How Acupuncture Works to Treat Pain

Acupuncture is a practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. It’s been used for thousands of years to treat various ailments, including one of the most notoriously difficult to manage: chronic pain.

This ancient technique involves inserting thin needles into specific points on your body to stimulate healing and alleviate discomfort, and it’s one of the pain management services we offer at Integrative Medical Center in Irvine, California. 

But how exactly does acupuncture work to treat pain? Here’s what you need to know.

The basics of acupuncture

Acupuncture is based on the concept of qi (pronounced "chee"), which traditional Chinese medicine states is the vital life force that flows through your body along pathways known as meridians.

According to the practice, pain and illness occur when there is an imbalance or blockage of qi. By inserting needles into specific acupuncture points, practitioners aim to restore the balance and flow of qi, which promotes healing and reduces pain.

How acupuncture can treat pain

Acupuncture helps alleviate pain by:

Stimulating your nervous system

Gently inserting small needles into your skin and tissues sends signals to your brain and spinal cord, activating your nervous system and prompting the release of various chemicals.

These include endorphins and enkephalins, which are natural painkillers that your body produces. This response helps reduce your perception of pain, and it can lead to an overall sense of well-being.

Modulating pain pathways

Acupuncture also modulates pain pathways in your body. The practice can influence the activity of neurotransmitters and hormones that play a role in pain perception, which means it can actually alter the way you process and perceive pain signals.

For example, acupuncture can increase your serotonin and dopamine levels, which are neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation and pain suppression. The result? Significant relief from chronic pain symptoms.

Reducing inflammation

Inflammation is a common contributor to pain, especially in chronic conditions like arthritis. Acupuncture can have anti-inflammatory effects, helping to reduce swelling and inflammation in affected areas.

By decreasing inflammation, acupuncture can alleviate the pressure and discomfort associated with inflammatory conditions, promote faster healing, and offer much-needed pain relief.

Improving blood flow

Finally, acupuncture boosts blood flow, which can also help manage pain. Insertion of acupuncture needles can cause local blood vessel dilation and increase circulation to the targeted area.

Improved blood flow brings more oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, facilitating healing and reducing pain. Plus, better circulation helps to remove metabolic waste products that can contribute to pain and stiffness.

Could acupuncture be right for you?

Acupuncture is a time-tested, holistic approach to pain management. It offers a natural alternative to conventional treatments, and we can use it to treat a wide range of pain conditions. 

Chronic pain conditions like lower back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, and even fibromyalgia can respond well to acupuncture. Acupuncture therapy can help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches and migraines, too.

Acupuncture may also be a good option if you’re recovering from a surgery or injury. Therapy can help manage pain and promote recovery after surgical procedures, and sprains, strains, and other sports-related injuries can benefit from acupuncture's healing effects.

Our team offers comprehensive pain management consultations, where we take the time to understand your needs and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.  If you’re struggling with chronic pain or looking for a complementary therapy, acupuncture might be the solution you need. Contact us at our office to get started today.