Amongst an enormous range of pain therapies-from medication to physical therapy-acupuncture uniquely shines by its being effective, holistic in approach, and non-invasive on the side of side effects. Here’s why acupuncture is the best method for pain therapy. A recent study finds high rates of persistent chronic pain among adults.
Holistic Healing Without Side Effects
Unlike most medications that boast a long list of side effects, acupuncture is a painless way to alleviate pain naturally and without drugs. Acupuncture works by stimulating the body’s natural response to healing. It involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into particular points along the body’s energy pathways, known as meridians, to balance the flow of Qi, which is considered life force energy. This is because it is only when Qi is in a good flow that the body heals, minimizes swelling, and relieves pain, without actually harming other organs or systems.
Example: suffering from chronic back pain? Often patients find themselves dependent on pain medications, which can lead to long-term side effects such as kidney or liver damage. Acupuncture offers an alternative, with long-lasting relief and no medication-related side effects.
Effective for a Wide Range of Pain Conditions
Acupuncture is versatile; it can be applied in many painful conditions, both chronic and acute. From musculoskeletal pain, through headaches and arthritis, to post-surgery pain, acupuncture can bring considerable relief. Evidence also supports its effectiveness in conditions like osteoarthritis, migraine, and low back pain.
Example: Those with knee osteoarthritis who have struggled with mobility and pain for years. After a series of acupuncture treatments, many report not only pain reduction but also improved joint flexibility, allowing them to walk and exercise more comfortably.
Triggers the Body’s Natural Painkillers
The most striking effects of acupuncture involve its stimulation in releasing endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers. These chemicals work to reduce the perception of pain and numb pain signals in the nervous system, promoting a feeling of well-being. Beyond this, acupuncture may affect the brain’s level of serotonin, playing a role in relieving pain and leading to an improved mood.
Example: Patients with fibromyalgia, a condition described as diffuse pain and aching, often report that pain is significantly reduced after several acupuncture treatments, along with an improvement in energy levels and quality of sleep.
Tailored to Individual Needs
One of the prime benefits of acupuncture is that this form of treatment is indeed personalized to meet a particular patient’s needs. Unlike one-size-fits-all treatments with pharmaceutical medications, for example, an acupuncturist examines the root cause behind your pain and tailors a treatment plan specifically for your needs.
Example: A person who has been experiencing chronic neck pain due to poor posture might differ from that of a patient whose condition is due to whiplash. Acupuncture can, in any case, be administered in a manner special to the individual, which often brings better and quicker results.
So why accept everyday pain?
Acupuncture is an ideal pain therapy because, besides dealing with the symptoms, it acts on a wide range of conditions, and it does so by triggering one’s body’s natural healing processes, and can be adapted to suit the various needs of diverse individuals.
