It is amazing how even a small endorsement by a celebrity can push many others to try the same exercise, read the same book, or even experience acupuncture! Celebrities are trendsetters and I am happy to report more and more celebrities and athletes are singing the praises of acupuncture and cupping.

Here are some of the latest fans:

Natalie Portman told a writer from Marie Claire magazine that she used acupuncture to cut down on her stress while she was pregnant. Hopefully she is continuing treatment since being a new mother is probably more stressful than being pregnant.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation is funding a study to see if acupuncture can relieve some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease.

New mom and Sex and the City Star, Kristin Davis, was photographed leaving her acupuncturist with a huge smile on her face and a bag of herbs in her hand.

Talk show queen, Oprah, spends $500 per acupuncture session for her dog Sadie.

What do the New York Yankees and the San Francisco Giants have in common besides baseball? It’s ACUPUNCTURE! Both teams employ a staff of acupuncturists and the players are happy to share their clinical success with the public.

Last week on our facebook page, I was posting a different celebrity each day that has publicly announced their enthusiasm for acupuncture (you can check it out  here). I was amazed at how many celebrities, athletes and even celebrity pets get acupuncture treatments. In fact, one of Sandra Bullock’s requirements before she signs up for a motion picture, is that she will be provided with an on-site wellness center that includes licensed acupuncturists and massage therapists! Just a few decades ago, most Americans viewed acupuncture as a foreign practice and were quite skeptical of how or even if it worked. But, in more recent years, more and more Americans are turning to “alternative medicine” options as they have been losing patience with unsuccessful western treatments. Not to mention, with the increasing costs of health insurance and shorter doctor visits, many are wondering if their medical practitioner really heard what they said during the 15 minute appointment.

Another reason acupuncture may be becoming more popular in America is because many are getting fed up with taking countless expensive pills that often cause more side effects and disruptions than the ailment it was intended to treat. I know I have learned that if it seems “too good to be true” that is probably the case. While acupuncture can treat a wide variety of conditions with little to no side effects, it is important to remember that it isn’t an “instant” fix. For example, if you have been suffering with pain for over 10 years, expecting to be healed in 1-2 acupuncture treatments isn’t realistic. But, with commitment to regular treatments, you will not only be relieved of your condition or pain but will receive the added benefit of reduced stress and even better sleep. In all of the articles about sports players and acupuncture, they clearly state they go regularly for acupuncture to maintain their stamina, high energy and relief from pain. If you want to be on top of your game, consider letting acupuncture be a regular part of your wellness routine!