Dealing with chronic pain is debilitating, touching every aspect of your life, from work productivity to how happy you feel on a day-to-day basis. Fortunately, just because you have been suffering from this does not mean you are doomed to cope with it forever. Countless people have found relief through an ancient practice—acupuncture. This non-invasive therapy is known for alleviating chronic pain by releasing tension, reducing inflammation, and improving circulation. Our experts at Centered: Richmond Acupuncture understand just how challenging living with chronic pain can be, and we’re here to help you find your way back to wellness.
How Does Acupuncture Work for Chronic Pain?
Within Western medicine, it’s not uncommon to see countless products inundating the market, promising life-changing results in a bottle. In many cases, this simply isn’t sustainable. Rather than opting for a pill, exploring a holistic treatment option—like acupuncture—allows for a natural way to reduce pain.
Acupuncture is a very simple process in that it works by stimulating specific points on the body with fine needles. This stimulation helps release muscle tension and induces a sense of relaxation throughout the body. For those experiencing pain due to tight muscles or joint issues, this release can cause quite a bit of relief. In addition to this, acupuncture reduces tension in the body and helps lessen the pressure on joints, which reduces pain and increases the patient’s movement and mobility.
Reducing Inflammation
Inflammation is a common culprit behind many forms of chronic pain, including arthritis and back pain. Thankfully, this is an area in which acupuncture packs a big punch. Research indicates that when acupuncture needles are inserted into the body, they help trigger the release of natural painkillers and anti-inflammatory compounds—which can lead to a reduction in swelling and pain. This offers a natural path to pain management without the side effects associated with some of the more conventional treatments, like medication.
Improved Circulation
The ability to improve circulation is another helpful benefit of acupuncture, especially when it comes to treating chronic pain. Enhanced blood flow means that more oxygen and nutrients are able to reach ailing areas, which acts as a support for the body’s natural healing processes. Increased circulation also helps heal injured tissues faster and more effectively, making it helpful for older people who aren’t able to bounce back as quickly as they once did.
Acupuncture and Nerve Pain
Nerve pain and damage present unique challenges in pain management, as well. Acupuncture has shown promising results in not only reducing nerve pain but also in stimulating nerve regeneration, allowing for long-term change. Studies have suggested that acupuncture influences the way your brain and nervous system respond to pain signals and nerve distress, which is particularly beneficial for conditions like sciatica and carpal tunnel syndrome. In general, nerve pain can be a tricky area to see improvements in, yet acupuncture has proven time and time again to make a huge difference for patients.
We Also Offer Electroacupuncture!
Our clinic also offers electroacupuncture, a modern twist on traditional acupuncture that further enhances its pain-relieving power. All it takes is a gentle electrical stimulation applied to the acupuncture needles, making it just as painless as traditional methods. This comfortable electrical pulse helps the treatment penetrate even deeper into the tissue. Studies have actually shown that electroacupuncture is particularly effective for conditions like chronic low back pain and osteoarthritis.
How Often is Acupuncture Recommended?
Regular acupuncture is recommended to get the most out of your treatment and see the longest-lasting results. How frequently you go will just depend on your specific type of pain and the severity. For example, those suffering from debilitating back pain may want to seek treatment as often as once or twice per week. This can continue until significant progress has been made, which can be as little as a month or two. In most cases, it’s best to chat with your acupuncturist to develop a detailed plan with your own specific factors in mind.
Make the Move Towards a Happier, Pain-Free Life
Living with chronic pain doesn’t have to be your norm. With the help of regular acupuncture treatments, those who suffer from this pervasive pain can find hope and relief. This natural treatment is ideal for those who would like a long-term, holistic solution without the risks or side effects of medication.
At Centered: Richmond Acupuncture, we believe in a holistic approach to health that addresses the root causes of pain and promotes wellness from the ground up. We invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss how acupuncture and electroacupuncture can help you on your way to recovery and pain-free living.
It’s time to say goodbye to chronic pain and hello to comfort. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in finding natural, lasting relief so that you can get back to feeling like your best self.
References regarding Acupuncture for Chronic Pain:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30335320
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37928143
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9530146
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28192789
