So, How Does Acupuncture Treat Pain Anyway?
Even though acupuncture can prevent and treat many conditions, it is most known for its role in treating pain. In fact, many people start getting regular acupuncture treatments to help with acute and chronic pain, and continue treatments even once the pain is gone after they learn about all of the other benefits. But what is actually happening when we are treating pain conditions and how does it work? Luckily, many clinical studies and research has been done on the mechanism of acupuncture to treat pain, so there are scientific facts to back it up. * Spoiler alert: it is NOT a placebo effect *
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine, sterile, single-use needles that are as thin as a strand of hair. The needles are inserted into specific points on the body to not just treat the symptom, but the root of the problem. Depending on where they are placed, they are either along energetic channels of the body, or at motor/trigger points of muscles. Although many acupuncturists have different styles, at Two River Acupuncture, needles are placed in not just the area of pain, but also distally for a holistic approach to general wellness. Note: This is what differs traditional acupuncture from dry needling. With traditional acupuncture, you get all the benefits of dry needling, such as localized muscle release and injury cascade (more on that later), PLUS overall wellness benefits such as better digestion, improved sleep, and a better mental state.
The Benefits of Acupuncture for Pain Relief
One of the most common questions friends and patients alike ask me is a variation of “how does acupuncture work?”. Well, that is an endearing question and similar to asking a Western doctor “how does medicine work?”, but to make it more specific, let’s dive into how acupuncture works to treat pain. When acupuncture needles are inserted, the body reacts in a way that can sometimes be termed as an “injury cascade”. In other words, the central nervous system reacts to heal it and mitigate pain. This is done in three major concepts that have been scientifically proven in peer research:
Improved blood flow & microcirculation: The fresh blood that is brought to the areas of the needles will bring fresh nutrients and oxygen to the tissues to speed up recovery. Additionally, “stuck blood” or stagnant blood that can be causing pain, such as in endometriosis, can be moved elsewhere as a result of the acupuncture needle.
Anti-inflammatory effect: The acupuncture needle itself creates a micro-trauma in the connective tissue, which allows certain chemical pathways in the CNS to activate the innate immune reaction, and increase production of cells to the area that assist in growth factors for wound healing.
Release of neurotransmitters: The micro-trauma that the needle creates stimulates the release of endorphins, natural hormones that alleviate pain, lower stress, improve mood, and enhance a sense of overall-well being.
Acupuncture for Acute and Chronic Pain
The good news about acupuncture, is it can help with a pain you just experienced, such as sleeping on your neck wrong or hurting your back gardening, AND it can can help with more chronic arthritic pains, menstrual pains, or long-term lifestyle pains such as “tech neck”. Some common pain conditions regular acupuncture treatments by a qualified professional can treat include but aren’t limited to:
Neck pain
Back pain
Knee pain
Sciatica / nerve pain
Hand or foot pain
Carpal tunnel
Headaches/migraines
Sinus pain
TMJ disorder
Painful periods
Stomach pain from gas and bloating
Conclusion
As compared to medication and surgery, acupuncture treatment is relatively safe and effective. Acupuncture and TCM work well with any other medical modality and complement any medical treatment, from physical therapy and massage to medications and surgical interventions. While more invasive procedures are sometimes necessary, acupuncture can sometimes be a standalone treatment, but always be compliment other therapies.
Licensed, board-certified acupuncturists in the state of New Jersey are highly qualified practitioners who go through a rigorous four-year masters training after they achieve their bachelors degree. This is followed by four nationally approved board exams that are required to pass before practicing. Following this, another year of schooling is optional to achieve the level of doctorate. All of this being said, the downsides to trying acupuncture for pain are minimal. However, as with every intervention you put your body through, it is important to do your research to find a practitioner that is right for you. If you are unsure, free consultations can always be provided over the phone at 732-579-1025, and any questions can be emailed to tworiveracupuncture@gmail.com. Whether you are in pain or just want to explore a better wellness routine, I’m here for you at Two River Acupuncture.
