Acupuncture is an ancient medicine that is highly effective for treating pain. It’s been used for thousands of years and continues to work today. While it’s great for relieving headaches, this article will focus on acupuncture’s ability to treat orthopedic pain – pain that occurs in the back, knees, fingers, or any place where the body articulates.
According to a 2016 report by the United States Bone and Joint Initiative, approximately 126.6 million Americans are affected by orthopedic pain. From knee pain to a twisted arthritic finger, pain is an important signal for the body. Understanding the root cause of pain is vital to healing it permanently.
To relieve pain, acupuncture activates the release of natural painkillers such as endorphins and serotonin. These substances bind to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing the perception pain.
Acupuncture treatment also improves the circulation at the injury site. This increased blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients essential for tissue repair. Improved circulation helps reduce swelling and assists in removing waste products and damaged tissue.
Acupuncture reduces excess inflammation by supporting the body’s immune response, which speeds healing and naturally reduces pain.
In chronic pain conditions acupuncture can be miraculous. It works by addressing the root cause of pain rather than masking symptoms. Acupuncture is based in an energetic model that includes the life force energy, meridians and acupuncture points. When the circulation of life force energy is constrained, stagnation of blood and energy can occur, which is considered a primary cause of pain. From a Western medical perspective, there are observable correlations with this traditional Chinese medical theory.
Chronic back pain is a great example. When tissues of the back become excessively tight in one area, they can compress nearby nerves. This tension may also pull the discs out of optimal alignment, leading to nerve pain, inflammation and disrupted movement of the vertebrae. Over time, misalignment and chronic pressure from tight muscles, tendons, and ligaments can result in significant pain.
By placing thin needles into certain acupuncture points on the back, the acupuncturist helps release tension in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. As these tissues relax, nerve compression decreases, circulation improves, and spinal discs are better able to return to their natural alignment. As a result, normal function improves and the pain can diminish naturally.
When acupuncture is combined with deep nutrition it can be even more effective. Supplying the body with essential nutrients – such as bioavailable calcium and B vitamins – supports the repair of bones, discs, and muscles, helping address the root causes of pain.
Understanding what pain is communicating and addressing its root cause through acupuncture and nutritional support can be life changing.
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