Can Acupuncture Treatment Increase Senior Health?

For aging adults looking to improve their health and discover natural treatments for ailments, acupuncture may be a viable option. In particular, acupuncture has resulted in patient relief from back and neck pain, anxiety, depression, insomnia and migraines. Can acupuncture lessen discomfort and enhance your health as you age?

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture stems from ancient Chinese medicinal practices. In the 16^th century, Chinese doctors first observed positive results after treating the energy flow in patients. The belief held by the ancient physicians and still maintained by acupuncturists is that illness sets in when the body’s energy channels, known as meridians, experience an interruption or imbalance. Today, acupuncture is thought to have a positive trigger-effect on the fascia, the tissue surrounding muscle groups. Once the fascia are stimulated it signals the brain and nervous system, releasing endorphins to facilitate healing and reduce pain.

The Benefits of Acupuncture Treatment

First of all, acupuncture is known for treating chronic pain from headaches, spinal stenosis, herniated discs and other back and neck muscle and bone disorders. The treatment can also minimize fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms.

The therapy may also calm the digestive system, lessening the negative effects of various gastrointestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome.

After undergoing acupuncture treatment, many asthma sufferers reported a significant drop in the number and severity of asthma attacks.

Acupuncture can also improve the immune system’s response to chemotherapy and reduce nausea in cancer patients.

What to Expect During Your Visit

At the initial consultation, the professional will ask in-depth questions about patient health history. Once a plan of action for treatment is established, the patient will lay on the treatment table and the acupuncturist will insert needles into the prescribed area. The patient should not feel pain other than a brief prick. Acupuncture needles are much thinner than normal needles designed to draw blood, so the discomfort may not even be noticeable.

As the needle reaches the appropriate depth, which may range from a millimeter to two inches, the patient may sense tingling or numbness in that location. The needles stay in place for varying amounts of time, sometimes up to 20 minutes. Normally, acupuncture treatments are scheduled from one to three times a week for up to two months. The length of treatment will depend on the individual’s response.

Is Acupuncture Covered By Medicare?

While original Medicare does not cover alternative treatments like acupuncture, some Medicare Advantage Plans may subsidize holistic health remedies. Most health insurance plans, Medicare included, only cover health treatments deemed medically necessary by a doctor. In addition, the treatment must be delivered by a professional who participates in Medicare.

Investigate the numerous health insurance plans available that offer acupuncture treatment coverage when you work with an Senior Health Insurance Specialist at MySeniorHealthPlan.com.

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Pete Blasi

President/CEO at My Senior Health Plan

Pete Blasi, the driving force behind My Senior Health Plan and the prestigious Financial Grade Senior Consultants, has been at the helm of both since their inception in 2005. Under his leadership, these well-known and respected organizations have thrived to become renowned full-service Medicare consulting and brokerage firms with a nationwide presence.