Baltimore Acupuncture: Three Reasons Why We Need More Acupuncture In Baltimore By Dr. Tom Ingegno, DACM, MSOM, LAC

In Shudo Denmei’s “Finding Effective Acupuncture Points” Textbook, you’ll find on the inside cover in Shudo Sensei’s own beautiful calligraphy the classical acupuncture phrase, “Acupuncture is the expression of humanity.”  

While scholars propose several different ideas, its core concept is addressing the interactions between people. It is the interaction between the individual acupuncturist and the patient as well as the patient with society. Seriously Baltimore, couldn’t we all use a boost to our interpersonal interactions. 

Even pre-pandemic, a lot of people in Baltimore were stressed and worn out.  

Here are three simple ways that Acupuncture can help us all feel better as a whole.  

1) Acupuncture helps regulate neurotransmitters. 

Specifically, acupuncture helps with serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, and anandamide levels.  These neurotransmitters play important roles as the “feel good” chemicals that float around in your brain.  Studies show that within 15 minutes of acupuncture levels of these compounds begin to normalize.  A recent comparative study showed that a course of acupuncture was as effective as a course of talk therapy for helping with Anxiety and Depression. Couldn’t Baltimore as a whole use a mood boost?

2) We may not be known as the city that never sleeps, but Baltimore definitely has its share of sleeping problems. 

Several studies have shown that acupuncture can have a positive impact on sleep, including helping switch people out of fight or flight and into rest and digest.  

Acupuncture’s effect on relaxation and sleep is usually reported by patients within a few minutes of starting treatment.  Everyone could use a great night's rest, right?|

3) Baltimore’s drug problem is not new and neither is its underused treatment. 

That’s right - acupuncture has been shown to be more successful than methadone centers at treating heroin addiction.  

In fact, Tupac Shakur’s stepfather, Dr. Mutulu Shakur, was an acupuncturist who pioneered an ear acupuncture treatment protocol at the Lincoln center in the Bronx to help his community.  There are several National Acupuncture Detoxification Association Centers still working here in Baltimore.  In our Acupuncture clinic, we use the same protocol to treat other addictions like smoking.

There are plenty of other reasons why Baltimore needs acupuncture, but this is a good start. 

Have questions about acupuncture? Please reach out. 

Let’s interact! 

Dr. Tom
tom@charmcityintegrative.com