Share:

Instead of relying on pharmaceuticals or opting for invasive procedures, many people turn to acupuncture for pain relief. Based on traditional Chinese medical practice, acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into the skin along specific pathways to balance the flow of energy to different parts of the body. If you’re considering the technique to relieve pain in your back, neck, hips, or joints, below is a brief overview of what treatment entails and who benefits from it the most. 

How Acupuncture Works

In traditional medicine, rebalancing the flow of energy is used for stress management Fort-Dodge-Iowa-pain-reliefand pain relief. Insertion of needles activates tissues, nerves, and muscles. The needles stimulate the release of endorphins, neurotransmitters that provide relief from pain.

During treatment, which usually lasts from 10 to 20 minutes, the acupuncturist has the patient remove clothing from the pain site and then inserts 5 to 20 ultra-thin needles into the skin at different depths. The practitioner may manipulate the needles to achieve the desired response.

What It’s Used For

Acupuncture can provide pain relief for a wide range of ailments. For example, the small intestine channel, a commonly used acupuncture point, is located on the side of the palm near the little finger. Inserting a needle at that point will alleviate neck pain and fevers. Inserting a needle along the urinary bladder meridian, located at the back of the knee, helps treat discomfort in the hips, legs, and back. Stimulating the inner-facing side of the ankle, where the kidney channel is located, treats toothaches, respiratory problems, and dizziness.

 

If you want to try acupuncture for pain relief, contact the professionals at Midwest Spine Center in Fort Dodge, IA. The on-site physician is a certified acupuncturist and will devise a treatment plan to improve your quality of life following a car accident, sports injury, or another incident. To schedule an appointment, call (515) 576-1176, or visit the chiropractic clinic online for a complete list of available treatments.

tracking