BISMARCK, N.D. (KXNET) — For many in our community, anxiety, depression, or PTSD can take a toll on life, and many seek solutions in the form of opiates. It will be.
Acupuncture may be an alternative to these opioids.
For some people experiencing mental or physical pain, natural health can be an alternative to opioids, and one way to do that is battlefield acupuncture.
Battlefield acupuncture was invented in 2001 as a treatment for soldiers suffering from PTSD.
“This is essentially a safe, easy, cost-effective, and fast-acting alternative to opioid medications for chronic pain treatment,” says John, owner of Northeast Wellness in Bismarck. said Noah Froehlich, a licensed acupuncturist.
One of Battlefield Acupuncture’s methods is auricular semipermanent acupuncture (ASP). It works by inserting five needles in different places in the ear.
“Thus, stimulating the ear area can take the body out of a sympathetic state (like fight or flight) and into a parasympathetic state (more like rest and recovery).” Froehlich explained.
Unlike traditional acupuncture, ASP needles remain in the body, and Froelich says the effects last about four to seven days.
According to experts, this may reduce the effects of stress, pain, and mental health issues you may be experiencing.
For Kayla Russ, a military correctional officer, this method has made a huge difference in her life both at work and at home.
“In the two months since using ASP treatment, I can say that I am happier, healthier, more willing to leave the house and do things, and sleep better. It’s clear that the quality of your life has an impact on your daily life.”
Russ says if you have a stressful job, ASP may help relieve tension.
“Law enforcement, first responders, people who work in high-stress environments, and even nurses can benefit from ASP. Again, these careers have a lot of adrenaline and a lot of fighting and There’s a lot of running away, a lot of anxious moments,” Russ explained.
“With ASP, I’ve noticed that I have different times to go to work. I’m not as alert. I’m more relaxed.”
However, Frohlich says the ASP method has its limits because it doesn’t completely solve the problem.
“So while it’s not a complete ‘cure’, it’s better than taking opioids,” Froehlich said.
There are still some reasons why you should reach for this method instead of pills.
“There are no side effects at all. Well, that’s the beauty of acupuncture,” Froehlich said. It helps me not to become dependent on things that would probably be prescribed by a Western doctor. ”
