Acupuncture…needles. It’s a weird concept. I get it. However, it’s something every office worker should try at least once. Why? Because it offers a multitude of benefits that contribute to improved mental and physical health, and this helps both the employee and the company! In other words, it’s the definition of a win-win.
For starters, a 2008 systematic review of studies (yes, a study about studies!) on acupuncture for low-back pain found strong evidence that combining acupuncture with usual care helps more than just usual care alone. It also found that there is no difference between the effects of actual and simulated acupuncture (like using ear seeds instead of needles) in people with low-back pain. Since the average office worker is no stranger to lower back pain, this is great news.
Another 2016 systematic review found that “The available results suggest that acupuncture is effective for treating frequent episodic or chronic tension-type headaches.” As any highly stressed office worker will likely attest, headaches are an unfortunately common occurrence. If acupuncture is effective at treating these, sign me up!
Now onto the mental aspect. Gallup reports that employees who are engaged at their company report a higher sense of wellbeing (engagement being measured by social connections at work). A higher sense of wellbeing leads to higher motivation, productivity, and job satisfaction.
Why is this important? At Healing Hands we offer group acupuncture as part of our corporate wellness programs. Most acupuncture experiences are built to be a solitary one. However, ours is different. By providing acupuncture in a communal setting, we foster a greater sense of social wellbeing, along with a greater physical wellbeing, so your company can reap the rewards of happy AND healthy employees.
BONUS: if needles weird you out, the doctor can place ear seeds instead!