A Natural Approach to Pain Management

How often have you thought, “I wish I had just one more hour in this day!” There are so many things to get done… tasks to complete... people to see… experiences to enjoy… memories to make. If there is barely enough time as it is, then what happens when pain arrives and stops us short?

In general terms, pain can be classified in two ways: aches that are associated with trauma, injury, repetitive use or aging, and discomfort that accompanies internal, systematic disorders such as fibromyalgia or Lyme disease. When pain interrupts daily life, patients exhaust any number of resources trying to return to “normal.” When treatments such as over-the-counter and prescription drugs, cortisone shots, chiropractic, or physical and massage therapy have made little or no difference, this is often when individuals seek out acupuncture.

Historically, acupuncture does not have the same impact on structural-based pain as it does for discomfort that comes from soft tissue injuries (muscle and tendon strains and pulls) or internal imbalances (headaches, lower back pain). One of the roles of acupuncture is to restore the healthy flow of energy throughout the body, but it cannot repair anatomical malformations. What it can do, however, is call upon the body’s natural ability to address pain, thus allowing a patient to return to his or her active lifestyle.

From a Western perspective, the key to acupuncture’s role in pain management lies in the body’s inherent drive to heal itself. Whenever the surface of the skin is broken, a restorative response is triggered. In essence, acupuncture creates controlled “micro injuries” at each point where the needles are inserted, so the body replies by releasing enkephalins and endorphins – two substances that reduce swelling and ease pain. Best of all, these natural healing components come without side effects, allowing the patient to truly feel that sense of “normal” again.

The Eastern point of view is best explained using an analogy of a hose. A specific and vital network of pathways exists within us all, enabling the flow of energy, or “life force” to cycle through our systems and keep us healthy and strong. And, like a hose, the pathways need to be free of kinks or blockages to work properly. Many factors can contribute to a reduction or stoppage of energy flow – age, injury, stress, diet – but acupuncture can clear the pathway. Again, calling on the body’s ability to heal itself, acupuncture targets precise areas and provides a “boost” for that natural response. Over time, the blockage is eliminated and the restored energy flow brings about health and well-being.

Complementary pieces to acupuncture are fire cupping and tui na, or massage. Cupping has been found to impact the body up to four inches into the tissue, which translates into the best deep tissue massage available. Tui na is a bit lighter, yet still provides excellent results for people living with musculoskeletal issues or over-stressed and damaged muscles.

Today, many Western physicians are encouraging patients to give acupuncture and related therapies a try for optimum pain management. Within my own practice, I see a number of people who have been referred by doctors, hospitals and pain management clinics. The cause of pain may vary, but the approach is the same: Help the body to naturally heal itself.

Kyle Smith, diplomate of Oriental medicine (Dipl OM), graduated magna cum laude from Midwest College of Oriental Medicine. Kyle has also studied and taught Tai Chi Chuan for a number of years, including a trip to China with his instructor. As a dedicated practitioner of TCM with Heaven & Earth Acupuncture and Wellness in Brookfield, Wisconsin, he offers free initial consultation and first treatments, and free insurance verification. For more information, visit www.heavenandearthacu.com.