When to book an acupuncture treatment and when to stick with massage? Advice from Integrative Acupuncture in Montpelier and Williston Vermont’s licensed acupuncturists and massage therapists who work together to figure out the best plan to reach a patient’s goal and decide acupuncture vs massage.
Acupuncture
This ancient technique has been used for thousands of years and by millions of people for aches and pains of all types. In fact, it’s origins are from deep massage therapy using tools like stones. As ancient healers discovered the effectiveness of specific points on the body, they sharpened the stones and later bamboo until they were eventually puncturing the body at the spots previously used for deep massage. Viola- acupuncture was born!
Acupuncturist, Jonathan Fleming, recommends acupuncture over massage therapy for acute conditions, like a sprained ankle. Jonathan refers to his massage therapist colleagues when a condition like carpal tunnel syndrome is stubborn and chronic and acupuncture treatments are not making their usual improvements. “Massage therapy is a great choice for reducing chronic inflammation”.
Types of Pain Acupuncture Treats Best
Ever been asked if your pain is dull and achy or sharp and stabbing? One reason clinicians ask this is to determine the involvement of nerves in your pain. If your pain is sharp and pricking or stabbing feeling there’s most likely nerves involved. If the pain is dull and achy it’s more likely to be muscular. Acupuncture is great for pain that involves nerves. The acupuncture needles do not insert into nerves, rather they bring fresh blood flow around the nerves to create healing. Acupuncture is also effective at treating muscular pain, that dull and achy pain, but massage is too. This type of pain may benefit from a treatment plan that involves both massage and acupuncture.
Training and Education of Acupuncturists
The training of a licensed acupuncturist requires a 3 year post graduate degree, a masters degree, in acupuncture as well as successful completion of national board exams. Licensed acupuncturists are trained in recognizing “red flags” for serious conditions and are considered primary care providers in many states in the US. They can treat the whole body, in addition to muscular and skeletal pains. Acupuncture would be recommended if you’re concerned your painful issue is more complicated then muscle tightness and would like a thorough evaluation of your whole body when considering acupuncture vs massage. Patients come to acupuncturists for stress, women’s health issues like painful periods and fertility, cardiovascular health, dermatology, and much more.
Massage Therapy
Massage has been used in pretty much all cultures throughout history in various ways. Ancient civilizations of India, China, Egypt, Japan used massage for healing injuries and managing health. Roman and Greek civilizations continued it’s use and expanded to incorporate additional techniques. In modern times massage is used for pains in the muscles and joints and reduces inflammation. Massage can be found in spas, medical centers and rehabilitation facilities. A great use for massage therapy is stress reduction. Even as little as 30 minutes of massage can reduce your heart rate and induce a deep state of relaxation.
Kim Costin, massage therapist, says “…everyone can benefit from massage. From back pains in pregnancy to stress from work, all is reduced with a good massage.”
Types of Pain Massage Therapy Treats Best
Massage is a great choice for chronic painful conditions with dull and achy pain. Pains post surgery, pain related to cancer, or patients with history’s of other serious conditions may want to chose acupuncture over massage therapy. Any pains with sharp, shooting sensations should be seen by an acupuncturist as they can work with the interaction of the nerves.
Training and Education of Massage Therapists
Massage Therapist’s requirements vary state to state. The national association, AMTA, recommends 500 hours of training for licensure in massage therapy. Our state, Vermont, currently does not license massage therapists so no training is formally required to offer massage. Our massage therapist, Kim Costin, travelled to New York to be trained. This required 1000 hours of education and passing a state license exam. In addition she is passionate about advancing her training through many weekend or week long continuing education seminars. She recommends sticking with massage for pains that are clearly of muscle origin or have a primary care provider clear you for massage therapy prior to scheduling. Kim offers hot stone, deep tissue, prenatal and Japanese foot massages in addition to a traditional Swedish massage to address your concerns.
The Best of Both Worlds- Acupuncture vs Massage
If you’re able to find an integrative setting that offers both acupuncture and massage therapy, you’re in luck. Having providers that work together for your best interest is optimal. Allowing the licensed clinicians to confer about your condition and deciding which therapy is best for you will certain result in the best outcome. At Integrative Acupuncture in Montpelier and Williston, Vermont we do just that. After an initial intake a treatment plan is composed with your input on goals and results. Together, we decide how and when to use acupuncture and/or massage therapy for the least invasive, least costly but best clinical outcomes possible for you. Contact us to see if we can reach your health goals together.
