Acupuncture Brings Natural Chronic Pain Relief Without Medications

The Benefits of Acupuncture for Chronic Pain Relief

If you suffer from chronic pain, you know how debilitating it can be. Chronic pain affects over 50 million Americans, preventing them from enjoying activities they love. Finding an effective treatment is crucial.

Acupuncture is growing in popularity as a drug-free approach to treating chronic pain. Acupuncture involves stimulating specific points on the body, typically by inserting very thin needles through the skin. This activates the body's natural painkillers and promotes healing.

Research shows acupuncture can be very effective at reducing many types of chronic pain, including:

• Headaches and migraines
• Lower back pain
• Neck pain
• Knee pain
• Shoulder pain
• Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia

Keep reading to learn more about using acupuncture for chronic pain relief.

How Acupuncture Works

Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine practices that have been around for thousands of years. The basic theory is that energy, known as "qi" (pronounced "chee"), flows through pathways in the body called meridians.

When qi becomes blocked or unbalanced, it can lead to illness and pain. Acupuncture stimulates specific points along the meridians to clear blockages and improve the flow of qi.

Researchers have found that acupuncture points correspond to locations where there is a high density of connective tissue. Stimulating these points relieves pain by activating opioid systems in the brain.

The Acupuncture Session

During an acupuncture treatment, you lie comfortably on a treatment table while very thin disposable needles are inserted into different parts of your body. Some points that may be used include:

• Around the knees and elbows
• In the hands and feet
• Along the stomach and spine
• Around the head
• In the ears

The number of needles used can range from a few to over twenty. The needles are left in place for 15-30 minutes. Most people report feeling little to no pain from the needles.

In addition to needles, acupuncture treatments may include:

• Heat therapy
• Cupping - suction cups placed on the skin
• Guasha - scraping the skin with a massage tool
• Moxibustion - burning dried herbs near acupuncture points
• Electroacupuncture - electrical stimulation of the needles

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

Acute pain may be relieved in as little as one to two treatments. However, chronic pain usually requires longer term management with weekly or monthly sessions.

Many pain patients notice a difference after six visits. It often takes 12 or more sessions to see significant reductions in pain.

Your acupuncturist will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan based on your symptoms and health history.

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Acupuncture is very safe when performed by a licensed acupuncturist. The needles used are sterile, single-use, and disposable. Serious side effects are rare.

Some possible side effects include:

• Mild soreness, redness or bruising where needles were placed
• Minor bleeding or injury from needles
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Increased symptoms for a short time before they improve

Always communicate with your acupuncturist about any symptoms or concerns you may have.

Who Should Not Receive Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is generally safe for most people. However, the following conditions may make it risky to try acupuncture:

• Bleeding disorders
• Pacemaker or implantable defibrillator
• Pregnancy
• Skin infections
• Weak immune system
• Valve disease

Talk to your doctor before trying acupuncture if you have any medical conditions or take blood thinners. Your acupuncturist can help determine if acupuncture is appropriate for you.

How to Prepare for Your First Acupuncture Session

These tips will help you prepare for your initial acupuncture visit:

• Find a licensed acupuncturist - Look for an experienced practitioner certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
• Dress comfortably - Wear loose fitting clothing to allow easy access to treatment points.
• Avoid heavy meals - Eat a light meal 1-2 hours before your appointment.
• Arrive early - Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to complete any intake forms.
• Tell your full medical history - Let your acupuncturist know about any medical conditions, medications, supplements or allergies.

Relax and focus on your breathing during the treatment. Stay hydrated afterwards and pay attention to any reactions over the next day.

What to Expect During Your First Visit

Your initial acupuncture visit will likely follow this process:

1. Review of health history - Your acupuncturist will ask detailed questions about your current health, symptoms, medical history, medications, lifestyle and more.
2. Physical exam - You may receive a basic exam of your pulse, tongue, reflexes and range of motion.
3. Treatment plan - Your practitioner will suggest a personalized treatment plan based on your symptoms and exam findings.
4. First treatment - Your acupuncturist will insert needles according to your treatment plan, from 5-20 needles is common. The needles are left in place for 15-30 minutes while you relax.
5. Post-treatment discussion - Your acupuncturist will provide self-care tips and discuss scheduling follow-up appointments.

The initial visit often takes 60-90 minutes for a thorough assessment. Follow-up appointments are usually shorter in duration.

How Much Does Acupuncture Cost?

A typical cost per acupuncture treatment ranges from $50 to $150. The initial visit may cost more due to the length and comprehensive exam.

Factors affecting the cost include:

• Geographic location - Urban areas have higher rates than rural areas
• Experience of the acupuncturist - Highly experienced practitioners charge more
• Clinic setting - Rates at hospitals are higher than private offices
• Length and type of treatment - Sessions with electrical stimulation cost more

Many insurance plans now offer some coverage of acupuncture treatment. Check with your insurer about your specific benefits.

Some clinics offer discounted rates for lower income patients. Community acupuncture clinics provide affordable treatments in a group setting.

Is Acupuncture Worth the Cost for Pain Relief?

Although acupuncture involves an out-of-pocket expense, it can pay for itself by reducing the need for prescription pain medications, doctor visits, physical therapy or surgery.

Studies show acupuncture provides lasting pain relief and improved function at a cost comparable to many conventional treatments.

Talk to your acupuncturist about pricing options to fit your budget. Many offer discounted packages for multiple treatments purchased upfront.

How to Get the Most From Your Acupuncture Treatments

These tips will help you maximize the pain relief from your acupuncture care:

• Follow your treatment plan - Attend your scheduled sessions consistently to get cumulative benefits.
• Communicate with your acupuncturist - Tell them about any changes in your pain, mood or activity level.
• Adopt healthy habits - A balanced diet, exercise routine and stress management will enhance your progress.
• Avoid strenuous activity - Take it easy after treatments to allow your body to heal.
• Track your symptoms - Keeping a pain journal can reveal patterns and breakthroughs.

Acupuncture works best when combined with lifestyle changes that reduce inflammation and support overall health.

How Long Until I Feel Results From Acupuncture?

Relief from acupuncture can be rapid, but it takes consistency over time to achieve lasting effects. After 4-6 treatments, most patients notice significant improvement in pain levels and mobility.

Neck, shoulder and back pain may respond within the first 2-4 weeks. For chronic knee, hip and arthritis pain, it may take 6 weeks or longer to see the full benefits.

Stay patient and stick with your treatment plan. The longer you've had the pain, the longer it takes to resolve the imbalance causing it.

Acupuncture Points for Common Pain Conditions

Acupuncturists tailor treatments to each individual, but some specific points target different types of pain.

Low Back Pain Points

Low back pain responds very well to acupuncture. Common points include:

• BL23, BL25 - on either side of lower back
• BL40 - back of knee
• GB30 - outer hip/buttock
• KI3 - inside ankle
• LR3 - top of foot

Neck Pain Points

Acupuncture provides effective relief for chronic neck stiffness and pain. Useful points include:

• GB20 - base of skull
• GB21 - top of shoulder
• SI3 - shoulder area
• LI4 - web between thumb and finger
• LU7 - wrist crease

Knee Pain Points

Points around the knee joint, lower leg and foot can improve chronic knee pain.

• ST35 - outside knee
• SP10 - inner knee
• LR8 - between knee and ankle
• GB34 - outside lower leg
• UB60 - outer ankle

Hip Pain Points

Tight hip muscles contribute to many pain syndromes. Needling around the hips relaxes the tissues.

• GB29 - just below hip bone
• GB30 - outer hip/buttock
• UB40 - back of knee
• GB31 - outside thigh
• GB34 - outside lower leg

Research on Acupuncture for Chronic Pain

Thousands of studies confirm acupuncture works to relieve chronic pain. Some key research findings include:

• Acupuncture cut migraine frequency in half for over 85% of patients in a large trial.
• Twice weekly acupuncture eased chronic back pain better than standard treatment in a study of over 1,100 patients.
• Osteoarthritis sufferers had a 40% decrease in knee pain and 40% improvement in function after 2 months of acupuncture.
• Fibromyalgia patients had less pain and fatigue, better sleep and enhanced quality of life with acupuncture treatments.

Brain imaging shows acupuncture stimulates pain-relieving opioids and turns down areas that transmit pain signals.

The effects of acupuncture continue long after the treatment as it retrains the nervous system to reduce pain.

Is Acupuncture Effective for All Types of Pain?

The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture as effective for over 40 common pain conditions. Clinical studies back up the use of acupuncture for:

• Headaches and migraines
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Lower back pain
• Sciatica
• Tennis elbow
• Abdominal cramps
• Pelvic pain
• Fibromyalgia

Talk to your acupuncturist to see if it may be right for your particular pain condition.

Acupuncture Can Provide Drug-Free Pain Relief

If you suffer from chronic pain, consider exploring acupuncture as an alternative to medications or surgery. Acupuncture uses the body's natural healing abilities to reduce pain and improve function over time.

Consistent acupuncture treatments have been proven very effective for all types of chronic pain with little risk of side effects.

Work with an experienced acupuncturist to develop a customized treatment plan. With regular sessions, acupuncture can help you finally overcome stubborn, nagging pain.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.