Acupuncture therapy

Acupuncture can sound scary, but it has stood the test of time for a reason. This traditional Chinese practice has wide-ranging health benefits, and it has become very popular worldwide. In rehab treatment, acupuncture therapy is becoming a go-to therapy at every stage of the recovery process. At Oasis Runcorn, we are huge fans of acupuncture therapy, and it is a key pillar in all our comprehensive treatment programmes.

What is acupuncture therapy?

Acupuncture therapy involves using tiny, super-thin needles placed in specific spots on your body. This might make you shudder a little but it is not as scary as it seems and is rarely painful. The little needles are designed to help your body reset and relax by stimulating key points that are connected to your nervous system.

By doing this, acupuncture therapy can help release your body’s natural painkillers, like endorphins. These then lift your mood and can have a surprising effect on stress and anxiety. Just one session can help you feel ten kilos lighter but regular acupuncture therapy can offer even deeper benefits. Over time, it can support your overall well-being, unburden chronic stress and clear any mental fog that has been clouding your judgement.

What are the benefits of acupuncture therapy?

Acupuncture offers a range of personal benefits that can make a real difference to your daily life, especially when you are on a healing journey. Many people find that acupuncture refreshes them and helps them sleep more easily.
Acupuncture therapy can also boost your energy levels, helping you get through the day with less fatigue. Many people report feeling more present and focused after acupuncture, with a clearer headspace to attack life’s challenges.

How does acupuncture therapy for addiction work?

When you are going through withdrawal, your body can feel like it’s fighting against you. Substances like alcohol, opioids and stimulants can produce very uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms like nausea, muscle aches, anxiety, insomnia and intense cravings. Acupuncture therapy can help soothe those symptoms, making withdrawal a bit more bearable. It is not a magic cure, but it can calm the storm, relieving your body while you work through the harder parts of early recovery.
But acupuncture isn’t just helpful during withdrawal. As you move further along in recovery, it can still play a big role in keeping you balanced. When you are dealing with lingering anxiety or low energy, regular acupuncture can give you a boost and help you participate in other therapies. That is why Oasis Runcorn offers acupuncture therapy throughout your stay with us.

What are the different types of acupuncture therapy?

There are various forms of acupuncture therapy which can be very effective in addiction recovery. Each type has its own benefits and uses needles in a slightly different way:

Auricular acupuncture

Auricular acupuncture focuses on the ear, which is believed to have points that connect to different parts of your body. It is the main approach used at Oasis Runcorn, with our expert acupuncture therapist describing the process like this:

“Auricular acupuncture involves using delicate needles to target specific points in the ear which can help you relax as it eases muscle tension. It is often used to manage withdrawal symptoms from addictive substances and plays a major role in preventing relapse. Auricular acupuncture can also improve sleep, support the healing of internal organs and may help lower stress, anxiety, blood pressure and pain. Instead of needles, tiny “seeds” are placed on adhesive bandages at reflex points on the ear and gently massaged.”

Body acupuncture

Body acupuncture is the more traditional form that many people think of. It involves placing thin needles in various parts of your body, targeting key areas to improve circulation, ease pain and promote healing. In addiction recovery, body acupuncture can help with physical discomfort, like muscle aches or headaches and help you relax in general.

Electroacupuncture

Electroacupuncture takes body acupuncture a step further by using gentle electrical pulses. After the needles are inserted, a small device sends a mild current through the needles to enhance the effect. The electrical pulses help boost the body’s natural healing processes and can be especially useful for treating physical pain or lingering withdrawal symptoms.

What happens during an acupuncture therapy session?

When you arrive for an acupuncture therapy session, the first thing that happens is a quick chat with your therapist. They will ask how you have been feeling, and whether you have any stress or particular physical discomfort, you would like to focus on. This enables your acupuncture therapist to tailor the session to your needs.
Next, you will lie down comfortably, either on your back or your side, depending on the areas being treated. If it’s auricular acupuncture, the seeds will go into specific spots on your ear, while body acupuncture might involve areas like your back, arms or legs. Once the needles are in place, you will just relax for about 20 to 30 minutes. During this time, you can close your eyes, rest or even meditate while the needles work their magic.
After the session, your therapist will remove the needles and check in with you. You might notice some immediate relief, or the effects may build over time with regular sessions.

How can acupuncture therapy help you post-rehab?

Acupuncture therapy can be a great ally even after you have completed rehab. Life post-rehab can sometimes feel overwhelming with rebounding stress, cravings and emotional ups and downs.
Acupuncture therapy can provide a natural way to stay balanced and grounded as you adjust to your new routine. Regular sessions can help with anxiety, improve your sleep and give you a healthy boost of energy when you’re feeling run down. They are also great for helping with any physical discomfort that might pop up, like headaches or muscle tension, as you continue to heal.
On an ever simpler level, regular acupuncture therapy can be a much-needed space for self-care. It is a chance to take some time for yourself and just escape from everyday life for a little while. You may be amazed at how big a difference this can make as you navigate your new sober life.

Pinpoint your path to wellness at Oasis Runcorn

Acupuncture therapy is one of the oldest healing practices for a reason – it works! At Oasis Runcorn, we use acupuncture therapy to help you feel more balanced, relaxed and ready to take on the challenges of recovery. Stay sharp and balanced, and let’s work on healing together. Contact us today to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to feel different sensations during acupuncture?

Yes, it is totally normal! During an acupuncture session, you might feel a little tingling, warmth or sometimes a dull ache around the needle points. Some people feel a sense of heaviness or even a light, pleasant sensation spreading through their bodies. These feelings are your body responding to acupuncture therapy, and they usually fade as you relax. Everyone’s experience is different, but most people find it calming and not painful at all.

What should I expect after an acupuncture session?

After an acupuncture therapy session, most people feel relaxed and refreshed, like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders. You might notice that you are calmer or that some of your physical tension has eased up. It is also possible to feel a bit tired or energised, depending on how your body responds. The effects can be immediate or build over time with regular sessions but you should feel a greater sense of balance and well-being as you continue with your recovery.

(Click here to see works cited)

NHS. “Acupuncture.” NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acupuncture/. Accessed 6 September 2024.
UK Rehab. “Holistic Therapy | Rehab Therapies and Models.” UK Rehab, https://www.uk-rehab.com/rehab-therapies/holistic-therapy/. Accessed 6 September 2024.
Gori, Luigi and Fabio Firenzuoli. “Ear acupuncture in European traditional medicine.” Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine: eCAM vol. 4,Suppl 1 (2007): 13-6. doi:10.1093/ecam/nem106/. Accessed 6 September 2024.
Lee, Eun Jin. “Effects of auriculotherapy on addiction: a systematic review.” Journal of addictive diseases vol. 40,3 (2022): 415-427. doi:10.1080/10550887.2021.2016011/. Accessed 6 September 2024.

Disclaimer:

The availability of therapies may vary across UKAT centres. The specific therapies provided will be determined based on your treatment plan and the programme offered at your chosen facility. All treatments are subject to clinical assessment and programme availability at the time of admission. For further details on the therapies included in your treatment plan, please contact our admissions team.