If you’ve had facial plastic surgery, a bariatric procedure or a tummy tuck, taking care of your body after the treatment is a critical part of the process. 

Massage therapy and acupuncture are just two services that can speed up the recovery process after surgery, and may help reduce the amount of pain and stress you experience. Acupuncture is a holistic practice that has been used for thousands of years to treat ailments and disease, and helps the body heal and recover from trauma, pain and other imbalances.   

Your cosmetic surgeon or physician may prescribe pain relievers and other medication to help you recover after surgery, but some people can become dependent on these drugs and still not get the relief they need. Since acupuncture treatments alleviate pain naturally, they may be a healthier alternative to conventional pain medication.   

What to Expect with an Acupuncture Treatment  

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat various ailments and disease, and can help the body heal after trauma, excessive stress or injury. Very fine needles are applied to specific trigger points on the body to release energy, and the goal of the acupuncture is to target key points in the central nervous system and stabilize the body. Since surgery is a form of trauma and injury to the body, the treatment may help reduce pain and stress immediately.  

In 2004, Drs. Lee and Done from the Chinese University of Hong Kong studied the effects of acupuncture for reducing nausea and vomiting after surgery; their findings show a positive link between acupuncture and reduced post-surgery symptoms of nausea and vomiting. This can be especially beneficial to people with a sensitive stomach.  

Tong Joo Gan, M.D. an anesthesiologist at Duke University Medical Center shared his findings at the 2007 Scientific Conference of the American Society for Anesthesiology in San Francisco; his research shows that most surgery patients can benefit from acupuncture treatments, and this also lowers their risk of becoming dependent on opioids.  

Key Benefits of Acupuncture After Surgery  

Learning how to relax and reduce stress naturally isn’t always easy, especially after surgery when your body is in pain or especially fatigued.   

Increased energy and strength are some of the leading benefits of acupuncture; since the post-surgery phase is a critical time for you to heal and bring the body in balance, acupuncture can help alleviate stress, pain and discomfort with ease.  

Faster recovery rates are another reason to pursue acupuncture after surgery. Acupuncture helps to reduce the pain in joints and muscles, and may even help manage fatigue. Improving the rate of your recovery means your skin and muscles can heal quickly and help you get onto the road of good health with ease.  

An improved sense of well-being is one of the key reasons why thousands of people maintain a steady acupuncture program. Experts suggest that acupuncture helps the body release endorphins – the body’s natural painkillers – and these provide a boost in mood.  

Other benefits of acupuncture for post-surgery patients include:  

• Preventative care for balanced body and mind
• Reduced anxiety and chances of depression
• Improved circulation that can also help with the healing process
• Increased immune response that can ward off disease and poor health    

Sore muscles and joints often lead to pain and fatigue during your post-surgery period, and your body may need a few weeks of rest as it heals. Instead of relying only on painkillers to get you through those tough days ahead, you do have other options. Holistic medicine offers one alternative to traditional approaches, and may complement your recovery process.  

Contact a professional acupuncturist in your area to learn more about the services and options available.  Ongoing acupuncture treatments are one of the best way to enjoy all of the benefits of acupuncture, and can be a valuable alternative to conventional Western medicine.