Acupuncture vs. Acupressure: What's the Difference?

When it comes to more natural treatment options for a range of symptoms/conditions, acupuncture and acupressure are both very popular options. While they have many similarities, there are some key differences between the treatment options as well. Today we’ll be going over what exactly acupressure and acupuncture are, how they are similar, how they differ and how that can impact which approach may be best for your needs. Have questions? Interested in a free telehealth consultation? For any of your needs, simply reach out to Dawn Potter Acupuncture.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a type of therapy that involves inserting extremely thin, sterile needles into specific points of the body. These “acupoints” lie along pathways that carry energy throughout the body (known as Qi). When these pathways are imbalanced or blocked it can lead to a variety of symptoms. Acupuncture treatment aims to restore the flow of energy throughout the body to address the root cause of these symptoms.

What is Acupressure?

Acupressure, on the other hand, does not use needles and is a non-invasive technique that targets the same acupoints as acupuncture. During acupressure therapy, a practitioner will apply firm yet gentle pressure to specific points using their fingers, palms or in some cases specialized tools. Just like acupuncture, the aim of acupressure treatment is to improve the flow of energy throughout the body.

For those who may have a fear of needles or a reason they cannot undergo acupuncture treatment, acupressure can be a great option that achieves similar results.

Which Therapy is Right for You?

Choosing the right therapy for you depends on a few factors such as personal preference, overall health, and specific wellness needs. During your telehealth consultation, we can help you decide which may be best for you. In many cases, both may be used. At Dawn Potter Acupuncture we use a variety of modalities to create custom treatment plans. These plans may include acupuncture, acupressure, cupping, or other manual therapies in combination with supplements, herbs, vitamins, and dietary changes.

Contact Our Clearwater Acupuncture Clinic Today

Both acupressure and acupuncture provide a natural and effective way to promote healing in the body. We recommend consulting a licensed acupuncture practitioner to discuss your overall health, your wellness goals, and which treatment option(s) may be best for your needs. Reach out today to schedule a free telehealth consultation to get started.

Can Acupuncture Help With Sports Injuries?

When it comes to partaking in sports, injury can unfortunately be a somewhat common occurrence. Whether it is from strain, repeated use, or even an accident, making sure you receive the best treatment is important. Many conventional treatment methods involve using drugs that can simply mask symptoms and discomfort, sometimes leading to further problems. At Dawn Potter Acupuncture in Clearwater, we take a more natural approach to our treatments, seeking to address the root cause of the problem, not just masking symptoms. One of the treatment options we use for sports-related injuries is acupuncture. Today, we’ll be going over some of the ways sports injury acupuncture can be beneficial. Have additional questions about sports injuries, acupuncture, or our other treatment options? Ready to schedule an appointment? Simply reach out today for a free telehealth consultation. We look forward to helping you heal.

Acupuncture Can Promote Faster Healing of Sports Injuries

Acupuncture has been proven to improve circulation which can be extremely helpful when it comes to promoting faster healing in the body. Enhanced circulation allows the body to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the damaged tissues which can promote cell repair and the reduction of swelling in the area.

Inflammation Can Be Reduced By Acupuncture Treatment

When a sports-related injury occurs inflammation is often a common response which can lead to swelling, restriction of mobility, and pain. Along with improving circulation, acupuncture can also help to reduce inflammation by calming the immune response. With inflammation reduced, patients often experience less pain, reduced swelling, and a broader range of mobility.

Pain Caused By Sports-Related Injuries Can Be Relieved Using Acupuncture

As mentioned previously, pain is a common occurrence when it comes to sports injuries. We've mentioned improved circulation and calming of the immune response when it comes to acupuncture treatments, but endorphin release can also occur. Endorphins are essentially natural painkillers produced by the body and can be helpful following treatment.

Acupuncture Can Help To Prevent Future Sports Injury

Regular acupuncture sessions can be extremely helpful for those who participate in sports or other vigorous activities. Muscle strength, joint stability, and overall alignment of the body can reduce the risk of repetitive strain-type injuries and chronic pain conditions.

Mental Wellbeing Can Be Improved By Acupuncture

Sports-related injuries are not only physically painful, they can also take a toll on someone’s mental health for a variety of reasons. Frustration, stress, and anxiety can be common when dealing with an injury and acupuncture can work to reduce this. Acupuncture has been shown to promote relaxation and balance the nervous system which can be very helpful for an athlete trying to heal.

Schedule Sports Injury Acupuncture in Clearwater Today

If you are looking for a more holistic and natural approach to your sports injury treatment, our Clearwater acupuncture treatments may be perfect for you. Acupuncture can promote faster healing, reduce inflammation, relieve pain, improve mental well-being, and even help to prevent future sports injuries. Reach out today to get started.

Can Acupuncture Boost Frozen Embryo Transfer/In Vitro Fertilization Success Rates?

For those undergoing fertility treatments like frozen embryo transfer (FET), the journey to parenthood can be both physically and emotionally challenging. While advancements in fertility treatments continue to evolve, many are turning to complementary therapies like acupuncture to boost their chances of in vitro fertilization (IVF) success. A recent study that was conducted by Vios Fertility Institute in Chicago sheds light on how individualized acupuncture before and after embryo transfer may improve fertility outcomes. Today we’ll be discussing this study and why acupuncture may be right for you. Have additional questions? Interested in scheduling a free telehealth consultation? For any of your needs, simply reach out to Dawn Potter Acupuncture.

What Did The Study Show?

In this retrospective cohort study, 2,330 patients who underwent frozen embryo transfers between May 2018 and May 2021 were examined. Out of these, 579 individuals received acupuncture treatments immediately before and after their embryo transfer, while 1,751 patients opted to proceed with FET alone. The key objective of this study was to compare the live birth rates between these two groups.

The Results Of The Study:

The study revealed some positive findings when it comes to acupuncture and IVF:

• Acupuncture Improved Live Birth Rates: The patients who received acupuncture therapy before and after embryo transfer saw a remarkable 55% increase in live birth rates compared to those who opted for FET alone. In fact, the odds ratio (OR) for live births in the acupuncture group was 1.55, indicating a significant advantage for those receiving this complementary treatment.

  
  

• Acupuncture Reduced Biochemical Pregnancies: In addition to improved live birth rates, the acupuncture group experienced a 42% reduction in biochemical pregnancies. This condition, where a pregnancy is lost shortly after implantation, can be both physically and emotionally draining for patients. The odds ratio for biochemical pregnancies in the acupuncture group was 0.58, further highlighting the potential benefits of acupuncture.

  
  

• Acupuncture Made No Significant Differences in Miscarriage or Ectopic Pregnancy Rates: The study did not show any significant differences between the groups when it came to miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy rates. While acupuncture improved live birth outcomes and reduced biochemical pregnancies, its effect on miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy was not statistically significant.

Why is Acupuncture Beneficial for Fertility?

Acupuncture has been a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years and has been known to promote balance in the body’s energy (also known as Qi). When it comes to fertility, acupuncture is thought to improve blood flow to the uterus, reduce stress, and regulate hormone levels, all of which are crucial for enhancing fertility outcomes.

During the embryo transfer process, the body experiences heightened stress, which may affect the success of implantation. Acupuncture helps to relax the body, stimulate the nervous system, and create a more optimal environment for implantation. In this study, acupuncture was administered immediately before and after embryo transfer, suggesting that timing may also play a role in the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment.

What Does This Mean for Those Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization/Frozen Embryo Transfer?

For individuals considering fertility treatments like FET, acupuncture may be a valuable complementary therapy to increase the chances of success. With a 55% increase in live birth rates and a reduction in biochemical pregnancies, acupuncture could serve as a powerful tool to support those on their fertility journey.

If you’re undergoing FET or other fertility treatments, speak with your fertility specialist about incorporating acupuncture into your treatment plan. By combining the best of modern medicine with time-honored techniques, you may increase your chances of achieving a successful pregnancy.

Acupuncture Can Be Beneficial Throughout Your Pregnancy Journey

Along with being helpful during fertility treatments, acupuncture has a range of benefits during and even after your pregnancy. Dawn Potter Acupuncture would be happy to help with any of your acupuncture or other wellness needs. We offer free telehealth consultations and would be happy to tailor a treatment plan to your needs.