture can also alleviate other symptoms that often present after surgery, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, and decreased gut motility.

Typically, opioid analgesics are used to treat postoperative pain; however, these drugs are associated with a number of side effects that many prefer to not risk. Acupuncture provides a safe and effective alternative to opioid medication due to its ability to stimulate the release of endogenous opioids (those released naturally in the body).

In a meta-analysis conducted in 2016, it was found that, “patients treated with acupuncture or related techniques had less pain and used less opioid analgesics on Day 1 after surgery compared with those treated with control.” (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4784927/)

Acupuncture has also proven to be helpful in reducing anxiety and can be an effective tool to ease any worry or anxiety that presents before a surgical procedure.

Treatments can be started as soon as the day after surgery and can be conducted as often as needed. Many find the quiet time a treatment provides as a calming and restorative space to allow their bodies to heal.