Chronic pain can be incredibly debilitating, and all consuming. People experiencing pain are often left feeling desperate to find a treatment that will help them get their lives back, and many are now looking for alternatives to pain medications.

Medical doctors are also realizing that working in collaboration with other health practitioners provides the best support for those suffering with pain. Therefore, they often refer to physiotherapists, massage therapists, Naturopathic Doctors, Acupuncturists and Chiropractors. Acupuncture in particular has been gaining more and more popularity over the years as a therapy for pain management. Lets take a look at Acupuncture, and why people are turning to this ancient therapy to manage their pain.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an Ancient Chinese Medicine practice that has been around for over 3,500 years. An acupuncturist applies tiny needles, heat & gentle pressure to specific points all over the body. Each point releases or redirects the body's natural energy, called the Chi. Illness and pain are said to come from the body's imbalance of Chi. Having Acupuncture sessions re-balances the body and helps reduce pain and improve health and wellness.

Does it Work?

Acupuncture does reduce both chronic and acute pain. By activating points throughout the body, Acupuncture works by sending signals to the brain to relieve pain. In particular Acupuncture has been found to increase opioid receptors, increase endorphins, improve circulation and release muscle tension, all of which help to reduce pain. Acupuncture treatments are often used with other forms of therapies such as diet and exercise for best results. 

How to Find a Good Acupuncturist

When researching Acupuncturists, first look for a licensed or certified practitioner. In British Columbia licensed Acupuncturists have the designation R.Ac. (Registered Acupuncturist). Licensed Naturopathic Doctors and Physiotherapists are also certified to provide Acupuncture. Read practitioner websites and profiles and ask friends/family for a referral. With a little bit of research, you will find the practitioner that is the right fit for you. 

5 Ways to Combat Pain Yourself

         1. Exercise. Don't push it or rush exercising. Listen to your body, try to move even just a little bit everyday to build up your stamina. Doing some sort of exercise regularly will help improve circulation, release natural endorphins, and promote healing. 

        2. Meditate & Visualization Doing a daily meditation and visualization, even for just 10 minutes, has been known to reduce chronic pain. Meditation, like Acupuncture, has been around and practiced for thousands of years. Visualization and meditation takes into consideration the mind-body connection when managing pain. 

       3. Acupuncture. After reading this blog article, we hope you have a better understanding on how Acupuncture can help reduce pain. By balancing Chi, and working on the physical body and brain, Acupuncture can be a great tool for pain management.

      4. Eat Good Food. Eating food that is not only good for your general health, but also fights inflammation can be incredibly helpful in managing pain. Anti-inflammatory foods include: tumeric, ginger, omega 3 fatty acids found in fish, and foods free of transfats and sugar. 

     5. Heat and Ice Packs. As a general rule, ice packs are helpful for reducing inflammation in cases of acute injury and pain, and hot packs are helpful for reducing chronic muscle soreness and stiffness.  

To book an appointment with an Acupuncturist at Juniper Family Health please contact the clinic at 778-265-8340 or info@juniperfamilyhealth.com or click here to book online.