5 Acupuncture Benefits for Office Workers

Did you know that acupuncture benefits include relieving back pain and other discomforts related to sitting? If you’re interested in taking a stab at this traditional Chinese medicine practice, scroll down to learn more about the process and how it can help make your 9-to-5 workday grind feel more manageable.  

Acupuncture, from the perspective of TCM, is all about restoring the vital energy (qi) in the body. Disruptions or imbalances of your qi can manifest as physical or emotional symptoms. You may become easily tired, feel irritable, or get sick more often. Inserting ultra-thin needles, which are about as thick as a strand of hair, into specific points around the body can help re-establish the flow of qi.

From the standpoint of Western medicine, it’s still unclear how acupuncture truly works. However, multiple studies have shown that it helps stimulate specific nerves and improve mood responses.  

Although it’s still unclear how getting poked with needles can help improve physical health and well-being, fans of acupuncture swear by these benefits.

Office workers are no strangers to stress, which can often cause tension headaches or migraines. Popping an aspirin can thwart the throbbing sensation in most cases. But if your headache becomes more intense or lingers for days, acupuncture can help reduce its frequency and severity.

Acupuncture for headaches mostly focuses on improving blood circulation and calming the nervous system. Studies have also reported that acupuncture is slightly more effective at alleviating and preventing headaches than OTC drugs and placebo.

Falling behind deadlines, being caught up in office politics, and juggling other setbacks can put a dent in your mental health. The more you ignore it, the quicker you’ll burn out. Fortunately, acupuncture can help you deal with work pressures. By targeting specific points that influence the autonomic nervous system, this ancient practice can help regulate the fight or flight response to promote relaxation.

Moreover, acupuncture can increase the levels of feel-good hormones, such as endorphins and serotonin.

Most office workers spend eight hours of their day sitting down. That doesn’t even include the eight hours a night spent lying down, asleep. This sedentary lifestyle can wreak havoc on your digestive system, often leading to issues like constipation. The good news is that acupuncture benefits your gut health by regulating bowel movements.  

Don’t worry – the needles aren’t going anywhere near your backside. The acupuncturist would most likely insert the needles around your arms, legs, and torso where they can stimulate peristalsis or the movement of your intestinal muscles.  

One of the ways acupuncture improves sleep is by balancing the body’s production of melatonin – the hormone that controls the sleep-wake cycle. That’s why you’ll probably feel sleepy right after an acupuncture session. In addition, needling can also improve respiratory function, which helps address sleep disorders like snoring and sleep apnea.

If you’re feeling the physical strain of long hours hunched over a desk, acupuncture might help prevent it from getting worse. The American College of Physicians has also recommended acupuncture as the first-line treatment for chronic lower back pain. The needle insertion increases blood flow to muscles, reduces inflammation, and aids tissue repair.

You should feel calm right after your treatment. You may also feel a little sore, or even notice light bruising. Stay cool – these minor side effects typically last for only 24 hours. To help you recover and boost acupuncture benefits, it’s best to take a rest. If you must work, ease back into your routine slowly and avoid strenuous activities.

Taking a warm bath or shower can also help ease the soreness. Wash with Dove Men+Care Extra Fresh Body and Face Wash, which gives you a gentle cleanse while leaving your skin refreshed and comfortable. It has MICROMOISTURE technology that helps protect your skin from dryness. Prefer a bar format? Try Dove Men+Care Body+Face Bar Extra Fresh for the same benefits. 

These acupuncture benefits might persuade you to give this alternative therapy a try. But before you do, talk to your doctor if you have any underlying health conditions. Acupuncture is not a cure-all and may not be for everyone. Plus, ask your doctor to connect you with a licensed medical acupuncturist who can provide safe and effective treatment that complements your overall healthcare plan.