By stimulating certain points on the body called “acupuncture points” with subtle pressure produced by the insertion of fine needle tips into the epidermis, an acupuncturist stimulates biological responses from the body that naturally alleviates pain. Principles of acupuncture involve energy patterns called Qi that flow through the body and positively influence a person’s overall well-being. Experienced acupuncturists remove disruptions in this energy flow by altering physiological processes that may be inhibiting the Qi.
Pain Relief Through Acupuncture
Endocrinological imbalances, restricted blood flow, a dysfunctioning immune system and musculoskeletal tension are a just few health issues that readily respond to acupuncture, but remain unaffected by traditional medication. Acupuncture also increases activity in the pituitary and hypothalamus, two glands responsible for the release of several neurotransmitters and hormones important to pain relief. In addition, acupuncture techniques meant to ease pain generate production of endogenous opioids and analgesics—specifically endorphins—that are often called the body’s natural painkillers.
Types of Pain Relieved by Acupuncture
The University of California San Diego Center for Integrative Medicine offers clinical study results that show acupuncture is effective for reducing or eliminating the pain of:
- Facial pain (craniomandibular disorders)
- Knee pain
- Headaches (cluster, tension, migraine)
- Lower back pain
- Neck pain
- Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
- Postoperative pain
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sprains
- Sciatica
- Bursitis
A fascinating 2012 Bloomberg article discusses results of the largest acupuncture treatment study conducted yet, with data from 29 studies involving nearly 18,000 people concluding that “acupuncture was superior to both sham and no acupuncture control for each pain condition”.
Insertion of acupuncture needles does not cause pain. Instead, patients experience a slight prickling sensation that subsides within seconds of penetration. A typical acupuncture session for pain relief takes about 30 to 45 minutes, during which time the acupuncturist monitors the patient’s condition to ensure complete comfort. Additionally, acupuncture causes no side effects and most patients begin to experience relief from pain or illness within several days of having the procedure performed.