Acupuncture for the treatment of pain

Treatment of Pain is the most well known application of Acupuncture.  Research indicates Acupuncture works via neural pathways triggering the release of the bodys' pain relieving neurotransmitters such as endorphins, serotonin, nor epinephrine etc.. which result in a reduction of pain.  

Acupuncture is successful in treating acute injuries due its pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, it aids recovery and return to normal activities.   

Acupuncture;

• Is a Drug free way of reducing pain

• Reduces Inflamation

• Improves Range of Motion of joints

• Relaxes muscles and tendons

• Assists in resolving adhesions and scar tissue

• Improves quality of life

• Is a perfect adjunct to other therapies such as Physiotherapy, Osteopathy,  Therapeutic and or Deep Tissue Massage and Chiropractic in your recovery.

• Acute or Chronic Injuries

 When an injury occurs pain, swelling, inflamation, immobility and stiffness occurs.  This leads to reduction in movement of muscles, ligaments and joints, sometimes to the point of immobility.  

The disturbance of the tissues due to strain or trauma causes qi and blood to stagnate, this in turn causes more and more stagnation and the affected area becomes painful, swollen and often inflammed with heat.  The stagnation becomes a viscious cycle in and of itself and results in adhesions and scar tissue formation especially when tears and trauma are causative factors.

Often when conditions are left untreated the pain creeps futher than the initial injury site (referred pain) and  
In Acupuncture we utilise the meridian system and or Trigger Points to re-establish the 'normal flow of qi and blood' through an area that is affected by injury, this results in reduction of pain and inflamation and increases the potential for healing to occur.  Treatment often includes Acupuncture, Tui Na (Chinese massage), Acupressure, Electro-stimulation and Cupping to rebalance the flow of qi and blood in the affected area.   Other suggestions regarding gentle stretching, rest and referrals to other practitioners will be made when appropriate to your case.

Lucinda (Lu) Miln is an experienced, registered with the New Zealand Register of Acupuncturists and is an ACC treatment provider. 

 Links

Acupuncture for headaches better than asprin!

NZ Herald article data analysis of back pain