Relieve Pain Naturally with Acupuncture
Qi Mail™ The Acupuncture Newsletter
Julee Miller AP, DOM, BS, LMT Health Pointe Jacksonville, LLC 3840 Belfort Road, Suite 305 Jacksonville, FL 32216 904-448-0046/www.hpjax.com
Relieve Pain Naturally with Acupuncture
Increasingly, people are looking for more natural approaches to help relieve painful conditions
instead of relying on medications. Acupuncture can be helpful for all types of pain, regardless of
what is causing the pain or where the pain is located. Some studies have shown the pain relief it
provides can last for months, and depending on causative factors can be completely eliminated
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain before and after acupuncture treatment for pain
shows dramatic decreases in brain activity -- up to 70 percent! This decrease in brain activity in
certain areas of the brain is thought to be the reason for the reduction of pain caused by the
acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture sends signals to the CNS (the brain) communicating with it
to either release neurotransmitters and hormones or block them. In addition to reducing pain,
acupuncture also hastens the healing process by increasing circulation and attracting white blood
cells to an injured area. These two bodily responses in combination to acupuncture treatment
allows for a break in the pain-spasm-pain cycle, thereby allowing for recovery and healing to take
It is because of these responses that acupuncture works for chronic and acute pain, complicated
and simple pain, nerve pain, inflammation, numbness, radiation, stiffness, range of motion
restrictions, weakness, bone-on-bone pain, and deep internal pain.
If you or someone you love suffers from acute and chronic pain, please call
(904) 448-0046 now to find out more about how Acupuncture and Oriental
Low back pain is an extremely common concern, affecting anywhere
from 75- 90% of all people at some point in their lives and is the single
leading cause of disability worldwide. Low back pain is second only to
the common cold as a cause of lost days at work and is one of the most
common reasons to seek medical care. In fact, it is one of the top
reasons that people seek acupuncture treatment. Let's face it, at some point you and I are bound
to be side-lined for a few days, a few weeks or even a few months from a low back issue.
So how does acupuncture treat lower back pain? It's all in the approach.
For example, in spite of the large number of pathological conditions that can give rise to low
back pain, up to 85% of the cases are classified by physicians as 'non-specific' and treated
primarily with medication. That pain medication was never designed to cure the pain,
The good news is there are a few modalities available that can help heal the body itself.
Acupuncture can actually heal the muscles and nerves, the actual root cause of pain utilizing
a treatment approach expertly designed from the differential diagnosis upon evaluation. Here
are three primary patterns that affect, or cause, low back pain according to TCM:
Weak Kidney Qi - In Oriental medicine, the lower back is referred to as the "dwelling of the
kidneys". The majority of chronic low back pain conditions are associated with "kidney
deficiency". Now, rest assured, when a TCM practitioner tells you this it does not mean you
have a kidney disease. Instead it is describing type of pain and pattern affecting the body. This
type is typically dull and erratic. It is usually aggravated by fatigue and improves with rest and
is most associated with arthritis and aging.
Stagnation of Qi and Blood - Are terms used when the flow of Qi along the meridians that
traverse the lumbar region becomes congested. This presents with a severe stabbing pain that
is worse with rest and better with movement, tender to touch, and can be accompanied by
stiffness and tightness. This type is usually associated with some form of injury to the area
such as a sprain or strain of the muscles or ligaments, nerve root impingement, adhesions
and contracted muscles, trigger points, sciatica, and other acute pain syndromes.
Invasion of Cold and Dampness - In this type of pain pattern cold, damp type pain is
generally worse in the morning and when the weather is actually cold and damp. This type of
pain improves with movement and the application of heat. Stiffness and contraction of back
muscles that is aggravated by immobility indicates cold predominance. Swelling, numbness,
and a heavy sensation are indicative of dampness. This type of pain is common in systemic pain
patterns such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and fibromyalgia.
In summation, just as in Western medicine, not all patterns are text book and can be a comb-
ination of all the above listed. It is the seasoned practitioner that will effectively diagnose the
pattern and treat accordingly for quickest results.
Research from Duke University Medical Center has shown that acupuncture can significantly
reduce surgical patients post-operative pain and their need for powerful opioids to treat pain.
Many other studies have shown acupuncture effective in reducing post-operative nausea and
vomiting compared with other medications. And according to a meta-analysis presented at
the American Society of Anesthesiologists' meeting, acupuncture reduced rates of post-
operative nausea by 32%, pruritus (itchiness at the surgical site) by 25%, dizziness by 38%,
and urinary retention by 71% compared with control groups.
Acupuncture is also excellent for managing post-surgical side effects such as surgical pain,
loss of appetite, and upset stomach or nausea. In addition to strengthening the immune
system and increasing energy, acupuncture is also a great way to reduce swelling, decrease
stiffness and pain, reduce scarring and scar tissue, and assist with a quick recovery.
If you, or a loved one, will be undergoing surgery, please call us to see if acupuncture
Injection Therapy for Pain Relief
In addition to acupuncture treatment, having homeopathic injections can further accelerate
the healing process. Homeopathic injections contain substances derived from plants, minerals,
and animals and area a very effective and safe treatments for pain syndromes without harmful
side effects. Luckily there are a few licensed Acupuncturists that are also licensed in Acupuncture
Injection Therapy that can safely provide these injections for accelerated healing and improved
response. These are quick treatments without harmful side effects of medications.
Traumeel is an effective and safe homeopathic remedy that is used
in sports medicine and acute injuries. It aids in the recovery of many
musculoskeletal injuries without the serious side effects that is often
associated with conventional anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDs
(Aleve, Aspirin, Advil, Motrin) and Cortisone shots.
Supported by over two dozen scientific studies, Traumeel is a
clinically proven preparation formulated to help regulate inflammation. Traumeel relieves muscle
pain, bruising and inflammation associated with injuries such as sprains and contusions, and joint
pain. “Traumeel – an emerging option to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the management
of acute musculoskeletal injuries” ~ International Journal of General Medicine. You can receive
Traumeel injections as often as you need, as opposed to cortisone shots which you can only
receive 2-3 times per body part per year. Traumeel is a safe, versatile medication for all ages.
Lower back pain or disc herniations (bulges)
Pain Post-operative pain and discomfort
Chronic and auto-immune health conditions
It is made of an optimal combination of natural ingredients intended to relieve pain associated
with arthritic and/or arthritic conditions, control inflammation and reduce stiffness, improving
joint mobility. 3) Neuralgo Rheum
Neuralgo Rheum is a highly effective solution treating neurogenic pain patterns, neuralgia,
of the soft tissues, intervetertebral disc complaints and arthritic conditions. "Qi Mail™ is an acupuncture newsletter provided by Acufinder.com