Can Acupuncture help Recover from Surgery?

Yes, Pre and post operative acupuncture can significantly help recovery from surgery.

How does pre operative acupuncture help?

Pre Operative Acupuncture treatments before surgery help regulate the nervous system and manage pre operative anxiety and can result in less anaesthesia being used. Additionally, it can help reduce the amount of post operative pain medication required to keep the patient comfortable. From the Chinese Medicine perspective, these treatments optimise the body’s Blood and Qi, meaning that the body is ready to start healing and repairing as soon as the surgery is completed.

What is the impact of surgery on there body?

From the Chinese medicine point of view, the physical trauma to the body results in damaging the yin (structural, nurturing qi) of the tissues and organs involved. The energetic trauma depletes the body Qi, draining the body’s energy and impacting immunity.

How does post operative acupuncture help?

The acupuncture treatment promotes the damaged yin helping tissues repair. When the body’s functions are impaired by surgery, acupuncture can help restore normal function and movement.

Our recommended post operative acupuncture treatments for after surgery help the body bounce back, reduces pain, tissue tension and inflammation meaning a quicker recovery with less pain medication required.

The initial post operative treatments involve using “distal” points. These are points with specific functions such as building Qi, nurturing Blood promoting the immune system as well as points located along the channels connecting to the site of surgery rather than points near the site of the surgery so there is no need to worry about removing any dressings, bandages or casts.

As the body continues to heal, acupuncture treatments can begin to focus on any scar tissue that needs addressing. Sometimes long term post operative pain is as a result of scar tissue binding too much which can be addressed.

When and how often should I get acupuncture to help with my surgery?

Acupuncture treatments can start up to four weeks before surgery, and we recommend that the final pre-operative treatments take place roughly 1 week and again about 3 days before scheduled surgery and that the post operative treatments begin as soon as the patient is ready.

What else can I do to aid my recovery after surgery?

Following surgical advice is first and foremost after surgery. Nutrition and hydration are key to recovery. The body needs building blocks to repair the damage. Gentle return to movement dependant and activity. We will also recommend acupressure points that can be used by the patient to help with the recovery process. As recovery continues, we can expand on the self care regime to get you back to full activity.

If you have any queries about pre and post operative acupuncture, please get in touch today by phone 0864059898, WhatsApp or email - rory@roryryanacupuncture.ie