Pain
The most common problem acupuncture is known to treat is acute and chronic pain. Acupuncture is a time-tested, safe, effective, natural and drug-free way to treat pain. Pain is a warning signal, an alarm that goes off when your body is trying to tell you that something is wrong. The World Health Organization ( WHO) and the National Institutes of Health ( NIH) acknowledge the benefits of acupuncture in treating pain due to a wide range of causes.
An acupuncturist approaches pain by working with the pathways of energy ( Qi ) that circulate throughout the body. These pathways are called meridians. Meridians are like rivers of energy within the body that nourish to every cell, tissue, muscle, organ, and gland in the body. It is important for Qi to flow freely throughout the body. If the Qi becomes stagnant, inflammation, pain, and disease may result. Qi can be blocked by such things as a physical injury, emotional trauma, poor diet, inherited weakness of Qi, and chemical, physical, and emotional stress.
By inserting fine, sterile needles at specific points on the body, such as acupuncture points and trigger points, an acupuncturist is able to break up blockages that have hampered the smooth flow of Qi. When a free flow of Qi is once again established, Qi can travel freely throughout the body, promoting pain-free health, well-being, and vitality. When the initial cause of the pain is corrected, the body can regain it’s normal balance and begin to heal on deeper levels.
Acupuncture can be used together with traditional Western treatments to maximize healing and recovery of many acute and chronic pain conditions. The most common pain conditions treated by acupuncture are back and neck pain. In Traditional Chinese Medicine ( TCM ) blockages of Qi in the neck and back can result from injury, illness, stress, or external invaders such as wind or dampness. Stagnation-type pain is often related to sudden, stabbing, severe pain and related to sprains, strains, or trauma. It can be accompanied by stiffness and tightness and becomes worse with rest. Cold, damp obstruction-type pain is generally worse in the morning and exacerbated by cold or damp weather. This type of pain condition may be associated with numbness, swelling, and a sense of “heaviness”. Heat improves this condition. Deficiency-type pain is usually a chronic condition that presents with a “dull” pain and improves with rest.
Neck pain can be caused by a wide range of factors, including wear-and-tear, strains or sprains, or inflammation. A few of the most common culprits include bad posture
( sitting in front of the computer, driving, reading in bed, talking on the phone ); injuries, trauma, and car accidents; medical conditions (such as arthritis, herniated disks, and jaw injuries); and stress. Some of the common TCM diagnoses for neck pain are over-use, strain, muscle tension, bi syndrome, invasion of cold, wind, and/or damp.
In addition to acupuncture for your neck or back pain your acupuncturist may suggest exercise such as qi gong or yoga, dietary changes and Chinese herbs, managing stress, and improving your posture.
“Acupuncture represents a highly promising and effective treatment option for chronic back pain. Patients experienced not only reduced pain intensity, but also reported improvements in the disability that often results from back pain, and therefore in their quality of life.” H. Endres MD
Headaches
Over 50 million of us experience some form of severe headache at some point in our lives. Medications may be helpful for symptomatic relief but they don’t address the “root” cause(s), and when used over long periods of time may become less effective or cause unwanted side effects.
There are many factors in TCM theory that may play a key role in the root cause (s) of a headache. These include body constitution, emotional health, excessive work, social and exercise activities, improper diet, physical trauma, and pregnancy. Headaches can also be diagnosed according to specific symptoms, times of occurrence, location on the body, type of pain, triggers, and remedies which provide relief.
It is important to remember that acupuncture is not a “quick fix.” Changes may occur quickly or over a longer period of time, depending upon your overall constitution and health. Patients can maximize their own healing potential by participating in their own healing process. Some ways that this may be done are:
Track the triggers- Keep track of when headaches start and what was going on including food eaten within the past 24 hours. Migraine headaches may be triggered by such things as chocolate, anxiety, and odors.
Stress relief- Stress can contribute to an exacerbation of the symptoms of many health problems including pain and headaches. Your acupuncturist may recommend some stress management approaches such as meditation and breathing techniques.
Exercise- Physical exercise is important for any healthy lifestyle and is an antidote for stress. Exercise does not have to be vigorous. Walking, qi gong, and gentle yoga are effective exercises.
Healthy habits- Making minor changes can make a big difference in one’s pain and stress levels and general health, longevity, and sense of wellbeing. Eating a healthy diet, drinking 8 glasses of water a day, and getting adequate sleep can make a huge difference
in the overall quality of our lives.
Stress
In ancient times our stress response ( also known as fight or flight response ) gave us the energy to preserve life during crises, such as an attack by a wild animal or enemy. Today we call it the fight, flight, or freeze response. This feeling of emergency can be elicited by many stressors, such as violence or even the news on TV, road rage, work pressure, financial worries, fear of crime or terrorism, and use of computers and cell phones. Unfortunately modern day stress is considerably higher, more complex, frequent, and more consistent than anything our ancestors probably experienced. Over a period of time these kinds of stresses can adversely affect our health. When our bodies stay in a state of constant alert, tension can become “locked in” to our bodies and even begin to feel normal. Over time our body’s resources become depleted, leaving us feeling drained and tired. All of our body’s systems are vulnerable. The nervous system, kidneys and adrenal glands, stomach and colon, cardiovascular system, lymphatic and immune system, and muscular system are usually where symptoms of stress may show up, manifesting in symptoms such as headaches, high blood pressure, insomnia, and hypoglycemia. We are also beginning to be aware of the relationship between stress and allergies, asthma, osteoporosis, and symptoms of a lowered immune system, such as chronic colds and other illnesses.
Acupuncture and TCM ( Traditional Chinese Medicine ) can be very effective in treating the stress that underlies many physical and emotional symptoms. In terms of Chinese Medicine stress affects the body by depleting or blocking the vital energy or Qi, especially that of the kidneys and adrenals. It is the Qi that animates and supports all of the functions of the body. Acupuncture can unblock the blockages of Qi, bring the body back into homeostasis, and stimulate it to regenerate and heal itself. The integrity of the various organs that have been affected can be restored through acupuncture and Chinese herbs. This approach to stress-related symptoms is especially good because it is drug-free.
Depression
Depression is a feeling of sadness, discouragement, and hopelessness. At one time or another, most of us have experienced the blues. This is a healthy response to events in our lives that seem overwhelming, such as profound loss, prolonged pain or illness, or stress. When our bodies and minds are in balance, we can bounce back from these feelings and function normally again. But, when negative feelings and emotions become persistent and consistent, depression may set in.
In the US alone more than 28 million people are taking antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications. When a person has lost their ability to function normally in their lives and especially if one becomes suicidal, these drugs can be a godsend. They can have a stabilizing effect which can help facilitate one’s ability to participate in some needed counseling and therapy. However, without additional psychotherapy, long term use of these drugs may have limited value. While medications may provide temporary relief, they can further compromise our health. According to the Physicians’ Desk Reference, even the top antidepressant drugs only address signs and symptoms associated with depression. Some of the side effects may be body rash, facial tics, tremors, insomnia, anxiety, listlessness, fatigue, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and sexual dysfunction.
How can acupuncture help? Acupuncture and Chinese medicine incorporate thousands of years of experience in treating depression. They can be used in conjunction with medications and therapy. They can also help alleviate the symptoms accompanying depression and can address the root imbalances that have contributed to the problem.
In Chinese medicine the body and emotions are inseparable, and acupuncturists are aware of the powerful interplay between the two. When we experience emotional upset, our internal environment becomes disrupted; when we experience physical problems, our emotions can become imbalanced. Over time this disruption leads to what an acupuncturist calls “stagnant or depressed Qi.” Eventually this can cause a disharmony within our body, affecting our physical and emotional well-being. This imbalance is what can lead to what we call in the West “depression.”
The goal of the acupuncturist is to activate the movement of Qi throughout the entire body and to address the root causes of the imbalances that initially created the stagnant Qi. By treating the person as a unique entity and the body as a whole organism, acupuncture and Chinese medicine can support the body/mind to heal itself.
The more an individual participates in their own healing process, the more success they can have in their recovery. Finding a therapist whom one trusts and can work with is very important in recovery from depression. It is important to surround oneself with a supportive community of friends and family. Don’t make too many life changes at once. Learn to breathe, go slow, and think things through. Exercise is important. Exercise at least 20 minutes three times a week. Walking, swimming, yoga, or tai qi are all just fine. It is important to remember that acupuncture is not a quick fix. Depending on the type and severity of the problem, one may need to receive weeks or months of treatment in order to experience lasting results.
Insomnia
Almost everyone has experienced a night of sleeplessness when they have tossed and turned all night then were tired and grouchy the following day. Ongoing insomnia, however, can indicate a deeper problem. The problem with the chronic use of sleep medications is that they may have side-effects or create dependence. Lack of proper sleep, however, can affect one’s health over time. When sleeplessness becomes a chronic problem, the body is unable to get the rest and renewal it needs to stay healthy. Lack of quality sleep can create many problems, such as difficulty concentrating, lack of energy, moodiness, and difficulty performing the usual activities of daily living. One’s immune system can even be compromised.
The imbalance that underlies insomnia may be caused by a number of things, such as stress, anxiety, medications, depression, and pain. Acupuncture can be helpful for insomnia and the underlying causes. Your lifestyle may need some adjustments, such as an exercise program, some dietary changes, and incorporating yoga or meditation into your daily routine. A series of treatments is usually needed for lasting results.
Some questions you may want to answer for your acupuncturist are:
Do you have difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep? Do you have vivid dreams? Is it difficult for you to quiet your mind? What is your best sleep position?
Some tips for healthy sleep are:
Create a regular schedule in which you go to bed and wake up the same time every day. Exercise regularly but not close to bedtime. Don’t eat a large meal late at night. Limit caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine. Try taking a warm bath, meditating, or reading before going to sleep. Try not to nap during the day.
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