In this post, we will look into pain management acupuncture, including its mechanics, benefits, and health outcomes in relation to managing painful conditions and relieving the overall discomfort caused.
What is Pain Management Acupuncture?
The practice of acupuncture for pain management uses acupuncture techniques to treat a wide range of painful ailments. According to traditional Chinese medicine, pain is perceived as an abnormality in the body’s Qi, or vital energy flow. Relief from pain can be achieved by stimulating precise acupuncture points along the meridians to restore the movement of Qi, hence promoting general well-being.
How Does Acupuncture Work for Pain Management?
An increasing collection of clinical research and evidence supports the usefulness of acupuncture in the treatment of pain. Acupuncture has been shown in clinical research to change the perception of pain, modulate inflammatory responses, and increase endorphin release, also referred to as the body’s natural analgesics or pain-soothing molecules.
Clinical trials at the University of York have shown that acupuncture treatment can work well for pain relief such as chronic pain, headaches, and osteoarthritis compared to placebo. Acupuncture provides an in-depth pain management approach that takes into consideration the mental as well as physical causes of pain. It may additionally relax tense muscles, increase circulation, and enhance the body’s internal healing mechanisms. Also, it can be administered alone or in conjunction with other therapies.
Benefits of Acupuncture for Pain Management
Acupuncture is renowned for its versatility in addressing a wide range of pain conditions, including, but not limited to:
- Fibromyalgia
- Osteoarthritis
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Chronic abdominal or organ pain
- Neck and back pain
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Neuropathic pain
- Sciatica
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Frozen shoulder
- Postoperative pain and recovery
- Sports injuries and more
Acupuncture minimises pain, restores mobility, and may even improve quality of life by targeting specific acupoints associated with pain pathways. Acupuncture is a safe, non-invasive, natural solution to conventional pain management techniques that could pose risks or side effects.
How do different acupuncture techniques address pain?
Acupuncture utilises a number of techniques according to the individual’s needs and pain:
- Traditional acupuncture: In traditional acupuncture, small needles are inserted into meridians’ acupoints and then gently stimulated or manipulated to encourage the flow of Qi
- Electroacupuncture: Low-frequency electrical stimulation is used to acupuncture needles in electroacupuncture to improve pain alleviation and treatment efficacy
- Acupressure: In order to alleviate stress and reduce pain, acupressure involves applying pressure to acupoints using the fingers or additional tools.
During an acupuncture session patients can expect an in-depth assessment of pain following which sterile, single-use needles are inserted into specific acupoints. The activation of Qi and the response to treatment might be demonstrated by a range of sensations, from tingling or warmth.
How Long Does it Take for Acupuncture to Work for Pain?
The duration and intensity of the pain, every individual’s sensitivity to treatment, and the frequency of acupuncture appointments all impact the speed at which patients can get alleviation of pain from acupuncture. While certain individuals might see shifts after just a single session, others could require several treatments stretched out over several weeks in order to get the most benefit. For the best treatment outcomes, be sure that you maintain a means of communication open with your acupuncturist and follow the recommendations they provide. Trials have shown that the effects of acupuncture last over a long period of time, even after 1 year.
Overall, whether you need acupuncture for pain management depends on your level of pain, and state of your condition. It is a comprehensive and non-invasive way to alleviate pain and rebuild the state of equilibrium in the body.
Pain management acupuncture in Peterborough
At the complementary health clinic, we offer pain management acupuncture and traditional acupuncture to assist you on your path to pain relief and enhanced wellbeing. Our skilled acupuncturist is committed to offering personalised therapy that is tailored to your specific requirements. We are based in Peterborough and can service a wide range of areas, such as Stamford, Spalding, and Huntington. Call 01733 774 440 to book an appointment, or contact us for further information.
- Nielsen, Arya, et al. “Acupuncture therapy as an evidence-based nonpharmacologic strategy for comprehensive acute pain care: the academic consortium pain task force white paper update.” Pain Medicine 23.9 (2022): 1582-1612
- Chen, Teng, et al. “Acupuncture for pain management: molecular mechanisms of action.” The American journal of Chinese medicine 48.04 (2020): 793-811.
- Vickers AJ, Vertosick EA, Lewith G, et al. Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis. J Pain. 2018;19(5):455-474. doi:10.1016/j.jpain.2017.11.005