Acupuncture – a Natural Approach to Pain

Do you suffer from body aches and pains? Are you reluctant to use pain killers and would like to seek natural alternative solutions? Then this blog about a natural approach to pain and acupuncture is for you!

What is Pain?

Pain is a warning signal from our body. It alerts us that something in our body is off balance. When we feel pain, our body reacts by compensating (holding it in a way that causes the least pain) and becoming rigid and tight. This in turn exacerbates the pain and it becomes a vicious cycle.

How do we view Pain in Chinese Medicine?

In Chinese medicine, pain arises when there is obstruction of circulation of Qi (energy) and Blood in the acupuncture channels.

Chinese medicine has a famous saying to describe pain “Bu tong ze tong, tong ze bu tong.” This translates to “If there is no free flow, there is pain; if there is free flow, there is no pain.”

Therefore, treatment aims to restore “free flow” in the body to eliminate pain.

What are Different types of Pain?

The quality and intensity of the pain are often affected by each individual’s underlying imbalances. From a Chinese medicine point of view there are quite a few common types of pain:

Aching or dull pain: can be a sign of deficient Qi and Blood, often relieved by rubbing or applying pressure.

Stabbing or sharp pain: this is a sign of blood stasis, commonly experienced after trauma and relieved by movement giving rise to better circulation.

Throbbing pain is rhythmic and pulsating in nature. Commonly seen in migraine headaches, and often related to heat sensation, redness and swelling.

Pain due to cold: cold obstructs the flow in the channels and causes strong pain, this can be relieved by applying heat.

Burning pain/pain with heat is pain with a very hot feeling typically caused by heat or inflammation. This needs to be cooled by clearing the heat and cooling the area.

Pain with a feeling of heaviness – this pain is commonly associated with damp, the body may feel heavy and there might be swelling.

Acupuncture – a Natural Approach to Pain

We always start with taking a careful history and assess the clinical signs and symptoms to determine the type of your pain and the underlying imbalances.  Acupuncture treatment and sometimes Chinese herbs are then prescribed to rebalance the energy in the body and move blockages to relieve the pain. In addition to acupuncture, we often use other Chinese medicine techniques such as cupping and guasha to address your pain. Exercises and diet/lifestyle recommendations can also speed up the healing process.

How often do I need to come for acupuncture treatment?

For acute pain, it is important to begin treatment as soon as possible. Getting immediate treatment two times per week, for 2 weeks can be the most effective way to eliminate acute pain quickly.

For chronic pain, weekly treatments for 4-6 weeks are often needed.

If you suffer from acute or chronic pain, do not ignore the body’s warning signs. Come and see one of us at Natural Solutions Acupuncture for a consultation and assessment. Take control of your pain and live the quality of life you desire.

How do I make an Acupuncture appointment for Pain?

You can book your appointment online here or you can give us a call on 0414 067 874.