Acupuncture is well-known for its effectiveness in pain management.
We utilize the most effective acupuncture techniques for pain management.
Acupuncture is an ancient practice in which very fine needles are inserted into the skin at strategic points on the body to relieve pain and treat disease. Acupuncture was developed over 2,500 years ago based on the theory that energy flows through channels between the surface of the body and internal organs.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory views that pain and disease are the result of blocked channels. By placing needles at certain on the body, healthy energy flow can be restored to bring the relief from the pain and disease.
Modern science's view is that acupuncture needles at strategic points releases endorphins and opioids, the body’s natural painkillers, and perhaps immune system cells as well as neurotransmitters and neurohormones in the brain. Researches have shown that some bloodstream chemicals become elevated after acupuncture.
According to the 1997 National Institute of Health (NIH) Consensus Statement on Acupuncture, clinical studies have shown that acupuncture is helpful in treating nausea caused by surgical anesthesia and cancer chemotherapy, dental pain after surgery, addiction, headaches, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial (connective tissue) pain, osteoarthritis, lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, asthma, and to assist in stroke rehabilitation. Also, NIH Consensus Statement concluded, " The data in support of acupuncture are as strong as those for many accepted Western Medical therapies." The World Health Organization (WHO) lists more than 40 conditions for which acupuncture may be used
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), there is also evidence that stimulating acupuncture points enables electromagnetic signals to be relayed at a greater rate than under normal conditions. This may increase the flow of healing or pain-killing natural chemicals to injured areas. When pain is relieved, patients feel a greater sense of well-being overall, physically and emotionally. As a result, they may heal faster. Most acupuncture points coincide with the “trigger points” described by Janet G. Travell, MD, whose textbook, Myofascial Pain & Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual, is widely used at pain management centers in the Western world.
Acupuncture needles are metallic and sterile, used once and discarded. Needles are are slightly bigger than the width of human hair. Patients can feel the needle pierce the skin, but there is no pain. The puncture site is swabbed with a disinfectant beforehand. When the needle locates the trigger point, there may be a “grabbing” sensation, followed by a relaxed, heavy feeling and overall body warmth. Some patients even fall asleep during treatment. Side effects of acupuncture are rare, but there may be some soreness or light headedness following treatment.