Ridgefield Acupuncture

Acupuncture is well known for its ability to resolve pain syndromes. Many clients wonder “how does acupuncture work?”

Studies have found several mechanisms that acupuncture activates during the treatment process.

Acupuncture can:

• Decrease pain by increasing the release of chemicals that block pain, called endorphins and enkephalins – natural feel good hormones. Acu-points are near nerves. When stimulated, these nerves cause a dull ache or feeling of fullness in the muscle. The stimulation sends a message to the central nervous system, causing the release of endorphins. Endorphins not only help you feel relaxed but block pain signals from being received by the brain. When your brain no longer “senses” pain, it will allow you to be pain free.
• There is some evidence that acupuncture may trigger the release of natural anti-inflammatory compounds in the body which help the healing process in joint/muscle and aid in recovery by boosting the immune system. Exactly how this might work has not yet been shown scientifically.
• Increase blood flow to the pain location allowing the muscles, tendons and joints to remove toxin byproducts and receive nourishment, such as oxygen.

How Often Should I Be Treated With Acupuncture?

The number of treatments required depends on each person’s condition and response to acupuncture. One acupuncture session does not usually result in lasting pain relief. Usually at least one session a week for four to five weeks is a normal course of treatment. It may take several treatments before you notice any benefit, so try at least five or 10 treatments before giving up.

What conditions respond to acupuncture?

• Pain related to over use, such as tennis elbow and carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Pain related to stress, such as should/neck tension which worsens when additional stress occurs.
• Myofascial pain dysfunction (MPD) is a syndrome of pain caused by spasm in the muscles. Symptoms of a spasm are aching, burning, or stabbing pain, and they may occur in a different part of the body than where the muscle is in spasm (referred pain).
• Osteoarthritis pain – knee joint, spinal vertebrae and finger joints.
• Spinal stenosis
• Fibromyalgia
• Sciatic pain
• Chronic back pain – This is a very general term but most back is related to another cause. Generally acupuncture is effective for decreasing pain.
• Headache/Migraine