Chronic body pain can impact every aspect of your daily life, from work to sleep and everything in between. While medication and physical therapy are standard treatment options for people worldwide, many people are turning to alternative therapies like acupuncture for relief. With its roots originally in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), acupuncture has gained popularity in modern healthcare for its proven potential to ease pain and improve overall well-being. But is it the right option for you? This guide breaks down everything you need to know about acupuncture for chronic pain so you can easily improve your quality of life.
Acupuncture for Chronic Pain- Unveiling the Unsung Hero of Holistic Wellness
Acupuncture is originally a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) method that stimulates specific nerve endings to promote deep muscular and skin relaxation. It may relieve various medical issues, including persistent and chronic pain. Although considered a complementary treatment, studies have proven that acupuncture is highly effective for different problems.
How is Acupuncture Performed?
The first acupuncture appointment typically takes twenty minutes to an hour. It begins with a review of your health status, medical history, and physical exam, followed by the needle insertion. Although it might vary, therapy courses often consist of multiple sessions.
Acupuncturists inject needles into specific areas on the body known as acupuncture sites. The needles can be implanted just under the skin or deeper, reaching the muscle. After inserting the needles, they may remain in place for a few minutes to half an hour.
How Does Acupuncture Work to Relieve Pain?
Acupuncture involves the process of inserting very thin, sterilized needles into specific anatomical points. Acting on certain nerve endings sets off a cascade that causes the body to produce endorphins and serotonin, which are naturally occurring analgesics. Reducing inflammation, relieving tension, and promoting healing are all benefits of this. For example, acupuncture sites along the sciatic nerve pathway—which extends from the lower back down both legs—are targeted when treating sciatica’s chronic pain. Using needles to stimulate certain spots, acupuncture can reduce pain and increase range of motion.
Benefits of Acupuncture for Pain Relief:
One of the many health issues that acupuncture can help with is chronic pain. Many individuals turn to acupuncture when they experience any discomfort that medicine is not helping with. Research suggests that acupuncture has the potential to help with a wide range of medical disorders, particularly those involving the immune system. Acupuncture can efficiently treat chronic pain from osteoarthritis (OA), low back and neck discomfort, knee pain, and headaches.
Important Considerations:
Several considerations must be made before getting acupuncture. Remember that untrained acupuncturists pose a health risk to their patients. Muscular punctures, infections, and damage to the central nervous system can occur when a healthcare worker is either inexperienced or uses nonsterile needles. On the contrary, there are seldom any risks or side effects associated with acupuncture when done by an experienced practitioner.
If you are allergic to metal or have an illness in the area where needles can be inserted, it is generally recommended that you avoid acupuncture as well.
Additionally, when searching for acupuncture or other therapies for chronic pain relief, consider the clinic’s licensure, expertise, reviews, professionalism, and safety measures.
Get Acupuncture from Professionals Only- Book Your Session at Araya Health
Acupuncture is a supplementary and alternative medicine practice deeply rooted in Chinese medicine. It is best suited for alleviating chronic pain symptoms. Tiny needles penetrate the body and its neural network to activate particular areas. This stimulation causes the body to release endorphins, endogenous substances that alleviate pain. Although everyone’s experience is unique, many people find that acupuncture significantly reduces their chronic pain after just a few treatments.
Acupuncture does wonders, but getting it done from a professional is essential. At Araya Health, each patient who enters our clinic receives individualized recommendations from our experts. Our comprehensive treatment program addresses both your physical and mental health, ensuring that you stay injury- and pain-free while also improving your overall well-being and performance through acupuncture customized to your bodily requirements. We strive to help you get back on your feet to have an everyday, pain-free life. Visit our clinic or book your session online to experience acupuncture like never before.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long does it take to see results from acupuncture?
For some people, acupuncture provides rapid pain relief. Though some may feel better immediately, that is not guaranteed for everyone. For some, the key to a better life may be a series of consistent therapies. Patients suffering from severe injuries or long-term illnesses may require a series of therapies before they find relief.
What is the science behind acupuncture?
People who practice acupuncture believe the needles stimulate the nervous system. As a result, the body’s brain, spinal cord, and muscles get chemical signals. These alterations in biochemistry may promote the body’s innate capacity for healing. They might be good for your mental and physical health.
What are the chemicals released by the body during acupuncture?
Acupuncture can regulate hormone, neurotransmitter, and neuropeptide release through its effects on the neuroendocrine system.
