Acupuncture and Massage Therapy in Addiction Treatment

Structure, therapy, and community are what recovery requires. Our residential addiction treatment in West Palm Beach provides all three.

Addiction affects millions of people in the United States. While it is treatable, addiction can never be truly cured. Instead, people often need to participate in a substance abuse treatment program that will give them the skills they need to live life without using drugs or alcohol. Since each person has their own unique journey with addiction and recovery, treatment plans must reflect this by being flexible, adaptable, and varied.

To be successful, an addiction treatment plan must care for the person’s physical, emotional, and social health. In most cases, this is achieved with a combination of medical care, education, and holistic therapies. Holistic therapies are used to help people heal from addiction by giving them tools to manage their emotions, stay grounded, and experience physical and mental relaxation. Practices like acupuncture and massage therapy are being incorporated into addiction treatment programs because they provide the healing people need as they overcome addiction.

What Happens During Addiction Treatment?

Addiction treatment usually happens in four stages. At each progressive stage, people are given the support, treatment, and care they need to move forward in recovery. Understanding each step can help you prepare to participate in your own addiction treatment program.

Evaluation

Addiction specialists will ask you questions about your health, substance use, and other personal details that will allow them to create an effective treatment plan.

Detox

Many people require medically supervised detox to help them manage uncomfortable or dangerous withdrawal symptoms. The length of time you spend in detox will be determined by the severity of your addiction and what substances you use. Some rehab centers in West Palm Beach will begin offering acupuncture and massage therapy at this stage in treatment as it can help with withdrawal symptoms.

Treatment

Addiction treatment happens in both outpatient and inpatient settings. Your treatment program will likely include individual therapy, group therapy, education, medications, and holistic therapies. The length of your treatment program depends on your unique situation and needs.

Aftercare

Completing a treatment program is not the end of your journey. You will need to make a plan to stay engaged in your recovery and ensure that you have ongoing support. For many people, this means continuing therapy, finding support in the community, and continuing healing through holistic therapies.

Treatment for addiction can be difficult, both physically and emotionally. It is important that you find ways to take care of your emotional and physical health, both during treatment and afterward.

What Are Holistic Therapies?

Holistic therapies are practices and techniques that are used to support whole-body relaxation, mindfulness, and healing. Things like yoga, acupuncture, massage therapy, art, meditation, and music therapy are practices that are commonly used in addiction treatment programs.

Holistic therapies are used to complement evidence-based therapies. As part of addiction treatment, they offer people the chance to learn new ways to cope with stress, heal physical discomfort, and find meaning in life after treatment.

Some holistic therapies, like meditation, can be used to help people find peace and calm when confronted with challenges and stress. Similarly, acupuncture and massage therapy can be used to promote physical relaxation and aid in the healing process. Engaging in holistic therapies opens the door for people to develop skills they need to live their lives without returning to drug or alcohol abuse. These therapies can also be an important part in developing new friendships and increasing their self esteem.

Benefits of Using Acupuncture and Massage Therapy in Addiction Treatment

Acupuncture and massage therapy are two holistic therapies used to help people as they work through addiction. Used alongside evidence-based therapies like education, medication, and mental health counseling, holistic therapies are proven to increase the comfort of people at any stage of addiction recovery.

Massage therapy

A licensed massage therapist uses pressure, stretching, and movement to help soothe or stimulate a person’s muscles, tissues, and ligaments. Usually done in a serene environment, massage therapy allows people to relax and heal.

Acupuncture

In a calming environment, a trained acupuncturist places thin needles into specific areas of the body to affect the flow of energy. Most people do not feel pain or discomfort during the process. Instead, people report feeling a sense of relaxation, less pain, and overall well being after taking part in this therapy.

Engaging in these and other holistic therapies provides many benefits, including:[1,2]

• Helping people gain a sense of control over their life
• Reducing stress
• Lessen pain or discomfort associated with withdrawal
• Provides a break from the rigorous schedule of addiction treatment
• Gives people a new, healthy way to release dopamine

In addition to being used during a treatment program, holistic therapies can be included in aftercare plans, too. It is important to continue taking care of your whole self after completing rehab. Holistic therapies like acupuncture and massage therapy can be used to support lifelong healing and recovery.

Reap the Benefits of Acupuncture and Massage Therapy at Mandala Healing Center

If you or someone you love require addiction or substance abuse treatment, you are not alone. At Mandala Healing Center, we offer a range of programs designed to support you wherever you are in your journey with addiction. If you are interested in using acupuncture and massage therapy in addiction treatment or have any other questions, please reach out to us for more information. Speak with one of our addictions counselors by calling us today.

References:

1. https://www.aiam.edu/clinical-services/acupuncture-massage-mental-health/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3689180/

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Clinically Reviewed

Mandala Clinical Team

This page was prepared by Mandala Healing Center and reviewed by our clinical team, the licensed medical and behavioral health professionals who provide detox and treatment at our West Palm Beach facility. We review it regularly so it reflects current clinical guidance.

Last reviewed: April 7, 2026

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