Acupuncture: a tool for post-surgery healing and recovery

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years before the invention of modern medicine as an amazing tool for aiding the body's natural healing processes; however, it continues to be used alongside modern medicine as it advances. There are many reasons to use acupuncture as a tool for post-surgery recovery. In this blog post, we'll delve into the remarkable benefits of acupuncture for those navigating the delicate journey of healing after surgery. From preventing scar tissue formation to enhancing blood flow, boosting the immune system, and reducing inflammation, acupuncture offers a multifaceted approach to recovery. Join us as we explore the science behind acupuncture's effectiveness and uncover how it can stimulate collagen and elastin production to facilitate tissue healing.

Preventing & Breaking up Scar Tissue Formation:

Scarring is an inevitable consequence of surgery, but acupuncture can play a pivotal role in preventing major scar tissue formation as well as helping to break up scar tissue that causes pain or tightness. Research studies have found that , “Animal studies have demonstrated faster wound closure and less scarring following acupuncture treatment” and that “Literature searches suggest that acupuncture may be used to reduce pain and itch in abnormal scars.Further, physical properties of scars including thickness and colour were reportedly improved following acupuncture treatment.” Acupuncture treatments called “scar treatments” have been used for thousands of years to increase blood flow, break up scar tissue, lessen any pain associated with the scar, reduce the appearance, and stimulate healing.

Enhancing Blood Flow:

Proper blood flow is crucial for healing after surgery, and acupuncture excels in this regard. Many studies have shown that acupuncture enhances blood flow which is especially helpful for surgical sites, promoting faster recovery and tissue regeneration. In Chinese medicine, scars indicate an accumulation of “stagnant, de-oxygenated blood”, which can cause pain at the surgical site or other areas of the body in the future.

Boosting the Immune System:

The immune system plays a central role in the healing process. Acupuncture has been found to stimulate the immune system, helping the body defend against infections and facilitating a smoother post-surgery recovery. Research suggests, “Accumulated evidence showed the potential of acupuncture in the treatment of immune system diseases caused by immune system defects. Acupuncture has been demonstrated to regulate the immune system of the body and correct pathological conditions, thereby providing effective relief or treatment of associated diseases. For instance, acupuncture has been shown to modulate systemic inflammatory responses, resulting in a significant improvement in survival rates among mice with fatal sepsis”.

Decreasing Inflammation:

Inflammation is a natural response to surgery but can sometimes become excessive. Acupuncture can help modulate inflammation levels, reducing discomfort and supporting a more comfortable recovery period. Research suggests, “The multi-system anti-inflammatory effect of acupuncture involves the regulation of innate immune cells (such as macrophages, granulocytes, and mast cells) as well as adaptive immune cells (such as lymphocytes). Following acupuncture, macrophages transform from the M1 pro-inflammatory type to the M2 anti-inflammatory type, and the negative regulator of TLR4, PPARγ, is activated to inhibit the intracellular TLR/MyD88 and NOD signaling pathways, which regulates the downstream IκBα/NF-κB and P38 MAPK pathways, as well as other inflammation-related pathways, thereby inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation, reducing ASC and caspase-1 recruitment, and down-regulating proinflammatory factors (such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18), MCP-1, adhesion molecules (ICAM-1 and VCAM-1), and INF-γ, which promotes the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines (such as IL-10).” And that, “Acupuncture also regulates the process of oxidative stress, improves SOD activity through the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, eliminates oxygen free radicals to reduce damage, and inhibits ROS, MDA, and MPO production, to inhibit inflammatory cell infiltration, and alleviate inflammation-induced tissue injury and dysfunction.”

Stimulating Collagen and Elastin Production:

Collagen and elastin are essential for tissue healing and maintaining skin elasticity. Acupuncture encourages the production of these vital proteins, promoting healthier and more resilient tissue. While acupuncture is often used for cosmetic reasons on the face to encourage graceful aging, it can also be used to help heal tissues faster after surgery.

Conclusion:

In the world of post-surgery recovery, acupuncture offers a holistic and scientifically-backed approach that can speed up and support healing. From preventing scar tissue to boosting blood flow, fortifying the immune system, reducing inflammation, and stimulating collagen and elastin production, acupuncture's benefits are numerous and noteworthy. If you or a loved one are on the path to healing after surgery, consider incorporating acupuncture into your recovery plan to experience the profound advantages it can bring to your journey. Reach out through the booking request form on my website and we can get your healing journey started ASAP!

Other sources:

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00421-023-05277-2

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7044481/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10117649/