Celebrities aren't shy about sharing the strategies that help them look younger or feel better. In fact, websites and magazines devote a significant amount of space to suggestions from your favorite actors and actresses. Although some of the tips are admittedly a little outrageous or unrealistic, celebrities are often responsible for popularizing trends and treatments that soon become mainstream. Acupuncture, a natural healing practice, is particularly popular with the Hollywood crowd. Take a look at a few stories that illustrate the effectiveness of the ancient healing method.
Acupuncture Helped Angelina Jolie Recover from Bell's Palsy
When Angelina Jolie developed Bell's Palsy in 2016, she turned to acupuncture for relief, according to an interview in the September 2017 issue of Vanity Fair. The condition causes facial paralysis on one side of the face due to swelling or inflammation in a facial nerve. Some people don't experience paralysis but instead develop weakness on one side of the face.
Other symptoms can include drooling, drooping of the corner of the mouth or the eyelid, dry eye or mouth and tearing of the eye. Bell's Palsy often develops after you've had a cold or another virus. Although most people recover completely in six months or less, the condition can be very unpleasant.
Acupuncture can reduce inflammation in the nerve, enhance circulation, decrease swelling and help restore normal nerve function. When Health CMi reviewed several research studies on the effects of acupuncture on facial paralysis, the institute discovered that acupuncture treatments markedly improved several symptoms related to the condition. In one study, people who received acupuncture treatment, infrared therapy and medications were much more likely to experience a reduction of symptoms, restoration of facial muscle function and improvement in facial appearance than those who only received medications.
Acupuncture treatments relieve liver stagnation, a contributing factor in facial paralysis. When stagnation occurs, the normal flow of blood and qi to the face is affected. Qi is the life force that travels through the body in a series of pathways called meridians. Blockages at any point in the meridians can cause pain and other symptoms.
Matt Damon Turned to Acupuncture to Relieve Neck and Back Spasms
Being a movie star can be hard work, particularly if you do some of your own stunts. When Matt Damon attended the premiere of The Bourne Ultimatum in Berlin, observers noticed that he had an acupuncture needle in his ear. Thanks to the treatment, he was able to attend the premiere, despite having back and neck spasms earlier.
Acupuncture is often used to treat neck and back pain, including spasms. The treatment triggers the release of natural body chemicals that reduce pain and influence mood and also affect neurotransmitters responsible for sending pain signals from the nerve cells to the brain.
Acupuncture is One of the Most Popular Healing Treatments in Hollywood
The list of celebrities who have embraced acupuncture includes Sandra Bullock, Elle MacPherson, Gwen Stefani, Penelope Cruz, Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry, Bar Refaeli, Jennifer Aniston, Robert Downey, Jr. and Dave Grohl. These performers and countless others understand that acupuncture offers a completely natural way to relieve pain and treat a variety of diseases and health conditions, including:
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Stress and Anxiety
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Sciatica
- Post-Operative Pain
- Chronic Fatigue
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Infertility
- Back and Neck Pain
- Fibromyalgia
- High Blood Pressure
- Indigestion
- Constipation and Diarrhea
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
- Ear and Sinus Infections
- Sprains
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Acupuncture is also effective in treating symptoms associated with aging, including insomnia, dry eyes, arthritis and menopausal symptoms. Placing hair-thin acupuncture needles in strategic areas of the body restores the normal flow of qi, eliminating or reducing pain and other symptoms that can affect the quality of your life.
Acupuncture treatment is most effective when it's supported by lifestyle and nutritional changes. Acupuncture practitioners frequently make suggestions and offer herbal remedies and supplements that help their famous, and not-so-famous, clients enjoy better health.
Are you interested in trying acupuncture just like your favorite celebrity? Treatments offer a simple way to improve your health without medications. Call us today to schedule your appointment.
Sources:
Vanity Fair: Angelina Jolie Solo, 9/17
https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2017/07/angelina-jolie-cover-story
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: What is Bell’s Palsy?
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Bells-Palsy-Fact-Sheet
Health CMi: Acupuncture Reverses Facial Paralysis and Enhances Drug Therapy, 5/30/16
Acufinder.com: Sandra Bullock’s Secret to Staying Young is Acupuncture
https://www.acufinder.com/Acupuncture+News/Sandra+Bullock+Secret+to+Staying+Young+is+Acupuncture
Acupuncture Today, Robert Downey Jr. Honored for TCM Advocacy, 6/12
http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/mpacms/at/article.php?id=32574
New York Times: Elle Macpherson Wears Men’s Cologne and Splurges on Massages, 5/10/16
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/12/fashion/elle-macpherson-makeup-skin-care.html
Extra: Matt Damon Leaves Acupuncture Needle in His Ear for Germany's 'Bourne' Premiere!, 8/22/07