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Add acupuncture to complement your Pilates routine

When your body’s “qi,” its energy, is unbalanced, you can experience pain and illness. Since around 100 BC, thousands have turned to the ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture to relieve symptoms and discomfort by activating energy points. Combining acupuncture with your Pilates practice is a solid strategy to reach your health goals. 

What is acupuncture? 

An acupuncturist inserts very thin needles under the skin to stimulate acupoints throughout a patient’s body, including the back, face, neck, and head. Scientific studies suggest acupuncture effectively relieves many symptoms by catalyzing the body’s energy points and healing systems to release endorphins, your body’s pain reliever chemicals. 

How can acupuncture help you? 

The primary reason people turn to acupuncture is to relieve pain. From migraine headaches and neck and back pain to other body aches like arthritis, acupuncture is often a source of relief. However, pain isn’t the only reason to turn to acupuncture. It is used for: 

• Infertility
• Stress relief
• Improve sleep 
• Increase mobility after injuries
• Reduce nausea and vomiting, especially for people undergoing chemotherapy or dealing with pregnancy-induced morning sickness
• Boost immune response
• Reduce menopause symptoms

Acupuncture can enhance your Pilates practice by reducing pain that restricts movement and creates imbalances. When you have pain, you might not maintain proper body alignment during a Pilates session or could struggle to achieve certain positions. If you’re injured, acupuncture can support a swifter return to the studio for Pilates. 

What to expect for your first acupuncture session

You should wear loose-fitting shorts and a T-shirt to your acupuncture appointment. Before your session, Michael Mathews, the licensed acupuncturist at Taylor Pilates and Fitness, will talk to you about your condition and what concerns you wish to address with acupuncture. 

The needles used in acupuncture are sterile, as thin as a human hair, and disposable. Depending on your treatment plan, the acupuncturist inserts needles at different depths and areas of your body. Needles will stay inserted anywhere from a few up to 20 minutes. 

Most patients experience minimal discomfort with the tiny prick of each needle, and it’s less painful than having blood drawn or receiving a vaccine. You may feel tingling, a dull ache, pressure, or a sense of warmth or relaxation. 

To get the full benefits of acupuncture, you should plan on five treatments to start, but your acupuncturist will advise the best schedule for your needs. 

Taylor Pilates and Fitness now offers acupuncture

We are thrilled to add acupuncture to our services to help you move well, feel well, and live well. Call or text 303-472-6743 to schedule an appointment with certified acupuncturist Michael Mathews and learn how acupuncture can support your health goals.