(305) 595-9500
PAIN RELIEF AND ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is effective in treating conditions such as fibromyalgia (chronic pain condition affecting muscles and connective tissues), neck pain, arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis), knee pain, myofascial (connective tissue) pain, lower back pain, musculoskeletal injuries, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
There is a strong correlation between acupuncture point locations and the nervous system’s pain pathways. Many acupoints are near nerves. When stimulated, these nerves cause the release of endorphins (morphine-like chemicals). In chronic pain conditions, acupuncture points are frequently trigger points (painful muscle areas). Trigger point needling causes the painful muscle area to disappear. The traditional Chinese “Ah Shi” points (translates ‘oh yes’ or ‘that’s it’ as palpation reproduces the pain) are frequently equivalent to trigger points. “Where there is a painful spot, there is an acupuncture point.”—Neijing—The Yellow Emperor’s Classic.
TCM diagnoses of pain conditions identify several illnesses as Cold Bi syndromes. Back pain, sciatica, shoulder/arm pain, myofascial, and osteoarthritis have similar characteristics including: Inhibition of blood supply, alleviation of pain with warmth and a worsening of the pain severity with cold and damp. Most of these syndromes are related to trigger point activity. Myofascial trigger points act as pain generators. In arthritic conditions such as osteoarthritis, trigger points frequently act as pain amplifiers. TCM’s aim in the treatment of Cold Bi pain syndromes is to remove the obstruction to the flow of qi/blood and warm/nourish the muscles.
The near-and-far acupuncture technique is the most commonly used method for the resolution of chronic pain states. Needles are placed at the trigger/Ah Shi points as well as distal analgesia producing points below the elbow or knee, which induce muscle relaxation and remove trigger points.
The improved energy and reduced pain produced by acupuncture results in enhancing the body’s natural healing abilities. For more information about acupuncture for pain management contact Dr. Richard Browne at (305) 595-9500.
"Written by Rev. Dr. Richard Browne
http://www.amcollege.edu
