Call (800) 570-0298 (
Who Answers?) to find a heroin treatment center and learn more about your treatment options.
Can Acupuncture and Meditation Help with Heroin Recovery?
How Can Acupuncture Help During Treatment and Recovery?
Over two thousand years ago, acupuncture originated in China and is one of the oldest healing practices in the world. The use of acupuncture is intended to restore and improve health and in the United States is considered part of complementary and alternative medicine. Acupuncture is done by inserting very thin metallic needles into the skin on specific parts of the body and it's very important that this practice is done correctly by a qualified practitioner.
The healing practice of acupuncture has been used to treat a wide range of medical conditions and diseases. It wasn't until the 70's that acupuncture was introduced into treatment for drug and alcohol abuse. When used in treatment for alcohol and drug abuse, acupuncture helps to reduce cravings, reduce withdrawal symptoms and relieve anxiety. Using acupuncture during substance abuse treatment is therapeutic and helps patients to relax. Acupuncture is not an exclusive method of substance abuse treatment but this form of therapy assists patients during their recovery.
Withdrawal symptoms can be very uncomfortable for patients during detoxification and acupuncture helps to reduce depression, insomnia, muscle cramps, sweating, nausea, headaches, and body aches. One of the ways acupuncture helps relieve symptoms associated with substance abuse withdrawal is due to the increase of endorphins that are released during this form of treatment.
When acupuncture is applied in specific areas of the body endorphins are released, this natural chemical that's released produces feelings of relaxation. When our endorphin levels are elevated, less pain and stress is experienced.
How Can Meditation Help During my Treatment and Recovery?
There are many different types of meditation which is a mind-body practice in complementary and alternative medicine. There are certain techniques used when meditating such as specific posture, focused attention, and an open attitude toward distraction. In some forms of meditation the individual becomes mindful of their thoughts, feelings and sensations experienced without judging what they're experiencing. This can bring calmness, relaxation, and psychological balance. There are many forms of meditation which includes Guided Meditation, Mantra Meditation, Mindfulness Meditation, Qi gong, Tai chi, Transcendental Meditation, and Yoga.
When an individual is recovering from drug or alcohol abuse, depression and anxiety are part of the symptoms experienced during this time. Thoughts of reusing are normal when a person stops drinking or using drugs and between negative thinking, stress, anxiousness, and depression many people relapse unless they have alternative ways of coping. Meditation helps to bring inner peace, calmness and helps to clear the mind of negative thoughts. Practicing meditation throughout the day helps the individual to focus on healing, release negative energy, and develop peace and calmness which helps to prevent relapse and benefits a person's overall health and wellness.
