Have you been suffering with a chronic or acute pain condition? Did you know that acupuncture has been used safely and effectively to treat a wide variety of pain conditions for over 3,000 years? Recent studies point to acupuncture’s ability to affect the release of pain-reducing chemicals (such as endorphins) in the brain. It is also widely believed that acupuncture helps reduce inflammation, improve circulation and soften tight muscles.
For a list of common pain conditions frequently treated by acupuncture click here
NIH Gives Acupuncture Thumbs-Up
In December 2004,
the National Institutes
of Health published their
findings from a randomized clinical trial of acupuncture for the
treatment of knee osteoarthritis. This trial conducted over 26 weeks
was one of the most comprehensive studies done to date. The results
concluded that “those who received acupuncture had a 40%
decrease in pain and nearly a 40% increase in
function….”1
The Golfer that Could
Ed, a 45-year-old man, came to see us after being referred by his wife. He had suffered from chronic neck and upper back pain for many years. His doctors had diagnosed him with herniated discs in his neck. Because of these herniations, he experienced a considerable amount of pain. The pain began in his neck and radiated into his shoulder and down his back between his shoulder blades. Because of this pain, he was sure that he would have to give up his favorite pastime, golf. The discomfort in his neck impaired his swing and made it difficult to get through a full round of golf. Needless to say, Ed’s game suffered as a result.
I assured Ed that I believed we could help. After a week of three treatments, Ed left for vacation. Upon returning, he enthusiastically recounted his ability to play 3 rounds of golf, two of which were back-to-back, without any pain. After years of discomfort, Ed was relieved to finally get his active lifestyle back. Ed continues to receive acupuncture treatments to keep his pain under control and is on his way to improving his score.
Freedom from Pain
Many suffering from pain turn to medications and, at times, and surgery for relief. Acupuncture offers an alternative solution and a chance at an improved quality of life. If, like Ed, pain impairs you from having the active lifestyle you desire, consider acupuncture as an effective pain management solution.
1.
National Center for
Complementary and Alternative Medicine, “Acupuncture Relieves
Pain and Improves Function in Knee Osteoarthritis,” (National
Institutes of Health, Dec. 20, 2004) at
www.nih.gov/news/pr/dec2004/nccam-20.htm