How Acupuncture Can Relieve Pain

Pain is an unpleasant sensation associated with impending or actual tissue damage. Its causes can be from any trauma or injury to the body, arthritis, cancer, emotional distress or one of many more physical ailments.

Whatever the cause, pain can affect any part of the body from head to toe, all extremities and internal organs. It can be debilitating and limit the sufferer's ability to maintain every day activities and functions.

Traditional Chinese Medicine theory relating to pain is unique. It sees that the body needs to maintain a balance between Yin and Yang and Qi and Blood to achieve optimum health. If there is not enough Qi and Blood or there is a blockage of Qi and Blood in one area, then pain and illness can develop.

The Qi and Blood travels throughout the body via pathways called channels. There are many well-defined channels which travel along different areas of the body and connect with the internal organs. Acupuncture points are located along these channels and are a way to access the flow of energy and blood in the extremities, torso and internal organs. By identifying the areas of pain and assessing the related symptoms, it is possible to detect the cause and accordingly which affected channels need to be the focus of an acupuncture treatment.

Not only do the acupuncture points affect the flow of Qi and Blood in the channel they are located on, but many have special functions and can affect other operations within the body.

It is possible, therefore, to completely remove or greatly relieve pain using acupuncture following a full assessment of the sufferer's condition by a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner.