Acupunture for back, neck, & shoulder pain
How Does Acupuncture Relieve Pain?
Traditional Chinese Medicine has been used for thousands of years for pain relief. From the Eastern Medical point of view acupuncture works to relieve pain by inserting fine needles into specific points along the bodies meridians, to promote the flow of Qi. The meridians are also known as pathways that map out the body, these meridian lines show the superficial pathway of each organ. With years of studying, acupuncturists are able to select these specific points to help with each ailment. With the promotion of Qi flow it allows the human body to heal its pain and return to its balanced state. In the Western medicine point of view, acupuncture is able to relieve pain since the needles are able to stimulate the central nervous system and can trigger the release of chemicals in to the muscles, spinal cord and brain. These chemicals are hormones and also endorphins which are our natural painkillers in our body, allowing for our pain to be relieved and promote a sense of well-being. Click here to read more…
Other ways Acupuncture works to relieve pain:
- By triggering the release of natural opioids which are chemicals in the brain that can lessen pain and promote sleep.
- Speeding the relay of electromagnetic signals that can promote and start the flow of endorphins.
- Releasing immune system cells in the body.
- Changing the brain chemistry to alter the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones. These neurotransmitters can stimulate or sedate the nerve impulses. While Neurohormones can affect the function and actions of an organ in the body.,
Herbal Help for Relieving Pain
Xu Duan is traditionally used for painful lower back, stiffness, and weakness in the lower body due to deficient kidneys. Xu Duan also increases blood circulation and reduces pain. This herb can be used topically and internally.
Du Zhong is traditionally used to treat backache. There have even been laboratory experiments done to show that this herb has an anti-inflammatory and diuretic effect.
There was a study conducted at Chongqing Hospital, where a pill made of Du Zhong and Bu Gu Zhi was given to 40 patients with low back pain, fatigue and weakness of the extremities. The results of this study was that there was symptomatic improvement seen in most of the cases.
There are many different types of herbs to help with all types of ailments and pains. Each herb individually has its own property, but they are most effective and beneficial when combined with other herbs in a formula. Here at Healing With Zen we offer custom herbal formulas that are tailored specifically to you and your symptoms.