Acupuncture for Pain Management: What You Need to Know

Are you experiencing acute or chronic pain? Are you struggling to find a treatment that works for you and offers lasting relief?

If this sounds like you, you should consider trying acupuncture for pain. Acupuncture is a tried-and-true natural treatment that heals your body and mind, offering lasting relaxation as well as pain relief.

Interested in learning more about the benefits of acupuncture? Keep on reading.

What Is Acupuncture? 

Let's start with the basics. What exactly is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a natural pain relief treatment. In an acupuncture session, your provider will insert very small needles into your skin at various pressure points. 

Don't panic! These needle pricks are not painful, and they won't bleed. Acupuncture needles are extremely slim, and they are inserted only into the very top of your skin. 

The purpose of these needles is to stimulate your central nervous system. Through centuries of development, acupuncturists have found the perfect pressure points through which they can stimulate your nervous system and promote stress and pain relief. 

And yes, acupuncture really is centuries-old. Acupuncture treatment dates back to 100 BCE, where its use was first recorded in China.

Acupuncture did not come to the U.S. until the 1970s, when an American journalist received the treatment while abroad in China. 

Not too much later, the National Institute of Health concluded a study of acupuncture and found that it produced measurable results. Since then, acupuncture has been one of the most popular forms of alternative medicine in the U.S.

Acupuncture vs. Acupressure

If you've heard of acupuncture before, you may have also heard of acupressure. Acupressure is closely related to acupuncture, but it does not involve any needles. 

Acupressure uses the same pressure points that acupuncture does. However, an acupressure provider simply massages these points with their fingers. 

Acupressure does not have to be administered by a licensed provider the way acupuncture does.

You can achieve similar results with acupressure, but you may need to be more selective about who treats you. In general, acupuncture is your best bet for guaranteed pain relief and relaxation.

How Does Acupuncture Relieve Pain?

The pressure points stimulated during acupuncture are chosen carefully. These points, when stimulated correctly, release chemicals into your muscles, nervous system, and brain.

These chemicals jumpstart your body's natural healing systems. They also produce feelings of serenity, relaxation, and happiness. 

Because acupuncture is a natural therapy and doesn't interact with any medications or exercise regimens, you can seek out acupuncture even if you don't have a diagnosis. 

You can also try acupuncture whenever you feel a vague sense of malaise, physical fatigue, or muscle soreness from the exertions of everyday life. 

Acupuncture can be an effective treatment either alone or combined with other therapies for pain. When in doubt, you can always talk to your doctor about your pain management regimen so you can find the healthiest system for you. 

Could I Benefit From Acupuncture for Pain?

At this point, you may be wondering: how do I know if acupuncture for pain management is right for me? 

Acupuncture is a proven treatment for both acute pain from injuries and chronic pain from illness, joint problems, and other causes. 

Let's take a look at the conditions that are most effectively managed with acupuncture. 

Acute Injury and Illness

Acupuncture is a great treatment for acute pain. Acupuncture can help relieve pain in sports-related injuries, recovery from surgery, and even stroke rehabilitation. 

Acupuncture can also help with recovery from illnesses such as bronchitis, prostatitis, and sinus infections. 

The beauty of acupuncture pressure points is that they stimulate your body's natural healing systems. Whether you're recovering from a physical injury, a surgery, or a viral illness, acupuncture is bound to accelerate your healing process. 

Chronic Pain and Health Conditions

Acupuncture is especially promising in the field of chronic pain management. Acupuncture can offer relief for so many chronic conditions, including:

• Irritable bowel syndrome 
• Bladder dysfunction 
• Erectile dysfunction 
• Back pain 
• Arthritis
• Sciatica 
• Menstrual pain 
• Insomnia 
• Depression 
• Anxiety 
• Headaches and migraines 
• Parkinson's disease 

These are just some of the chronic ailments that can be helped with acupuncture treatment. Almost all of these ailments can lead to chronic pain in some form or another. 

When you are living with a chronic ailment, the best thing you can do for yourself is managing pain and discomfort through a regular regimen. 

Acupuncture is perfect for long-term treatment because it energizes your body, soothes your mind, and causes no unpleasant long-term side effects. 

How Do I Get Acupuncture Treatment?

Now that you know all about the benefits of acupuncture for pain management, you're probably wondering how to start your treatment. 

Since acupuncture is a natural therapy, you don't need a doctor's referral to get started. You may get a referral if you want, and this can help you get your acupuncture treatment covered by insurance. 

For the best acupuncture experience, you should choose a provider who is experienced in pain management, acupuncture, and any other type of natural medicine that interests you. 

Your acupuncturist may end up being a valuable resource for you in more ways than one. An experienced provider can point you toward other natural medicine resources and guide your healing experience through a meaningful, long-term partnership.

Get Natural Pain Relief Today

Are you ready to try acupuncture for pain relief as soon as possible? If so, look no further than AZ Pain Doctors. Our team of experts is ready to provide you with acupuncture treatment, chiropractic care, and much more!

Schedule an appointment today or chat with us to get all your questions answered. Whatever your ailment, AZ Pain Doctors is here to help.