Looking for a drug free option in pain relief?
Acupuncture may be a good option for you. It has been shown to have pain relieving effects and can be used to treat both chronic and acute pain. Some pain suffers find that acupuncture can reduce dependence on pain reliving drugs.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient healing technique, practiced for thousands of years. The theory behind acupuncture can be explained in both traditional and modern terms.
In traditional Chinese medicine terms, the body is believed to have energy called “qi,” which flows along “meridians” in the body. By stimulating specific locations on the body (“acupoints”) the flow of qi is released. By redirecting your qi, acupuncture aims to address various health ailments.
The modern scientific theory behind acupuncture is that by stimulating nerves, your body releases chemicals that help reduce the perception of pain. Acupuncture may also lower inflammation in the body, which in turn helps manage pain. Some even theorize that the acupuncture process changes the structure of the connective tissue around the acupoint, providing lasting pain management benefits.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
The hair-thin needles used in acupuncture are painless. However, needles are not the only way to stimulate acupoints. Acupoint stimulation can be accomplished several ways including through laser and electric stimulation. There is also acupressure, which stimulates acupoints with deep pressure applied by hand.
What kinds of pain can acupuncture address?
Acupuncture can be part of an effective plan to address chronic neck and back pain. Acupuncture can also be part of treatment for acute sources of pain, including menstrual cramps and headaches.
Acupuncture can even be used to address the underlying conditions that cause pain, such as inflammation. For instance, it is used in the treatment of arthritis.
The effectiveness of acupuncture to address these conditions has been studied. The National Institute of Health has conducted several studies that show that acupuncture can be effective in addressing chronic pain of the neck and back. In at least one study, participants who had been taking opioids reported using those drugs less when receiving acupuncture treatment.
Research has even shown that acupuncture’s long-lasting effects can persist for months, even after you have ended a course of treatment. The Journal of Pain conducted a meta-analysis and concluded that acupuncture had clinically relevant effects on pain, and those affects appeared to persist for over 12 months after treatment.
You Deserve Drug-Free Pain Relief
If you think that a long lasting, drug free pain management system might be a good fit for you, Holistic Alternatives can help. We offer a variety of acupuncture techniques allowing you to get your qi flowing with minimal anxiety and maximum relaxation.
Robert Lutz
L.Ac., LMT, Diplomate of Oriental Medicine
Contact Robert to schedule an appointment:
Texts welcome (727) 266-3000.
TCM practitioner for over 20 yrs:
- Licensed Acupuncturist
- Licensed Massage Therapist
- Diplomate of Oriental Medicine
- Reiki Master
- Ordained Interfaith Minister
- Optavia Coach
“I offer alternatives to harsh drugs & invasive procedures when practical & safe to do so. I believe in supporting the healing qualities & wisdom of your body. Clients receive quality care with uninterrupted attention for 60 minutes or longer per session.”
