Today, more and more western institutions are recognizing the effectiveness of Chinese medicine for a countless number of conditions. One of the most common conditions treated by this ancient medicine is pain.   

A cornerstone of Chinese medicine is the practice of acupuncture, which is the insertion of fine needles into points on the body to stimulate self-healing.  Acupuncture is an energetic form of healing, which makes it hard for some people to accept.  However, the mitochondria in our cells manufacture energy, and we know that energy is a power even at the molecular level.  The theory behind acupuncture is that this energy moves in pathways in the body.  Pain, illness, or uncomfortable symptoms arise when this energy is either blocked or depleted.

An example of blocked energy is the stiff neck and shoulders that many people experience when they are stressed out.  The stress causes tightness which inhibits the flow of blood and energy, creating the pain and stiffness, which can also travel and cause headaches or chronic back pain.

The energy moving throughout your body pools or rises to the surface at various points, called acupoints.  An acupuncturist can access this energy by inserting needles into various acupoints to either unblock or help build up depleted energy.  It’s important to be clear that your acupuncturist isn’t using needles like “medicine”.  Rather, by inserting needles into appropriate points, your acupuncturist is stimulating your body to heal itself.  Think of your acupuncturist as a facilitator, but remember, you’re doing the work of healing.

The World Health Organization has documented that acupuncture is an effective treatment for the relief of pain, including back pain, arthritis, headaches, joint pain and stiffness, as well as for many other health conditions.