Is Acupuncture Good for Pain? Treating the Root Cause.
The Power of Acupuncture for Pain Management: Treating the Root Cause
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years as a healing practice. It is a safe, effective treatment for a wide variety of health issues, including pain management. Acupuncture is based on the principle that there are pathways, known as meridians, that flow throughout the body. When these pathways become blocked or disrupted, it can lead to pain and illness. By inserting thin needles into specific points on the body, acupuncturists can help to introduce movement potential, which can have effects on the nervous system and other tissues of the body.
Whether you are experiencing acute or chronic pain, musculoskeletal dysfunction, or injury, acupuncture can be an effective tool in your recovery. Biomechanical analysis, manual muscle testing, and assessment techniques are at the heart of an acupuncture treatment for pain. These help practitioners to determine which areas of the body to target during treatment. A central principle of Chinese medicine is that “if there is no free flow, there is pain. If there is free flow, there is no pain.” Therefore, acupuncturists aim to restore free flow by combining needles with other modalities such as electro-acupuncture, Cupping Therapy, Tui Na (massage), Gua Sha (scraping), Moxibustion (heat therapy), and Shi Liao (dietary therapy).
An acupuncturist’s approach to treating pain is holistic, taking into account the interconnectedness of the body’s organ systems and meridian pathways. Acupuncture theory considers the root cause of pain and patterns of symptoms. Therefore, treatment is designed to address both the underlying cause and the presenting symptoms.
Pain and presenting symptoms can be compared to the fruiting body of a mushroom, while the root cause is likened to the network of mycelium below the ground. Acupuncture treatment aims to treat both the mycelium and the fruiting body of the mushroom. Similarly, pain is often the visible symptom of an underlying condition, while the root cause is hidden.
By treating both the root cause and the presenting symptoms, acupuncture can offer a wide range of benefits for pain management, including:
- Reduced inflammation: Acupuncture has been shown to reduce inflammation throughout the body. This can be particularly helpful for conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory disorders.
- Improved circulation: Acupuncture can help to improve circulation, which can promote healing and reduce pain.
- Pain relief: Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of pain conditions, including chronic pain, headaches, menstrual cramps, and back pain.
- Reduced stress: Acupuncture can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate pain conditions.
- Improved sleep: Acupuncture has been shown to improve sleep quality, which can help to reduce pain and improve overall health.
- Increased range of motion: Acupuncture can help to improve range of motion and mobility, which can be particularly helpful for conditions like frozen shoulder or arthritis.
Acupuncture is a powerful tool in the management of pain. Acupuncturists take a holistic approach, addressing the underlying cause of pain and patterns of symptoms. By using a combination of needles and other modalities, acupuncturists can restore free flow, introduce movement potential, and reset muscles into an anatomically neutral position.
If you’re interested in trying acupuncture to alleviate your pain and improve your overall health and well-being, consider booking an appointment with ViVi’s own Alana Wood. As a licensed acupuncturist, Alana takes a personalized approach to each patient’s treatment, focusing on the root cause of their pain and developing a customized plan to restore balance in their body.
Click Here to schedule your appointment with our Acupuncurist now and start your journey toward optimal health.
Wishing you health and wellness,
Your team at Vivi Therapy!
