How Acupuncture is Used for Pain Management

How acupuncture is used for pain management

People suffering from chronic pain can sometimes benefit from the old practice of acupuncture. The Chinese have used this form of treatment for centuries, but Western medicine is simply ready to recognize it as a viable tool to treat pain.

Instead of treating pain with drugs that change the mind, the results show that the techniques used in acupuncture have a higher level of success when administered correctly. It works by targeting certain trigger points of pain.

By gently inserting thin needles into these trigger points of the nervous system, the pain is relieved.

Well-trained acupuncturists study these trigger points and know exactly where the needles need to be placed to get the most relief. According to Chinese medicine, there are more than 2000 puncture points in the body and channels that run in between. When needles are placed at one end of the canal where the pain occurs, the pain is reduced.

It is believed that when the needles of the acupuncture are placed on the trigger points, they release endorphins and other natural painkillers. Studies have also shown that after an acupuncture treatment glucose and some blood flow chemicals that are vital for the immune system are increased.

Acupuncture is not painful – in fact, some patients take a nap during the treatments. The needles are extremely thin and patients usually do not feel them inserted. Where the needles are inserted depends on where the pain is in your body. For example, if you experience knee pain, the needles can be inserted into the toe, arm and certain parts of the face.

Serious illnesses such as fibromyalgia, stomach cramps, carpal tunnel syndrome, and shingles can all be treated by acupuncture with positive results. Sometimes acupuncture is used successfully in combination with other treatments for serious diseases such as cancer.

Acupuncture is a safe and effective alternative to other forms of treatment where medicines and harmful chemicals are used. It is a holistic method that promotes the natural healing of the body by releasing endorphins and producing natural steroids.

Natural healing methods can be much more effective than drugs, and rather than masking the pain, it helps to alleviate naturally. If you suffer from chronic pain, give acupuncture a chance. It can increase other treatments you may take and give you a sense of well-being.