How is Acupuncture Used for Pain Management?

QualityAcu is a health and wellness clinic in Orange, CA, that specializes in pain management. Rather than prescribing medications to cover the symptoms of pain, we use methods based on traditional Chinese medicine. We take a holistic approach to pain management, seeking to uncover the underlying causes of your pain to provide long-lasting relief.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that has been used to manage pain for thousands of years. During an acupuncture procedure, extremely thin needles are inserted just below the skin at special points around the body. The needles promote the flow of blood, increase oxygenation to the cells, and help stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.

The typical acupuncture lasts between 60 minutes, depending on the specifics of the individual’s needs. The needles generally remain inserted for 15-20 minutes. The needles may be twisted and manipulated depending on an individual’s condition and treatment plan.

Everyone responds differently to the treatment. For some, pain relief is immediate. For others, multiple sessions may be required to experience notable relief.

How Does Acupuncture Relieve Pain?

So, how does it work? There are many ways acupuncture helps to relieve pain symptoms:

  • Acupuncture can trigger the release of endogenous opiates such as endorphins, dynorphins, encephalin, as well as corticosteroids. These chemicals are the body’s natural painkillers, helping to reduce pain and promoting a sense of well-being.
  • Acupuncture helps to reduce inflammation, relieving pain and swelling.
  • Acupuncture improves blood flow and circulation to injured or painful areas, promoting healing and reducing discomfort.
  • Acupuncture can influence the body to release chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine. These “neurotransmitters” play a big role in pain perception and mood regulation.
  • Acupuncture can interrupt the pain signals that travel from the nerves to the brain, reducing the sensations of pain.
  • Acupuncture has been shown to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation, which can help manage pain by decreasing muscle tension.

Acupuncture Can Treat the Pain Associated with Many Medical Conditions

Acupuncture provides an effective way to manage the pain associated with a number of medical conditions, such as:

  • Allergies
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Sciatica and other types of lower back pain
  • Migraines
  • Tendonitis
  • Menstrual cramps and PMS
  • Sports injuries
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Sprains
  • Neck pain
  • Tennis elbow
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Morning sickness
  • Myofascial pain

Acupuncture is often used as a complementary therapy alongside conventional medical treatments for pain management. Acupuncture can relieve many types of post-surgical pain. It has also been shown to provide an effective way to treat the pain associated with chemotherapy and other cancer treatments.

Schedule Your Appointment at Quality Acu Today.

Quality Acu serves patients all over the Orange County area. We offer an alternative pain treatment that doesn’t involve medications. In addition to acupuncture, we offer cupping therapy and deep tissue percussive massage therapy to help relieve chronic pain.

Contact Quality Acu and schedule your appointment today! We’re conveniently located at 2832 E. Chapman Ave.,. Our hours are 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM on weekdays and 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM on Saturdays. You can use our website or call us at 714-532-2827 to schedule an appointment. We accept most forms of insurance and always welcome new patients!

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