One of the primary reasons people come to acupuncture sessions at DASHA is pain. Many times, these clients are looking for a drug-free method of managing their pain. Other times, they use acupuncture as a part of a rehabilitation or physical therapy program. Some are suffering from chronic headaches and have found that acupuncture provides them with immediate relief or can even prevent the onset of the next one! Whatever their reasons are, many people swear by their acupuncture treatments. Why? Because it works for them. It enables them to simultaneously relax and manage their pain.
Now, even major insurance providers are starting to embrace acupuncture as a viable treatment option. We increasingly see clients with acupuncture benefits included in their primary health insurance plans. This traditional form of Chinese medicine is becoming increasingly popular in the US and Europe for everything from pain management and infertility treatment to stress relief, morning sickness treatment, and even facial rejuvenation (without the injections).
So how does acupuncture for pain management work? The basic premise is that acupuncture increases blood flow to the treated area, flushing it out and relaxing surrounding muscles. Explains DASHA licensed acupuncturist Easter Yi, “Think of the source of pain like a dam in a river. A dam blocks the flow of the river, causing build-up around it and even overflow to the surrounding areas. Increasing blood flow to an area of pain has the effect of flushing out the blockage, minimizing the source of pain and decreasing inflammation.”
Pain can take many forms, whether it is sharp or just an overall sensation of achiness. We treat pain associated with many conditions using acupuncture, both to strengthen the overall area (such as in the case of pain associated with muscle atrophy) or to reduce inflammation (such as pain occurring from an acute sports injury). One question people ask is whether or not it is safe to use acupuncture to treat an injury. Although we wouldn’t necessarily suggest needling the injury itself, by using needles around the area, blood flow is increased to the injury site, enabling some of the swelling to drain, decreasing inflammation, and thereby reducing pain.
In the same way, acupuncture may be used to effectively treat osteoarthritis, chronic back pain, TMJ, and headaches. Furthermore, in the case of tension headaches, the source of pain (which is usually tension in the shoulders and neck) can also be treated, resulting in muscle relaxation locally, decreased pulling and strain on the surrounding areas, and reduction of the headache itself. Furthermore, certain acupuncture points may also be used to release endorphins, which promotes a sense of calm, furthermore mitigating pain associated with conditions like headaches.
In conclusion, pain management is just one of the many reasons people have come to rely on acupuncture to enhance their overall health and well-being. A safe and holistic treatment method that has been used for hundreds of years, it remains a viable treatment option for those suffering from pain. If you are experiencing pain associated with a condition like those mentioned above and are looking to supplement your current treatment plan or explore an alternative approach, we encourage you to consult your doctor about trying acupuncture.
DASHA wellness & spa is a luxury lifestyle brand and New York City-based wellness center created to offer a truly holistic approach to wellness. To learn more, visit dashawellness.com.
