Acupuncture for Pain — A Proven Treatment Approach
There is a vast body of research evidence supporting the use of acupuncture for pain, both acute and chronic. Some of the most common reasons patient seek acupuncture care are low back pain, headaches, migraines, sports injuries, carpal tunnel, TMJ and neck and shoulder pain.
Acupuncture focuses on the underlying cause rather than masking symptoms temporarily. Using the twelve meridians to balance the body’s restorative Qi, acupuncture and Chinese medicine return the body to its natural equilibrium. It facilitates healing by reducing inflammation and swelling, speeding up the healing process, increasing necessary blood flow to the affected area, and providing both immediate and long-term pain relief. In addition, the free and harmonious flow of Qi translates into a feeling of well-being and vitality of the body, mind, and spirit.
At Lokahi, our holistic approach to treating pain may integrate acupuncture, cupping, massage, electrical stimulation, gua sha, dietary changes and herbal medicine. Our goal is to provide swift and successful results for each of our patients.
Contact us to set up a free consultation with one of our practitioners to learn about how Lokahi can help you with your pain.
Our Approach
How Does Acupuncture Help With Pain?
The use of acupuncture for pain can be effective in the management of acute and chronic pain as well as sports injuries. It works by reducing inflammation and swelling, increasing necessary blood flow to the affected area, and facilitating healing. Due to its success, acupuncture has become an evidence-based approach to pain management.
Benefits:
After an acupuncture session, people often report feeling relaxed and refreshed. Many patients describe a sense of improved wellbeing, with a decrease in pain levels that can remain even weeks after the treatment. Patients may also experience immediate relief from stress and anxiety, and have an overall feeling of improved physical and mental health.
Research:
Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of using acupuncture for pain. Acupuncture has been found to reduce inflammation and noticeably relieve pain, with many patients experiencing long-lasting healing benefits. Research also shows that acupuncture can be used as a preventative measure to help manage chronic pain over time:
- A systematic review in 2016 conducted by the Acupuncture Trial Register showed that acupuncture was effective in treating chronic pain conditions.
- The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health has acknowledged that acupuncture is an effective treatment for chronic pain, including musculoskeletal pain, back and neck pain, headaches and migraines.
- A study published in 2019 found that acupuncture reduced inflammation, improved function and reduced anxiety levels for patients with osteoarthritis.
- Research conducted in 2017 showed that electroacupuncture – a form of acupuncture combining electrical stimulation with traditional manual needle insertion – effectively relieved lower back pain.
- A 2020 study demonstrated that manual and electroacupuncture both provided relief from arthritic knee joint pain.
- ACUPUNCTURE CAN BE SUCCESSFULLY USED FOR
- ● Migraines
● Headaches
● Jaw pain or TMJ
● Neck and back pain
● Nerve pain, including numbness, tingling and shooting sensations
● Fractures, strains, sprains, bruises and other traumatic injuries
● Tendonitis
● Helping broken bones heal and reducing associated pain
● Post-operative pain
● Joint pain and arthritis
● Sore muscles, fibromyalgia
● Acute and chronic pain
● Nerve conditions such as sciatica, carpal tunnel, and neuropathy
Our Team
At Lokahi Acupuncture, Lara McQuade and Joon (JB) Kim bring decades of board-certified expertise in East Asian Medicine to create deeply tailored treatment plans. These collaborative plans utilize acupuncture combined with other modalities like herbs, diet change and lifestyle shifts for a comprehensive approach to address any pain condition – delivering the best of traditional Eastern practices alongside modern evidence-based treatments. With 30 years’ collective experience between them, you can feel assured that your needs will be met here!
If you would like to schedule an appointment or are interested in a free consultation, please follow this link.