Key Takeaways
- Acupuncture has a history of over 3000 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine and helps alleviate pain by balancing the flow of energy (Qi) in the body.
- Many patients seek acupuncture as a natural alternative to manage pain instead of relying on potentially addictive medications.
- During an initial session, acupuncturists identify specific points related to the patient’s pain and discomfort for treatment.
- Acupuncture effectively treats various conditions, including headaches, menstrual cramps, fibromyalgia, and lower back pain, often with fewer side effects than medications.
- Research supports acupuncture’s effectiveness as both a supplemental option and a complete alternative to pain medications.
Acupuncture, which is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, has been in use for the past three thousand years. In the United States, it has become a more accepted form of medical treatment to help alleviate pain and resolve a number of medical conditions. The practice is based on the flow of energy (or Qi) that is supposed to flow freely along specific meridians or pathways in the body. When this energy becomes blocked or stagnant, it can result in a number of health complications. A licensed acupuncturist will insert thin acupuncture needles into specific acupuncture points on the body to help balance the flow of energy, or unblock it, so it can continue to travel throughout the body uninhibited.
Licensed acupuncturists are trained to help guide patients through their acupuncture sessions—which can include the use of acupuncture, cupping and Chinese herbs. Many patients have sought alternative solutions to managing conditions like pain in an effort to avoid taking excessive medication. Oftentimes these medications are only effective for a short period of time, after which other medications will need to be added or dosages will need to be increased. Relying on medication to help treat or manage pain can result in a number of side effects, including addiction. Finding a more natural alternative, such as acupuncture, can be a safer and more effective solution.
How Can Acupuncture Help Relieve Pain?
At the initial acupuncture session, you will be asked a number of questions that relate to your pain and discomfort. This will help the acupuncturist determine the specific points on which to focus during your acupuncture treatment. These points will have a direct relationship to various body functions and current health issues.
Once the points have been clearly identified, a small thin needle will be tapped into these points on your body. Most often patients do not feel any pain throughout this process, although some might feel a slight tingle. The acupuncture treatment may last from 15 minutes to an hour, and may require more than one session.
What Can Acupuncture Help Treat?
There are a number of health conditions that acupuncture can help treat successfully. With some of these conditions, it is used as a supplemental treatment option. Acupuncture can be used as a type of alternative medicine to help alleviate:
- Headaches
- Menstrual Cramps
- Tennis Elbow
- Fibromyalgia
- Myofascial Pain
- Lower Back Pain
- Carpal Tunnel
The British Medical Journal published the results of a study done with individuals who suffer from osteoarthritis pain and used acupuncture as a form of treatment to help manage the pain and symptoms. [Link] The study consisted of 88 patients, all of whom were also taking an anti-inflammatory drug. The half that also received the acupuncture treatment were said to experience less pain and increased mobility.
There is significant evidence to support acupuncture’s effectiveness—either as a supplemental treatment to specific medications, or as a complete alternative to pain medications.
Acupuncture has been shown to effectively reduce and even prevent migraine headaches. It has also reduced the occurrence of tension headaches in a number of patients. For individuals who suffer from chronic pain, studies have shown acupuncture to be a highly effective form of treatment when done by a trained professional acupuncturist. The most common chronic-pain symptoms that have been treated with acupuncture include lower back pain, headaches, neck pain and certain types of arthritis. [Link]
Acupuncture is a natural remedy that helps to relieve pain. It can also be used to treat a number of other medical conditions. Prescription medications may be effective for a short period of time, but prolonged use can result in other medical complications. With acupuncture, the treatment is painless and effective, without the potential downside of long-term prescription use.
