Dr Warren van Zyl, Chiropractor, Plett Opposite Astron Energy Garage, 82 Longships Dr, Plettenberg Bay, 6600, South Africa. Tel: +27 72 421 7718
Chiropractic & Acupuncture: A Complementary Approach
Integrating chiropractic care with acupuncture offers a powerful way to support musculoskeletal and nervous system health. At my Plettenberg Bay practice, this combined approach helps patients experience faster recovery, deeper relaxation, and improved nervous system balance. As a registered chiropractor trained in acupuncture, I incorporate acupuncture into treatments when appropriate to enhance the effects of chiropractic adjustments. For those who prefer to avoid needles, acupressure provides a gentle and effective alternative.
Acupuncture vs Dry Needling - Key Differences
Acupuncture and dry needling may look similar at first glance, but their purpose and outcomes are very different.
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Acupuncture
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Works within a broader system that regulates both the musculoskeletal and nervous system
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Encourages relaxation, blood flow, and oxygenation
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Helps calm stress responses and supports the parasympathetic nervous system
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Creates the best environment for a precise chiropractic adjustment
Dry Needling
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Targets local muscle trigger points to produce a brief twitch response
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Can sometimes cause irritation or short-term muscle guarding before easing
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Focuses on a single area rather than overall system balance
Why I use Acupuncture
Acupuncture works with the body’s natural rhythms. Dry needling disrupts local tension points. My focus is on whole-system support for sustainable change.
Benefits of Combined Treatment
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Relaxes muscle tension, improving spinal alignment
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Activates the parasympathetic nervous system (rest-and-digest)
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Supports vagus nerve function, which regulates heart rate, digestion, breathing, and mood
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Encourages a calmer, more balanced response to stress
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Chiropractic restores function. Acupuncture supports the system.
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Integrating acupuncture with chiropractic treatment is not about doing more, it’s about choosing what works best for each person.This tailored approach helps restore alignment, ease and balance across the whole system.
Acupuncture for Stress & Energy
Acupuncture can also be used on its own to help restore balance, resilience, and overall wellbeing—particularly when stress, fatigue, or low energy are the main concerns. By calming the nervous system and supporting natural circulation and energy flow, it encourages the body to shift out of a state of tension and into one of rest and recovery. Many patients find this a gentle yet effective way to feel more centred, relaxed, and restored.
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How acupuncture may help:
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Calms the nervous system
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Improves sleep quality and mental clarity
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Supports digestion and immune function
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Enhances resilience to daily stress and burnout
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Promotes a steadier mood and emotional balance​
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Common reasons patients seek acupuncture:
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Persistent stress or anxiety
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Poor sleep or restless mind
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Digestive discomfort or sluggishness
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Fatigue or low energy
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Tension headaches or muscle tightness
Many patients describe acupuncture sessions as a gentle “reset” for both body and mind.