Chronic pain can be defined as persistent, ongoing pain that lasts for longer than 12 weeks. This type of pain can have a severe impact on a person’s quality of life, and can also cause mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

Conventional treatments for chronic pain can include the use of medications, physical therapy, and surgery. However, in recent years, more and more people with chronic pain have turned to acupuncture as a way to manage their symptoms.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific points in the body.

These points, known as acupoints, are believed to be connected to channels through which life energy, or Qi, flows. When blockages occur in these channels, it is believed to cause pain and other health problems. By inserting needles at specific acupoints, acupuncture is said to help balance the flow of Qi and promote healing throughout the body.

The Science of Acupuncture

Despite the fact that acupuncture has been used for thousands of years in China, it is only relatively recently that Western medicine has begun to study and understand how it works.

There is still much that is not known about the mechanisms behind acupuncture, but research has shown that it can have a measurable impact on the body.

One of the main theories about how acupuncture works is that it stimulates the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers.

Endorphins are chemicals that are produced by the body in response to pain or stress, and they have an analgesic effect similar to that of morphine. Acupuncture is believed to stimulate the release of endorphins by signaling to the brain that an injury is present, even when there is no actual tissue damage.

Another theory is that acupuncture works by modulating the activity of the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system is responsible for regulating bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, and breathing.

Acupuncture is believed to stimulate certain nerve fibers that send signals to the brain to activate the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s “fight or flight” response. This can help improve circulation and reduce inflammation in the body, which can in turn help to reduce pain.

How Effective is Acupuncture for Chronic Pain?

There have been numerous studies conducted on the efficacy of acupuncture for chronic pain, and the results have been generally positive.

In a meta-analysis of 29 randomized controlled trials involving over 17,000 participants, acupuncture was found to be effective for the treatment of chronic low back pain, osteoarthritis, and chronic headache. Another review of 11 clinical trials found that acupuncture was effective for reducing chronic pain in the neck, shoulder, and knee.

One of the advantages of acupuncture is that it has very few side effects, especially when compared to traditional pain medications, which can be addictive and have negative long-term effects on health.

For this reason, acupuncture is often recommended as a complementary therapy for chronic pain, especially for individuals who are unable to take pain medications due to allergies or other medical conditions.

What to Expect During an Acupuncture Session

During an acupuncture session, the practitioner will first take a detailed medical history and ask about the specific symptoms that are being experienced.

They will then examine the individual’s tongue and pulse, which are two key elements in traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis.

The practitioner will then insert thin, sterile needles into specific acupoints on the body. The number of needles used and the depth of insertion will depend on the individual’s specific condition.

The needles are typically left in place for 20-30 minutes, during which time the individual may experience a sensation of warmth, tingling, or pressure around the area where the needle has been inserted.

Conclusion

For people who suffer from chronic pain, acupuncture can be a safe and effective way to manage symptoms and improve overall quality of life.

Although it can take several sessions to see results, studies have shown that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for a range of conditions, from chronic pain to anxiety and depression.