Pain, East and West
Acupuncture originates from an ancient approach to healing and, widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The use of acupuncture for chronic pain management is being increasingly recognised as an effective treatment option. While acupuncture has been used for thousands of years across China and other Eastern countries, its use in the West, especially in the UK, is only recently gaining more and more attention. Acupuncture works through the stimulation of specific points along the body, which align with different functions and organs. Furthermore, under clinical and controlled conditions, acupuncture can be seen to light up the brain. This is taken as evidence that acupuncture directly affects the nervous system, amongst other functions. The release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and other elements, such as serotonin and dopamine, also play a role in affecting pain and mood.
Acupuncture, Environment and Practice
When undergoing acupuncture for chronic pain management treatment, a patient will lie or sit in a quiet and warm environment. The acupuncturist will swab the areas to be needled and then insert several small and sterile needles into specific points of the body. The needles are typically left in place for 30 to 40 minutes. Mostly clients report a slight pinch during the tapping in of the needles, after which clients typically feel a slight tingling, a sense of warmth, or a somehow weird but pleasant sensation.
These sensations are described as 'deqi', a term used in acupuncture to refer to the feeling of activation of the body's meridians. Once the treatment is complete, the overall experience for the client can vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated. Some people feel deeply relaxed, while others may feel energised. It is recommended that at least 4 sessions of acupuncture be completed before an assessment is made on how the client is responding to the needles. Pain scores should always be recorded at the beginning and end of every treatment.
Acupuncture For Chronic Pain Management - Evidence
In the UK, the use of acupuncture for chronic pain management is gaining recognition as an alternative therapy. This is largely due to growing evidence supporting acupuncture’s effectiveness, and the public’s increasing interest in different self-care and pain management options. Furthermore, acupuncture’s ability to address both physical and emotional aspects of chronic pain has added to its growing popularity. For example, chronic pain often leads to depression and anxiety, conditions which acupuncture can help to alleviate.
A review by Vickers et al. (2018) in ‘PubMed’ analysed the effects of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic pain and found that it provided genuine and sustained relief. Another study by Lundeberg (2016) in 'Dove Press’ offers similar findings. Both of these suggest that acupuncture is effective in reducing pain intensity in a variety of conditions.
Conclusion
Ultimately, acupuncture provides a valuable alternative for people with chronic pain, offering itself as a non-invasive and complimentary option. It also allows for the client to actively participate in their pain management, which supports the individual's mental health and understanding of their own agency.
Reach Out
If you would like to talk to Camille about acupuncture for chronic pain management or indeed book an appointment with her, then please click on the link to get in touch.
References
Vickers, A. J., et al. (2018). Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis. Read more here
Lundeburg, T., and Lund, I. (2016). Is acupuncture effective in the treatment of pain in endometriosis?. Read more here