I, Ask Dr Feddy on CBD and Acupuncture?
Do CBD and Acupuncture achieve the same ends through different means? Researchers have determined that our body has a very complex endocannabinoid system which can regulate various anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective processes (along with other well-known systems such as the adrenergic, cholinergic and dopaminergic systems). Put simply, CBD interacts with cell receptors in this system to elicit beneficial effects in the human body. There are mountains of research being done on CBD, and all point to the same conclusion!
True Story — The first patient we used a CBD product on was an 86-year-old woman with chronic sciatic pain. We had greatly reduced the intensity of her pain over a handful of acupuncture sessions, but the icing on the cake was when we applied a topical CBD cream during a treatment. Our patient was so overjoyed, she called her acupuncturist the next day. “This is the first time in years that I have felt no pain at all!” she proclaimed overjoyed.
Research CBD with Acupuncture?
Using both topical CBD ointments and a line of highly refined CBD tinctures that are brilliantly combined with specific Chinese herbs to enhance their effects. The results are invariably the same, specifically in regards to inflammatory and stress-related conditions.
Of course, as with any product, make sure you’re procuring CBD products from reputable, ethical sources. As CBD products are not currently regulated by the FDA, potency and consistency of quality can vary greatly. Our access to a highly-respected supplier has afforded us the luxury of obtaining our products with a high degree of confidence. The products we use are backed up by verifiable research and provide specific dosing recommendations. As quality can vary widely between brands, make sure you do your homework when choosing CBD products (hint: unfortunately, the good stuff is currently not inexpensive, although prices are expected to decrease in coming years as the market grows).
Although CBD may be as ancient as acupuncture itself, its acceptance and clinical use is relatively recent. There is reason for great optimism in the potential of achieving even better and faster patient outcomes through utilizing these two natural therapies in concert.
Hear from one of our patients:
“I walked into QI House with 6 out of 10 pain. Having struggled with rib pain for almost 5 years, acupuncture was the only thing I had not tried. I avoided it because I felt it was expensive and was not covered by my insurance. But walking into my appointment, I was full of hope that it would help. Freddy Rodrigues, licensed acupuncturist, was very kind, full of empathy and genuinely wanted to help.
After my second treatment of electroacupuncture, I noticed my pain was gone! I felt so free. I could work all day without having the nagging pain in my ribs always there in the background. I had more energy because pain wasn’t taking all my energy and I finally could sleep at night. It has been worth every penny and I wish I had tried it sooner.”
~ Amy G., Coventry Lake
Freddy Rodrigues is a licensed acupuncturist, Freddy advocates for increased access to acupuncture through insurance coverage and integration of acupuncture into the mainstream healthcare system. He can be contacted through his website at: www.askdrfreddy.com
