How Acupuncture Has Been Used for Pain Management

One of the most well-known uses of acupuncture is to relieve pain. People who suffer from chronic pain can sometimes benefit from the ancient practice of acupuncture. The Chinese have used this form of treatment for centuries, but western medicine is just getting around to recognizing it as a viable tool to treat pain.

Rather than treating pain with mind-altering drugs, results have shown that the techniques used in acupuncture have a higher degree of success when administered properly. 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.

Highly trained acupuncturists study these trigger points and know exactly where to insert the needles to gain the most relief. According to Chinese medicine, there are over 2,000 puncture points within the body and channels that run in between. When needles are placed at one end of the channel where the pain originates, the pain is lessened.

It’s believed that when the acupuncture needles are inserted at the trigger points they release endorphins and other natural painkillers. Studies have also shown that after an acupuncture treatment, glucose, and some bloodstream chemicals vital to the immune system are elevated.

Acupuncture isn’t painful – in fact, some patients take a nap during the treatments. The needles are extremely thin and patients usually don’t feel them being inserted. Where the needles are inserted depends on where the pain is located in your body. For example, if you’re experiencing knee pain, the needles may be inserted in the toe, arm, and certain areas 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 conjunction with other treatments for serious illnesses like cancer.

Acupuncture is a safe and effective alternative to other forms of treatment that uses drugs and harmful chemicals. It’s a holistic method that will promote 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, helps to relieve it naturally.  If you suffer from chronic pain, give acupuncture a chance. It can augment other treatments that you might be taking and will give you a sense of well-being.