Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine that has been used for centuries to treat pain and discomfort.

Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine that has been used for centuries to treat pain and discomfort. In recent years, it’s become more popular in the West as a holistic approach to health care.

Steven Tran

April 26, 2023

Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine that has been used for centuries to treat pain and discomfort. In recent years, it’s become more popular in the West as a holistic approach to health care.

At Motus Health, we offer acupuncture treatments specifically designed to help manage chronic and acute pain. This article will explore the many benefits of acupuncture for pain management at Motus Health.

Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body with thin needles inserted into the skin. By targeting these points, we can stimulate energy pathways and release endorphins to reduce inflammation and improve circulation throughout your body.

We also use massage techniques and herbal remedies to further enhance our treatment plan. The result? Improved overall wellbeing without resorting to pharmaceuticals or surgery.

Keep reading to learn how this alternative therapy could be helpful in managing your chronic and acute pain!

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has been used for thousands of years in China to treat physical and mental health conditions.

At its core, acupuncture theory believes the body contains an energy known as qi which flows along specific pathways or meridians.

When this flow becomes blocked due to stress, injury, or illness, it can cause pain and other symptoms.

Acupuncturists use thin needles inserted at various points on the skin surface to restore balance and stimulate healing by unblocking stuck qi.

The needle insertion sites are located along these meridian pathways, each associated with different organs, muscles, and tissues.

Stimulating these areas helps clear blockages so that the vital life force can circulate freely throughout the body again.

The precise placement and manipulation of the needles depend on the practitioner’s style and experience level but are typically aimed at stimulating certain pressure points on the body to enhance circulation while releasing tension from targeted areas.

Acupuncture treatments vary depending on individual needs; however they may include cupping therapy, moxibustion – a traditional heating technique – as well as various massage techniques such as Tui Na or Gua Sha.

With regular sessions administered by trained practitioners, patients often report improved wellbeing over time through reduced pain levels, better sleep quality and greater relaxation overall.

Moving forward then we will explore how does acupuncture work?

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture is believed to work by stimulating specific points on the body, known as acupuncture points. These points are located along 12 meridians, which are energy pathways that run through the body.

Stimulation of these points is usually done with a thin needle, but can also be done with other techniques such as heat, pressure, and laser stimulation. The needles are inserted into the skin at specific depths to target the acupuncture points.

The stimulation of the points is believed to release blocked energy in order to promote healing and reduce pain. Different techniques can be used to stimulate the acupuncture points, such as rotating the needles or electrical stimulation.

The amount and frequency of treatments varies depending on the patient's condition and response to treatment.

Acupuncture Points

The acupuncture meridians of the body are like a map, providing points for access to qi or energy that is blocked and causing pain.

These points can be used to release stagnant qi and restore balance in the body.

Acupuncture works by stimulating these pressure-sensitive areas on the skin with needles, which triggers a response from the nervous system leading to increased circulation and decreased inflammation associated with pain.

By restoring balance through releasing stagnation, acupuncture can effectively reduce pain and improve overall health.

Meridians

Acupuncture works by activating the energy flow in our body, which is based on a network of meridians.

These meridians are like lines that follow certain pathways and provide access to qi or life-force energy that can be blocked and cause pain when not flowing properly.

By stimulating these pressure points with needles, it triggers the nervous system’s response leading to increased circulation and reduced inflammation associated with pain.

This helps restore balance through releasing any stagnation of qi, allowing for relief from discomfort as well as improved overall health.

Stimulation Techniques

Acupuncture is most commonly known for its needles, which are placed along the meridian pathways of the body to activate certain pressure points.

But there are other stimulation techniques that can be used in addition to needle placement.

These include cupping, moxibustion, and massage, all of which have different effects on qi flow.

Cupping works by creating suction while moxibustion uses heat from burning herbs to stimulate the area.

Massage helps increase circulation to release any tension or stagnation.

All these methods help promote balance and improved health by stimulating qi throughout the body's network of meridians.

What Types Of Pain Can Acupuncture Help With?

Acupuncture has been a popular form of pain management for centuries, but it’s only recently that acupuncture research has started to provide scientific evidence for its effectiveness. While there is still much debate over the efficacy of acupuncture as an alternative medicine, many studies have shown positive results when used in conjunction with other forms of pain management.

So what types of pain can acupuncture help with? The most common type of chronic pain that acupuncture may be able to address is lower back pain. Acupuncture therapy has been found to improve both physical and mental well-being in people suffering from chronic low back pain, which is often caused by muscle tension or degenerative conditions such as arthritis. Research also suggests that regular use of acupuncture can reduce inflammation and increase endorphin levels, helping to relieve discomfort and promote healing.

Additionally, some studies have found that acupuncture may be effective at treating migraines and headaches, as well as postoperative pain, neck and shoulder stiffness, menstrual cramps and carpal tunnel syndrome. While more clinical trials are needed to further validate these initial findings, current evidence indicates that acupuncture could potentially offer relief from a variety of different types of acute and chronic pains - making it an attractive option for those looking for natural solutions to their health issues.

With this in mind, let's explore what are the benefits of acupuncture for pain management?

What Are The Benefits Of Acupuncture For Pain Management?

Are you looking for an alternative therapy to help manage your pain? Acupuncture may be the answer! This ancient Chinese practice has been used for centuries to treat a range of conditions, including chronic pain.

Let’s explore the amazing benefits of acupuncture for pain management:

Overall, acupuncture offers numerous benefits as an effective form of holistic pain relief while avoiding potential drawbacks associated with more conventional treatments like drugs or surgery. As we've seen, its effectiveness lies mainly in its ability to reduce inflammation and promote relaxation throughout the body leading to increased comfort levels and improved quality of life overall.

What's more, the fact that it is completely safe makes it one possible option worth considering when seeking out alternatives for managing persistent pains and aches due to illness or injury.

Having discussed these advantages of using acupuncture for reducing pain, let's now look at what some potential side effects might be...

What Are Some Potential Side Effects Of Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a popular alternative therapy for pain management, but it does come with some potential side effects. While the medical community generally agrees that acupuncture can be used to manage chronic and acute pain, there are several risks associated with this treatment. It’s important to discuss these possible side effects with your doctor before you decide to pursue an acupuncture treatment plan.

The most common side effect of acupuncture is soreness or bruising at the location of an acupressure point. When needles are inserted into the skin, they stimulate nerve endings which can cause temporary discomfort in those areas. The good news is that any post-needle insertion discomfort usually resolves itself within a few hours of completing the session.

Other less common complications include dizziness, fatigue, headaches, nausea, and infections if proper safety protocols aren't followed during needle placement and removal.

Though rarer than other reported side effects, serious complications such as collapsed lungs have been documented in certain cases due to improper needle placement by untrained practitioners. This highlights how important it is to research and select a qualified practitioner who will take all necessary precautions when providing treatments involving needles or other sharp objects like scalpel blades or tweezers.

No matter what type of procedure you may be considering for managing pain, being informed about all aspects of the treatment—including potential risks—is essential for achieving safe outcomes from any form of health care service. Knowing what should be expected during an acupuncture appointment can help ensure you receive high quality care while minimizing any unnecessary risks involved with this form of alternative medicine.

What Should I Expect During An Acupuncture Treatment?

The traditional Chinese practice of acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to provide relief from pain. As its popularity continues to grow, it is important to understand the process and what one can expect during an acupuncture treatment at Motus Health.

It is not uncommon to feel apprehensive before a session; however, when done correctly and by a qualified practitioner, this ancient technique can be extremely beneficial in helping people manage their pain.

When visiting Motus Health for an acupuncture appointment, patients will first discuss any medical history with the acupuncturist as well as any current issues related to pain management. This discussion helps determine which areas should be targeted or avoided during the treatment.

Once the individual's needs have been established, needles are inserted into specific points on the body based on these findings. At Motus Health, different types of needles may be used depending upon personal preferences or circumstances such as age and sensitivity levels.

Acupuncture needles come in various sizes and lengths so that each patient receives optimal comfort and results - often leading to immediate pain relief! With no drugs involved and minimal discomfort felt during insertion, acupuncture is a safe approach towards managing chronic or acute pain conditions without relying on medication long-term.

Having explored the basics of what occurs during an acupuncture treatment at Motus Health, it’s worth considering what steps should follow after leaving a session...

What Should I Do After An Acupuncture Treatment?

After an acupuncture treatment, it's important to drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins.

Make sure to take some time to rest and relax as this will help your body to better absorb the treatment.

Avoid any kind of intense activity as this can disrupt the benefits of the treatment.

Finally, take some time to reflect on how you're feeling and make sure you get plenty of rest in the following days.

Drink Water

After an acupuncture treatment, drinking water is a must. It's essential for hydrating your body and replenishing any fluids that may have been lost during the session.

Not only will this help you feel better immediately after the appointment, but it can also provide long-term hydration benefits. Water intake helps lubricate joints and muscles, allowing them to function more effectively in the future - perfect for those dealing with chronic pain!

Drinking plenty of water every day is key to making sure your body remains healthy and active as time goes on. So don't forget to grab some H2O after each acupuncture session; it'll keep you feeling great for days to come!

Rest And Relax

Once the acupuncture session is over, it's important to take time for yourself and allow your body to rest and relax.

Mindful meditation can be a great way to help reduce stress levels while also calming both your mind and body. Additionally, try taking some deep breaths to further enhance the feeling of stress relief in your body.

Achieving this state of relaxation will provide numerous benefits such as allowing you muscles to heal faster following the treatment.

Taking breaks throughout the day can also help with reducing any unwanted tension that may have built up during the appointment. Make sure to find an area where you won't be disturbed so you can fully focus on releasing all stress from within.

Finally, give yourself permission to just sit quietly and reflect on how far you've come since starting acupuncture treatments - acknowledging everything that has been accomplished thus far!

What Are The Different Types Of Needles Used In Acupuncture?

The needles used in acupuncture treatments can vary greatly, and understanding the different types available is an important part of managing pain with this approach. From needle gauge to needle insertion techniques, there are a few distinct ways that practitioners use to provide effective acupuncture therapy.

Let's take a closer look at what you need to know about the various kinds of needles used in acupuncture treatment. A big part of choosing the right kind of acupuncture needle depends on its gauge. The thicker the needle, the higher the gauge number will be.

A thinner needle has a low gauge number and is typically reserved for more sensitive areas or skin that may bruise easily from larger needles. Different sizes of needles allow practitioners to customize their treatments depending on which area they're treating and how much stimulation it requires.

Another key factor when considering which type of acupuncture needle is best suited for your needs is how deeply they should be inserted into the body. Needles range in size from shallow insertion depths to deeper insertions that reach further beneath the surface layer of skin.

Shallow insertions usually only penetrate as far as just below dermal tissue layers while deeper penetrations go beyond muscle tissues and other structures within subcutaneous fat deposits in order to stimulate certain points within these tissues directly. By taking into account both the gauge and depth of penetration when selecting an appropriate type of acupuncture needle, acupuncturists can ensure that each patient receives optimal care tailored specifically to their individual health concerns and goals.

What Other Therapies Does Motus Health Offer?

At Motus Health, we understand that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to managing pain. That's why we offer a range of alternative therapies in addition to acupuncture for clients looking for the best possible care plan.

Our team specializes in preventive and self-care strategies as well as traditional approaches like massage therapy and yoga.

We strive to give our clients an individualized experience when exploring their options for chronic pain management, including nutrition counseling and lifestyle coaching. We also provide guidance on stress reduction techniques such as meditation, tai chi, and qigong which all have been shown to be helpful with overall health and wellness.

No matter what your goals are, Motus Health has something to help you get back on track towards improved comfort and quality of life. With the right combination of treatments tailored specifically to meet your needs, you can look forward to finding relief from pain while improving overall wellbeing.

Now that you know more about the other services we offer at Motus Health, let's take a look at whether or not acupuncture is covered by insurance...

Is Acupuncture Covered By Insurance?

It's important to know if insurance covers acupuncture, since the cost of treatment without it can be expensive.

Fortunately, many insurance plans do provide coverage for acupuncture treatments, but the amount of coverage and deductibles vary.

To find out the exact cost of acupuncture with insurance, you'll need to look over the policy details and contact your provider.

It's also important to note that not all insurance plans cover acupuncture, so be sure to talk with your provider to determine if coverage is available.

Insurance Coverage Of Acupuncture

Pain management through acupuncture can have a huge cost savings for those with insurance coverage.

In many cases, providers are now part of networks that offer discounts on services such as acupuncture.

This means you may be able to find an acupuncturist in your area who is part of your health plan so that the costs associated with this form of pain relief will be much lower than if you sought treatment elsewhere.

Additionally, some plans cover all or most of the costs associated with acupuncture treatments and visits, making it even more affordable for those suffering from chronic pain!

With these options available, seeking out acupuncture to help manage acute and chronic pain conditions is becoming increasingly accessible – no matter what insurance plan you have.

Cost Of Acupuncture Treatment With Insurance

The cost of acupuncture treatment can be a huge burden for those who suffer from chronic pain, especially if insurance coverage is not available.

Thankfully, there are options to help alleviate some of the financial strain that comes with seeking out this type of healing.

With providers now part of networks offering discounts on services such as acupuncture, it's becoming increasingly easier to find an acupuncturist in your area who is covered by your health plan and thus reduces costs associated with treatments.

Additionally, some plans cover all or most of what you'd spend on visits and sessions, making it even more affordable for those suffering from chronic pain!

All in all, understanding your insurance coverage when it comes to acupuncture will help ensure you get the best care possible without breaking the bank.

How Can I Find An Acupuncturist At Motus Health?

Now that you know whether acupuncture is covered by insurance, you may be wondering how to find an acupuncturist at Motus Health. The good news is there are a variety of options for finding the right practitioner for your needs.

To start, Motus Health has a directory of certified practitioners who specialize in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine. In this directory, you can search for providers based on their qualifications, location, services offered and more. You can also read reviews from past patients to learn more about each provider’s background and experience.

In addition to searching the online directory, you can consult with your primary care provider or another health professional such as a physical therapist or chiropractor to get recommendations on qualified acupuncturists in your area.

When looking into different providers, it's important to consider all relevant factors including cost, training and certifications, specializations and other qualifying criteria that meet your unique needs. Once you have identified potential candidates who fit those criteria, it's helpful to reach out directly to ask questions before scheduling an appointment so that you can make sure they will be the best match for you.

By researching these various resources carefully and considering all available options, you can ensure that you select the most appropriate acupuncturist for your individual situation.

What other resources are available to help further understand if acupuncture might be beneficial?

What Other Resources Are Available To Learn More About Acupuncture?

The power of acupuncture for pain management is undeniable. It has been used to treat a wide range of conditions and illnesses throughout its long history, stretching back over 2,500 years in Chinese medicine. Yet with such an ancient tradition comes much curiosity; what more can we learn about the use of acupuncture?

Here are just some of the resources available that give further insight into this holistic approach to health.

One great place to start learning more about acupuncture is online. There are many websites dedicated to providing comprehensive information on both the practice itself as well as how it may be applied to various medical issues. In addition, there are also several books written by experts within the field which offer detailed explanation and advice on using acupuncture for pain relief. These can provide useful insights into the background and philosophy surrounding this traditional healing method.

Those looking for a deeper dive might consider attending workshops or classes offered at local clinics or universities focusing on topics related to Chinese medicine and acupuncture. Many practitioners will share their knowledge through lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on activities designed to help participants better understand how these practices work together to promote overall wellbeing. Additionally, courses dealing specifically with understanding the principles behind acupuncture can help individuals gain a fuller appreciation of its potential benefits in managing pain symptoms.

Conclusion

Acupuncture has been proven to be an effective method for pain management, and Motus Health offers a range of therapies that can help you find relief from chronic discomfort.

With insurance coverage available in some cases, acupuncture is more accessible than ever before.

At Motus Health, you'll have access to experienced acupuncturists who are devoted to helping you achieve optimal health and wellness.

If you're curious about the potential benefits of acupuncture, check out their resources online or contact them directly for further information.

You don't have to suffer any longer – take control of your pain today with the help of Motus Health's team!

SERVICING AREAS

We are proud to have serve many patients around the following areas

Motus footer logo

We are a world class team of Inner West Chiropractors and Massage Therapists.

Follow Us on:

© 2024 MOTUS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Privacy Policy