TREATING PAIN WITH ACUPUNCTURE

Though once regarded as an exotic treatment derived from ancient Chinese medicine, acupuncture is now a widely accepted option in the medical community. Over the years, numerous studies and FDA approval have proven that acupuncture can provide relief for a variety of health conditions, from chronic pain to insomnia, by activating the body’s own self-healing properties.

Learn more about treating pain with acupuncture and how this unconventional treatment can become a vital part of your pain management protocol.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a treatment that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body, called acupoints, with the goal of balancing the vital energy.

Traditional Chinese Medicine uses an ancient philosophy that describes the body as two opposing forces: yin and yang. This energy flows through specific pathways, or meridians, which keeps the body balanced. When these forces are in balance, the body is vital and healthy. If this flow of energy is blocked, however, it can cause pain or illness.

Acupuncture can release blocked energy to relieve these conditions and stimulate healthy functions, triggering the body’s natural healing response. Research suggests that acupuncture has an effect on the nervous, immune and endocrine systems, which boosts the response to illness and promotes a sense of well-being.

What Conditions Does Acupuncture Treat?

Though the efficacy of acupuncture in treating certain conditions requires more research, it’s been proven helpful in treating a variety of conditions, including:

Chronic back pain.
Chronic neck pain.
Osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis.
Headaches and migraines.
Dysmenorrhoea.
Dental pain.
Postoperative pain.
Sciatica.
Strains and sprains.

Other diseases or conditions may benefit from acupuncture treatments as well, such as:

Abdominal pain from gastrointestinal disorders.
Cancer pain.
Fibromyalgia.
Fasciitis.
Gouty arthritis.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Raynaud syndrome.
Chronic prostatitis.
Recurrent urinary-tract infections.
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
Ulcerative colitis.

Is Acupuncture Right for Me?

Acupuncture is a safe treatment when performed by trained professionals and carries little risk or side effects. It can also be combined with other treatments safely and may reduce or replace the need for aggressive pain protocols.

If you’re considering acupuncture for pain management or for the treatment of other conditions, be sure to keep these tips in mind:

Check your acupuncturist’s credentials.
Consult with your doctor about any diagnosis you receive from your acupuncturist.
Speak with your doctor about the benefits of acupuncture for your specific condition.
Speak with your doctor about any health conditions that may make acupuncture unsafe for you, such as certain medications, skin problems or risk of infection.

It’s also important to remember that acupuncture is not meant to replace conventional medical treatment but should be approached as a complementary treatment that can promote self-healing and symptom management.

Schedule Your Consultation at Love Your Body Medical Spa

Despite the mystery around its exact mechanism, acupuncture can be a beneficial treatment for those suffering from chronic pain conditions. Results can vary based on many factors, however, so the best way to see if acupuncture is the right treatment plan for you is to give it a try.

If you’re considering treating pain with acupuncture, Love Your Body Medical Spa can help. Contact us today to learn more about our acupuncture treatments and schedule your consultation!