By: Stephanie Salinas
What is the acupuncture theory behind pain?
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), pain is a traffic jam of energy and lack of blood flow. There is a saying in Chinese Medicine: “If there is free flow, there is no pain; if there is no free flow, there is pain.” Whether it is due to cold, heat, lack of blood or scar tissue, acupuncture can help to treat it.
The goal of acupuncture is to guide the body’s healing ability to a specific area of pain as well as to ensure proper blood flow to smooth out the traffic jam. We are doing more than just dry needling a specific muscle- we are activating complementary channels to the site of pain as well as stimulating the microsystems of the body.
In a Western sense, how does acupuncture work?
There are so many things going on when we perform acupuncture! Acupuncture can help decrease body pain by initiating an inflammatory response to release the body’s natural painkillers. Acupuncture helps to induce autophagy and cellular turnover to help the body detoxify. Each time we perform acupuncture, we are activating the parasympathetic nervous system- your rest and digest part of your nervous system- to aid in healing. Creating a calm mind and regulating the nervous system really helps the body focus on its healing process.
Do we treat a lot of body pain?
Here at Generations Acupuncture Clinic, we treat all types of pain conditions: arthritis, plantar fasciitis, neck pain, low back pain, migraine headaches, abdominal pain, tennis elbow, golfers elbow. We have had success in treating such conditions with varying degrees. Acute pain conditions that began within the last six months relieve much quicker than chronic conditions that have been going on for more than one year.
Is acupuncture the only modality you offer?
We offer Chinese herbs, cupping, electrical stimulation, Shoni Shin, Reiki, cold laser, chiropractic and massage in addition to acupuncture. There is something for everyone here at Generations Acupuncture Clinic. If you have any hesitations or questions, please feel free to communicate that with your acupuncturist at your next appointment.
Does insurance cover body pain?
Absolutely. Pain conditions are covered by most insurance policies. Please give our office a call in advance of your appointment so that we may verify coverage.
What next?
If you suffer from body pain, please reach out to us to set up an appointment. Our goal is to get you healed and feeling better. Contact our office at (719) 434- 8093.