Research and Evidence Informed Care

Explore how clinical research, safety standards, and proven methodologies guide every treatment plan to ensure thoughtful, effective, and personalized care.

Bridging Ancient Wisdom & Modern Science

At Card Integrative Acupuncture, our approach is not based on faith—it is based on physiology. While we honor the historical roots of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we are equally committed to Evidence-Informed Practice (EIP). This means our treatment plans in Austin are guided by the best available scientific research, clinical expertise, and safety data.

The Physiology: How Acupuncture Works

Skeptics often ask: "Is it just a placebo?" The scientific answer is no. Modern biomedical research, including fMRI studies and neuroimaging, has mapped specific physiological changes that occur when an acupuncture needle is inserted. Here is the science behind the needle:

Neurotransmitter Regulation

Acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system to release endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers), serotonin, and dopamine. This biochemical shift explains why patients often feel a "runner's high" or profound sense of calm during and after treatment.

The Gate Control Theory

Research suggests that acupuncture signals travel faster to the brain than pain signals. By stimulating specific nerve fibers, acupuncture effectively "closes the gate" to pain perception in the spinal cord, blocking chronic pain messages from reaching the brain.

Connective Tissue & Blood Flow

Insertion of needles creates a "micro-trauma" that triggers the body's local immune response. This increases blood circulation (vasodilation) to the area, flushing out inflammatory cytokines and bringing fresh oxygen and nutrients to heal injured tissue.

Clinical Evidence & Applications

Acupuncture is now widely recognized by major health organizations, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO), as an effective treatment for a variety of conditions. Dr. Ashley Card stays current with this evolving body of research to ensure effective care.

1. Chronic Pain & The Opioid Crisis

The strongest body of evidence for acupuncture supports its use in pain management. In response to the opioid epidemic, the American College of Physicians (ACP) updated their guidelines to recommend acupuncture as a first-line treatment for low back pain before pharmaceuticals.

Ref: Qaseem A, et al. "Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline from the American College of Physicians." Annals of Internal Medicine, 2017.

2. Stress, Anxiety, and HPA Axis Regulation

Chronic stress dysregulates the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, keeping cortisol levels high. Clinical trials indicate that acupuncture can downregulate this axis, lowering cortisol levels and shifting the body from "fight or flight" to "rest and digest," improving sleep quality and reducing anxiety symptoms.

Ref: Sparrow K, Golianu B. "Does Acupuncture Reduce Stress Over Time? A Clinical Pilot Study." Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, 2014.

3. Women’s Health & Fertility

Research supports the use of acupuncture to enhance fertility by increasing blood flow to the uterus and regulating reproductive hormones. It is also evidenced to be effective in managing symptoms of menopause (such as hot flashes) and reducing the severity of menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea).

Safety Profile & Risk Assessment

Safety is our primary priority at Card Integrative Acupuncture. Compared to pharmaceutical interventions (like NSAIDs or opioids) and surgery, acupuncture has an exceptionally low risk profile.

We adhere to strict Clean Needle Technique (CNT) protocols. Every needle used in our clinic is:

  • FDA-approved medical device
  • Sterile and single-use
  • Made of high-quality stainless steel
  • Immediately disposed of in biohazard containers after use

Our Commitment to Informed Care

We believe that you should not have to choose between holistic wellness and scientific rigor. At Card Integrative, we provide both. By integrating the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern evidence-based research, we offer a comprehensive path to healing that is safe, effective, and tailored to the unique needs of the Austin community.

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