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Acupuncture for Pain Management Stefanie Pitthan, LAc, LMT Acupuncture, Massage There are an increasing amount of studies of how Acupuncture decreases the sensation of pain. Multiple studies using MRIÕs, are being used to watch what happens in the brain when a needle is placed in a point, usually around the ankles. In Chinese Medicine, the further away the point from an area of the pain the more powerful the effect is on a local area. There are two general mechanisms in which Acupuncture reduces pain; 1. "Acupuncture increase(s)the binding availability of mu-opoid receptors (MOR) in regions of the brain that process and dampen pain signals - specifically the cingulate, insula, caudate, thalamus and amygdala." (http://www.physorg.com/news169120620.html) 2. "Acupuncture-induced modulation of the sensory encoding of the painful stimulus." (http://www.physorg.com/news/2010-11-acupuncture-brain-perception-pain.html) In Other words: In Chinese Medicine we often use the words regulating and balancing. Studies show that Acupuncture can reduce the perception of pain in the brain and also help unbind and open up the receptors in the brain to be able to process pain better. Single use sterile needles are used on individual points along "Meridian", energetic Pathways in the Body. Acupuncture is based on the idea that the body is smart and can heal itself, that by stimulating points, we are sending messages to the body to restore homeostasis. Patterns of ill health and lack of flow throughout the body can be changed and the proper flow can be restored. What to expect during the course of treatment? It can realistically take 6-12 treatments to find relief. If a pattern of pain has been ingrained over a long period of time, it may take time to unlock and heal the source of pain. But, what people do often notice is a subtle improvement of their health and a reduction of Stress. Simply said, on a minute level, the literal stress on a cell is what causes breakdown and can lead to disease. In this regard, Acupuncture is a powerful tool along with Massage. It does take some commitment and patience on the part of the Patient. In China, it is not uncommon to receive Acupuncture every day until the issue has been resolved. In our Western Culture this is not often feasible so the healing process may take longer with a weekly treatment. But with patience the solution is always available. It may take your practitioner some time to figure out and sort through the symptoms to find the correct treatment that you need. Acupuncture may not be a quick fix but the answer to supporting your health and healing process. Acupuncture is available as an add on to your massage at Sensorielle Spa. Try a simple 45 minute Acupucture session in conjunction with a Massage to get a taste of the potential of what Chinese Medicine can do for you. Find out more about Stefanie here.

 

 

Sensorielle Spa
1801 13th St, Ste 150 (One Boulder Plaza)
Boulder, CO 80302
phone 303.247.9932
fax 303.247.0062
email: experience@sensoriellespa.com

Hours: Monday - Saturday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm for appointments, 12-5 store hours, Sun 12-5