Acupuncture Works for Pain Relief - Millcreek | Salt Lake
Acupuncture is not just an energy medicine! When Acupuncture is done to address orthopedic concerns, the approach is similar to what is commonly referred to as “dry needling”. This approach focuses on the “sinews” (fascia/muscle/tendino-skeletal) that are diseased, injured or dysfunctional in a neuro-musclar way. Acupuncturists may also needle into points based upon pain referral patterns and “distal points”. In Acupuncture, we may do what we call “Ah Shi” needling which means to needle into the pain point. We might even use electrical stimulation to more deeply effect the neurological component of a pain pattern.
But the biggest difference in the way an Acupuncturist approaches “needling” compared to a Western Practitioner, is the holistic understanding of the body that is foundational to Eastern Medicine. Body / Mind medicine - is an Eastern approach. Somatic medicine - is an Eastern approach. Sometimes a pain pattern has a psycho-emotional or spiritual (we call it “shen” in TCM) component and the best approach to treating the pain will involve:
an orthopedic needling technique into the direct sinews
a distal needling approach to address pain referral patterns in the physical body
shen points related to energetic channels and meridians
And it’s even more complex than there being different levels of needling. There is also within the practice of TCM / ACUPUNCTURE, an understanding of the myriad ways these aspects of the embodiment of our being interplay with Divergent Channels and Extraordinary Channels and… Truly to begin understanding you need a 4 year Master’s Degree and to sit for a National Board Exam. There is no weekend course, single book, or “certificate” level of training that can come remotely close to the level of understanding that a licensed Acupuncturist spends a lifetime practicing.
That said - sometimes a pulled muscle is a pulled muscle and it has nothing to do with childhood trauma. In this case, “dry needling” will work wonders! Work with a PT! I love PTs and refer to them often. With chronic pain patterns in the body, there is usually something deeper going on and the Mind / Body and Energetic approaches that an Acupuncturist can perform may give a person a better result.
Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists for a period of three months or longer. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as injuries, illnesses, or conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia. Chronic pain can be difficult to treat because it often has no clear cause, and it can be resistant to treatment with traditional pain medications. Chronic pain can also have a negative impact on a person's overall quality of life, as it can interfere with daily activities and cause emotional distress.
There are many approaches to treating chronic pain, including medications, physical therapy, and surgery. However, these treatments are not always effective, and they can sometimes have undesirable side effects. These challenges can cause frustration and a sense of hopelessness for those suffering from the condition of chronic pain.
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. These points, called acupuncture points or acupoints, are located along energy pathways called meridians. It is believed that inserting needles into these points can help to restore balance to the body's natural energy flow, known as Qi (pronounced "chee"), and that this can help to reduce pain and promote healing.
There is scientific evidence to support the use of acupuncture for chronic pain relief. Acupuncture may work by stimulating the release of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving chemicals produced by the body. It may also help to increase blood flow, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the production of nerve growth factor, which can help to promote healing.
Acupuncture is a useful tool in a comprehensive pain management plan. Most of my patients who see me for chronic pain report experiencing a significant reduction in their pain levels and an improvement in their overall quality of life. It is important to work with a licensed acupuncture practitioner to determine the appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs - and that’s where I come in…
Hello! I’m Alessandra Young. I started Retreatment Wellness to offer bespoke treatments for both Holistic Health and Holistic Beauty concerns. Retreatment Wellness is not a volume clinic where a clinician bounces around between patients. I offer my full attention one patient at a time because that is the care you deserve. I look forward to helping you achieve Optimal Health, Vibrant Beauty and a Calm Spirit!