Acupuncture & the treatment of Pain
Acupuncture is most known and widely recognized for its ability to effectively treat many types of pain. Acupuncture has a very long and successful track record of treating pain. In fact, when most people think of acupuncture, they think of the treatment of pain. Additionally, both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) acknowledge the efficacy and multiple benefits of using acupuncture in the treatment of pain.
Advantages of using Acupuncture for the treatment of Pain
Acupuncture is a natural, time-tested, safe, effective, and drug-free approach to eliminating pain. Unlike most methods for managing pain, acupuncture virtually has few side effects. Furthermore, acupuncture often works to help resolve the underlying cause of the pain, not just mask it. Research suggests that acupuncture treats pain conditions by:
• Reducing inflammation and swelling
• Relaxing muscles and reducing spasms
• Normalizing the nervous system
• Increasing circulation to the local area
• Deactivating trigger points
• Increasing endorphin, enkephalin, and adenosine levels
Painful Conditions commonly treated with Acupuncture
The list below contains examples of painful conditions commonly treated with acupuncture. This list is certainly NOT all-inclusive. If you do not see your condition listed below, please contact our office to see if it can be treated with acupuncture.
Arm pain Muscle pain
Back pain Neck pain
Bursitis Osteoarthritis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Plantar Fasciitis
Fibromyalgia Post-surgical pain
Foot pain Rheumatoid Arthritis
Golfer's elbow Shoulder pain
Hand pain Sinus pain
Joint pain Sciatica
Knee & Ankle pain Tendonitis
Headaches Tennis elbow
Injuries TMJ
Migraine Trigeminal Neuralgia
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments does vary according to the specific condition being treated. Each patient is given a treatment plan based on age, constitution, medical history, lifestyle, diet, treatment goals, and current pain status. With acupuncture, the effectiveness of each treatment typically builds upon the previous one. Many conditions require an initial course of 6-15 treatments to achieve relief. Acute conditions tend to resolve more quickly with an intensive series of treatments. Whereas, chronic conditions may require a longer and more consistent series of treatments.
Chinese Herbal Medicine & Pain Management
Chinese herbal medicine is an excellent adjunct to acupuncture for the treatment of pain. By incorporating Chinese herbal medicine, patients experience quicker and more long lasting results. Internal herbs (decoctions, granule powders, & tablets) can be used to relieve pain (analgesic), reduce inflammation and swelling (anti-inflammatory), reduce stiffness and spasms (muscle relaxer), increase circulation, as well as address the person as a whole in order to promote healing and alleviate pain. These herbs are put together as a formula, containing on average of 6-20 herbs, in oder to synergistcally increase the desired effects while simultaneously reducing the potential for side effects. External herbs (liniments & plasters) further relieve pain and facilitate healing, and they can often be incorporated into a treatment plan.
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