Pain Management with Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical practice with roots that go back thousands of years. According to the Eastern mindset, a person’s body is a cohesive unit, or whole – a complex system where everything within it is interconnected, and where each part affects all other parts. A major component is the acceptance of an invisible flow of chi (or qi).

This chi can be translated as “energy” or “life force,” which circulates through the meridians of a person’s body. Whenever there is a blockage or deficiencies occur within a meridian, an imbalance is created that can produce a ripple effect of physical symptoms. Stimulation of certain points along the meridians can invigorate sluggish chi, free up blockages, or otherwise manipulate the flow of energy.

With the safety of pain relievers being questioned there are numerous studies showing the effectiveness of acupuncture in pain management. One huge advantage of this type of treatment, according to the NIH, is that side effects are substantially lower than that of many drugs or other accepted medical procedures used for the same conditions.

Acupuncture used in conjunction with chiropractic adjustments to the joints can have fantastic results in pain management. Since everyone is different, some people will respond better to electroacupuncture and some to traditional acupuncture (needles).

Chronic pain in the muscles and joints can make life miserable. Standard treatments like ice and heat, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and appropriate exercises can often ease the pain. In addition to these various treatments, acupuncture can be an effective and safe option.