Neck Pain:
Neck pain and general stiffness can be a very debilitating condition and acupuncture can be helpful in addressing this. However, acupuncture treatment can vary widely based on the practitioner’s methods and treatment strategy for neck pain and stiffness. Acupuncturist starts by asking about the patient’s symptoms, daily routine and diet which may give practitioner a clue for this issue. Even when symptoms of pain and stiffness are only in the neck area, the needles may be placed in other areas of the body in addition to the neck. You might be asked to lie on the stomach, back, or sit in a reclined position. Acupuncture treatment may combine with electric acupuncture and cupping to ease the muscle pain and stiffness.
It is common for an acupuncture treatment session to last somewhere around 30 to 45 minutes. Relaxing music might be played to help keep the environment calm and soothing. A study was published in the June 2001, issue of the British Medical Journal, show that Acupuncture works better than massage in Neck Pain & stiffness.
Shoulder Pain:
Acupuncture relieves shoulder pain, inflammation, and range of motion impingement. One condition, commonly known as frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis, is an inflammatory disorder of the rotator cuff and surrounding tissues that leads to pain and immobility of the shoulder. One study reveals that acupuncture is very effective in case of shoulder pain, namely “AB0956 Acupuncture Therapy for Shoulder Pain: A Study of 30 Cases”. A traditional point called “Ashi” points are used to bring the deqi at acupuncture points is a style of Acupuncture in TCM. Ashi points relieve the spasm and expel the stasis from the meridians and stop the pain.
Back Pain:
Acupuncture began in China more than 2,500 years ago. According to TCM theory, the stagnation of qi (energy) in the meridian causes pain. It involves inserting thin needles at certain points on the back called acu-points. Stimulating these points correct the imbalance of qi and improve the flow of energy. Practitioners believe that this helps relieve pain in the back and improve health.
It’s thought the effects come from stimulating the central nervous system. This may trigger the release of chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals either alter the experience of pain or produce bodily changes that promote a sense of well-being.
Western theories suggest acupuncture works by: Speeding the relay of electromagnetic signals, this may begin the flow of pain-killing chemicals such as endorphins. Triggering the release of natural opioids, these are chemicals in the brain that may lessen pain in the back.
