Acupuncture and the treatment of Acute and Chronic Pain:
Physical pain is a common occurrence for many of our patients. In fact, a national survey found that more than one-quarter of U.S. adults had recently experienced some sort of pain lasting more than a day. Rather then seeking over the counter or prescription medications, many people seeking relief are turning to acupuncture for effective and long term relief of pain.
Acupuncture treats all types of pain from acute to chronic injuries, post surgical recovery and long term and arthritic pain.
A few of the many painful conditions treated by acupuncture:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Headache/migraine
- Low-back pain
- Menstrual cramps
- Myofascial pain
- Back/Neck pain
- Osteoarthritis/knee pain
- Postoperative/dental pain
- Golfers/Tennis elbow
Acupuncture, among the oldest healing practices in the world, is part of traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncture practitioners stimulate specific points on the body to trigger the bodies own healing response. In the language of Acupuncture pain occurs when Qi (Vital energy) and Xue (Vital substances) stagnate and do not flow properly. When there is a lack of flow, there is a lack of function. When the body is in dysfunction, disease, pain, swelling, weakness and atrophy occurs. By selecting specific points on the body, the physician is able to restore anatomical function, relieving pain and allowing the body to heal itself. It is important to understand that Acupuncturists do not solely treat pain but also treat the underlying cause for the injury and in doing so work to ensure the condition does not return.
“According to the 2007 National Health Interview Survey, an estimated 3.1 million Americans said they had used acupuncture in the past year. A special analysis of acupuncture data from an earlier NHIS found that pain or musculoskeletal complaints accounted for 7 of the top 10 conditions for which people use acupuncture. Back pain was the most common, followed by joint pain, neck pain, severe headache/migraine, and recurring pain.”
The science of Acupuncture:
Acupuncture has been shown to work in 5 scientifically proven ways to promote healing in the body.
Improves circulation in the area of disfunction: By restoring circulation, the body can bring in vital oxygen, healing agents and cells to break down and cary away damaged tissue.
Restores normal anatomical function to nerves and organs: By using carefully selected points, the acupuncturist is able to restore the lines of communications between the brain and organs. Essentially hitting the breaker and resetting the system to restore normal healthy body functions.
Releases neurotransmitters and the body’s own pain killers: The most powerful pharmacy in the world exists in your brain. It is able to create all the pain killing and restorative elements the body needs to overcome pain and return to a healthy state naturally.
Calms the nervous system and restores homeostasis, induces the body’s natural rest and recovery responses: Many patients do not recover quickly because of fatigue, anxiety, stress or depression. Acupuncture essentially sedates the fight or flight portion of our nervous system and elevates the rest, recover and recuperate elements of the nervous system.
Activates the immune system to quickly boost the bodies natural defenses: Receiving regular acupuncture regulates the immune system. This is important for patients suffering pain due to autoimmune conditions as it can quite down the inflammation and promoting better overall health.
Additionally acupuncture patients experience a greater sense of well-being and improved overall health: It is common for those receiving acupuncture to feel a greater sense of health and well being.
Sustain Community Acupuncture offers affordable healthcare and acupuncture in San Diego that makes the medicine accessible for our cash patients and our insurance, workers compensation and personal injury patients. Located between the Hillcrest and North Park neighborhoods, Sustain Community Acupuncture offers affordable Acupuncture, Herbal Therapy and Medical Massage. For questions about this article or for a consultation please call 619.358.9508 or contact us at info@sustaincommunityacupuncture.com.
