Are you considering – or preparing for – a surgery this year?
There are many different reasons we may need to go “under the knife.” From small preventative or cosmetic procedures to life-changing operations. Either way, undergoing surgery is no small thing. It takes a toll on your body, your mind, and your energy.
But here’s the good news: you can take steps to set yourself up for success. Acupuncture is one of the most effective tools to help your body prepare for surgery and recover faster afterward.
Let’s explore why acupuncture deserves a spot in your pre- and post-op care plan.
The Trauma of Surgery (Even When It’s Necessary)
As a preventative medicine clinic, we try to help our patients overcome their symptoms without having to go down the route of surgery. But, surgery can be necessary at times to get the relief you need. When that’s the case, we use acupuncture to put your body in the best position possible so your surgery is a success.
Still, it’s important to understand what surgery really does to the body. Surgery is physically traumatic. Your body has to manage incisions, tissue manipulation, and the effects of anesthesia. Even small procedures can trigger inflammation, swelling, and pain as your body works overtime to heal.
Physical stress isn’t the only issue. Leading up to surgery, anxiety and fear can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Afterward, pain, fatigue, and a weakened immune system can make recovery harder than expected.
The effects of surgery go deeper. “When you undergo surgery, your body’s energy Chi (氣) is drained. After surgery, your Chi (氣) cannot return to what it was before. The only things on this earth that can treat Chi (氣) are acupuncture and herbal medicine.”
Preparing your body for these challenges – and giving it extra support after – can make a world of difference.
Before Surgery: How Acupuncture Prepares Your Body
Before surgery, Dr. Ko recommends you receive treatment as often as possible. “When there is an illness, we treat it before surgery.” That gives us the chance to make as much progress before the operation as possible. Here are some other reasons to prepare for your surgery with acupuncture:
- Boosts Circulation for Better Healing
Healthy blood flow is essential before surgery. It delivers oxygen and nutrients to tissues, making them stronger and more resilient. Acupuncture promotes better circulation by helping your blood vessels relax and widen. Studies show that acupuncture improves vasodilation – the process that increases blood flow – giving your body the tools it needs to heal more effectively.
- Reduces Stress and Promotes Calm
Feeling anxious about surgery? That’s normal. However, high stress can negatively affect your body’s ability to heal. Acupuncture calms your nervous system by balancing your “fight or flight” response. Research shows that acupuncture lowers cortisol, the stress hormone, helping you feel grounded and ready for your procedure.
- Supports Immune System Function
A strong immune system reduces your risk of complications, like infections, after surgery. Acupuncture enhances your immune response by regulating immune markers in your body. This prepares your system to handle surgical stress with ease.
- Eases Pain Sensitivity
Acupuncture can increase your body’s pain threshold before surgery. By stimulating your nervous system, it releases endorphins (your body’s natural painkillers). This means you may experience less discomfort during and after surgery.
After Surgery: How Acupuncture Helps You Recover Faster
“After undergoing surgery, recovery is faster if acupuncture is concentrated on that area,” explains Dr. Ko. Here are some reasons why that’s the case:
- Reduces Post-Surgical Pain
Pain can slow you down after surgery. Acupuncture provides natural pain relief by interrupting pain signals and releasing feel-good chemicals in your brain. Studies confirm that acupuncture reduces the intensity and frequency of post-op pain, often lowering the need for pain medications.
- Minimizes Inflammation and Swelling
Inflammation is your body’s natural response to surgery, but too much can delay healing. Acupuncture helps regulate inflammatory responses to reduce issues like swelling and discomfort that can delay your healing. This all leads to a faster recovery.
- Improves Tissue Repair and Wound Healing
Your body’s ability to heal incisions and damaged tissues is crucial. Acupuncture stimulates cellular repair mechanisms and increases the production of collagen, the protein your body uses to heal wounds. This can lead to better recovery and less scarring.
- Restores Your Energy and Balance
Fatigue is a common complaint after surgery. If this happens to you, don’t worry – it’s normal. Anesthesia and medication are known to disrupt your body’s natural rhythm. Acupuncture helps restore balance by supporting your digestive health and energy flow. This means you recover faster and feel more like yourself.
Who Can Benefit from Pre-Op and Post-Op Acupuncture?
The short answer? Almost anyone! Acupuncture is beneficial for people undergoing:
- Orthopedic surgeries (like knee replacements)
- Abdominal surgeries
- Plastic or reconstructive procedures
- Dental surgeries
- Cancer-related surgeries
- And more.
So, if you’re looking to reduce pain, recover faster, and feel better throughout your surgery journey, acupuncture can help.
Your Acupuncture Plan: What to Expect
If you’ve never tried acupuncture, you might wonder how it fits into your surgical plan. This will vary person-to-person, and will depend on the type of surgery you’re having. But for an idea of what you can expect, here’s a quick overview:
Pre-Op Care:
- Start treatments 2-4 weeks before surgery.
- Focus on calming the nervous system, boosting circulation, and building overall resilience.
Post-Op Care:
- Begin treatments as soon as your surgeon approves.
- Address pain, inflammation, and energy recovery.
Your acupuncturist will create a personalized plan based on your surgery type and needs. They’ll also work with your medical team to ensure you get the best care.
Plan Your Pre and Post-Op Care Plan with 120 Acupuncture Clinic
Preparing for surgery doesn’t have to be overwhelming. And, your recovery doesn’t have to drag on, either. With acupuncture in your corner, you can approach your procedure feeling prepared and confident. You’ll recover faster, experience less pain, and give your body the support it deserves.
Ready to include acupuncture in your surgical care plan? Book your consultation with 120 Acupuncture Clinic in Studio City, Los Angeles or call us at 1-818-980-7979.