Pain Management
Having been practiced for over three thousand years, acupuncture can be very effective in treating many diseases and conditions. Acupuncture has been shown to be very effective at treating chronic pain, such as headaches, menstrual cramps, and low back, neck, or muscle pain. It can also be used to treat arthritis, fibromyalgia, facial pain, pain from shingles, and spastic colon and colitis conditions. Acupuncture has shown efficacy in treating obesity and addictions such as nicotine or drugs. Acupuncture also can improve the functioning of the immune system (the body’s defense system against diseases).
How an acupuncturist views pain
Acupuncutrists recognize that there is a vital energy, called Qi (pronounced ‘chee’) circulating within the body. Qi flows through a series of channels much like the way water flows through canals in a farmer’s field. Wherever the Qi flows, it brings nourishment to the body, and every cell, tissue, organ and gland benefits from the unobstructed flow of Qi.
When Qi is obstructed in the body, if allowed to be obstructed for a long period of time, symptoms of disease may arise – including pain.
Acupuncture seeks to relieve the obstructed Qi energy, allowing it to flow more freely in the body once again. Although acupuncture is rarely a ‘quick fix’, overall it has an excellent track record when dealing with pain and pain management.