Chronic joint pain can be hard to handle. Besides causing discomfort, it can also affect movement. It may make sleeping difficult and lead to other related problems. While traditional medicine can help manage joint pain, some people explore alternative holistic methods. One such method is acupuncture.

Research shows that acupuncture can help with chronic pain. These include knee pain from osteoarthritis, neck pain, and lower back pain. Other studies indicate that acupuncture can also help with tension headaches and migraines. If you are suffering from chronic pain, you can contact Art of Chinese Healing in Los Angeles today. Our acupuncturists are ready to assist you in living a pain-free life.

An Overview of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient treatment for various health issues. It involves using thin needles at specific pressure points to manage pain holistically. The aim is to restore balance in the body’s energy. In the U.S., acupuncture is part of complementary and alternative medicine. There is strong evidence that it helps manage musculoskeletal pain.

Acupuncture started in China about 2,500–3,000 years ago. At first, people used sharp stones to treat illnesses and pain. Over time, acupuncture became essential to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

The needles used in acupuncture became thinner over time. They now come in different shapes and sizes to target specific areas of pain. Today, modern acupuncture combines traditional practices with Western medicine. It also uses knowledge of the human body’s anatomy and physiology to manage pain.

Studies found that acupuncture can help with back pain, headaches, and osteoarthritis for up to a year. The effects of acupuncture on neck pain can vary in duration. Research shows it is more beneficial for chronic than acute pain. Acupuncture might also help reduce the need for opioids and manage chronic pain, particularly in cancer patients. Modern acupuncture techniques, like dry needling, effectively treat muscle knots. They can target specific pain points, such as those in the neck.

How Acupuncture Helps with Pain Management

Acupuncture operates on the principles of the five elements and the balance of yin and yang. The body has a life force called “qi.” Internal or external factors can block it. This blockage can cause pain and muscle restrictions. Acupuncture is similar to massage. It aims to relieve muscle restrictions by using precise needle placement on pressure points. This treatment helps restore balance by stimulating or relaxing the body’s meridians. Meridians are energy pathways connected to different organs.

In some cases, treating back pain works better by targeting points in the feet, hands, ears, or head. The practitioner treats these areas along with the back itself. Acupuncture can involve additional techniques like heat, moxibustion, electrical stimulation, herbs, cupping, gua sha (or Graston technique), manual manipulation, or massage. These methods relieve pressure at meridian points, promote natural body flow, and help with pain relief.

The main goal of acupuncture is to restore balance in the body. It is not meant to completely “cure” a specific illness. Acupuncture can boost energy levels. Combined with a healthy diet, exercise, and wellness practices, it can improve overall quality of life. Each session lasts at least 15 minutes and can extend up to an hour for optimal results. The body starts to respond to the needles within 15 minutes. This response leads to changes in structure and function, promoting relaxation and pain relief.

Types of Pain That Acupuncture Can Help Manage

Acupuncture is effective for managing various painful conditions, including:

  • Back pain
  • Tendinitis
  • Radiculopathy
  • Episacroiliac lipoma
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Headaches
  • Myofascial Pain
  • Ligamentitis
  • Postoperative or scar tissue pain
  • Muscle knots or trigger points

Acupuncturists’ Role in Pain Management

In pain treatment, an acupuncturist starts with a thorough evaluation. This step is vital, especially for systemic pain issues like migraines or osteoarthritis. The practitioner chooses acupuncture points to help balance the entire system. For some patients, this may involve detoxifying. It may boost energy, improve circulation, and eliminate blockages for others.

An acupuncturist would focus on the stomach and large intestine for a patient with migraines, bad breath, irritability, constipation, and dry eyes. They would use specific acupuncture points to improve digestion. The aim is to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines. Research shows that acupuncture is as effective as medications for treating migraine headaches.

In pain management, the practitioner chooses acupuncture points based on the injured tissues and targets the affected nerves. This happens in cases of nerve impingement from a herniated disc in the lower back and helps alleviate pain.

When a muscle spasms, the practitioner applies acupuncture needles to “trigger points.” These sensitive areas in the muscle fascia can cause a twitch response and relieve pain immediately.

Acupuncture can help strengthen ligaments, improve joint movement, reduce swelling, and break down scar tissue. The methods and outcomes vary widely depending on the pain’s source.

Preparing For Your Acupuncture Appointment

If you are considering acupuncture, you can:

  • Ask trusted friends for recommendations.
  • Verify the practitioner’s qualifications and training. Most states require acupuncturists to pass an exam administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
  • Talk to the practitioner. Inquire about the treatment process, its effectiveness for your condition, and the cost.
  • Check if your insurance plan covers the treatment.
  • Inform your doctor that you are thinking about acupuncture. They might give you information on how effective acupuncture is for your condition. They may also suggest a qualified acupuncturist.

The practitioner designs acupuncture to be a calming experience. You do not need to fast or change your routine significantly before your session. However, you can stay away from strong depressants or stimulants like alcohol, coffee, cannabis, and other drugs before your appointment. These can disrupt your body’s balance and reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. Also, try not to arrive hungry. Having a light meal 1-2 hours beforehand is a good idea.

In an acupuncture session, your acupuncturist will use very thin needles to place them in specific areas of your body. The practitioner will likely cause minimal discomfort when inserting the needles.

Each acupuncturist has their unique style. They often combine elements of Eastern and Western medicine. Your practitioner may ask about your symptoms, habits, and lifestyle to find the most suitable acupuncture treatment. They may also examine:

  • The painful areas of your body.
  • The shape, coating, and color of your tongue.
  • The color of your face.
  • The strength, rhythm, and quality of your pulse at your wrist.

An acupuncture session can last up to 60 minutes, but some may be shorter. A typical treatment plan for one issue usually involves one or two weekly sessions. The total number of sessions depends on the condition and its severity. A practitioner usually recommends 6 to 8 treatments.

What to Expect During the Treatment

Your practitioner will locate acupuncture points throughout the body. Sometimes, the points chosen may be far from where you feel pain. Your acupuncture provider will tell you where the treatment will take place. They will also let you know if you need to remove any clothes. They will give you a gown, towel, or sheet to cover yourself. You will lie on a comfortable table during the session.

Your treatment may include:

  • Needle insertion. A practitioner places thin acupuncture needles at specific points on your body and inserts them at different depths. Insertion usually causes minimal discomfort, and many people do not feel it. The practitioner typically uses 5 to 20 needles. You might feel slight pain when a needle reaches the correct depth.
  • Needle manipulation. After the needles are in place, your practitioner may gently move or twist them. They may also apply heat or mild electrical pulses.
  • Needle removal. The needles stay in for 10 to 15 minutes while you relax, and removal is usually painless.

What To Avoid After Acupuncture

To enjoy the most out of your acupuncture session, avoid certain things afterward. These include keeping your stress levels low. Avoid hurrying and intense physical activities. To achieve satisfactory results, wait at least 2-3 hours before doing any intense physical activities or exercises.

Light walking or hiking is fine. Avoid junk food or anything that makes you feel sluggish. These can reintroduce toxins into your body that you worked to remove. You should also avoid coffee and alcohol after your treatment. Coffee is a stimulant, while alcohol is a depressant. Both can disrupt the positive effects of acupuncture by throwing your body out of balance.

You can use heat on painful areas, but avoid ice or cold packs, as they can cause stagnation and worsen the pain.

Benefits of Acupuncture For Pain Management

Acupuncture can help reduce pain and improve your quality of life. It may enhance physical function by easing movement and reducing the need for pain medications. As part of a conservative approach to managing pain, it can also help reduce fatigue and bodyaches. Additionally, acupuncture is beneficial for managing pain before and after surgery.

Acupuncture can also gradually relax tense tissues through needling. The treatment focuses on treating the whole person rather than the symptoms. It helps patients understand the link between pain and physical health. Acupuncture is part of a wellness routine, like meditation. The goal is to achieve a calm mind and body in each session.

This calmness is essential for changing our mental perspective and helping improve our health. Patients receive guidance on diet, exercise, and stress management, which help them achieve overall well-being. Acupuncture treatments help retrain the mind and body. This therapy makes stress and pain more manageable, leading to better pain management.

Some health insurance plans may cover acupuncture, either in part or entirely. Contact your insurance provider to learn about your specific coverage. If acupuncture is not covered, some practitioners might offer lower rates.

How To Tell If Acupuncture Is Effective in Managing Pain 

If you feel better after your acupuncture sessions, it is likely working. Some people notice improvements immediately, while others may take time. It can be tricky to assess because many seek acupuncture for issues that are hard to measure. For example, if you break a bone, a doctor can confirm healing with an X-ray. However, ongoing pain from that injury is more complex. Acupuncture can help reduce the pain, reduce how often it occurs, or even eliminate it. After a few treatments, you might notice some of these changes: 

  • Decreased pain intensity and frequency
  • Improved sleep
  • Increased energy levels
  • More awareness
  • Heightened senses—food may taste better, or colors seem brighter
  • Reduced stress levels
  • Better digestion

These signs suggest that acupuncture is helping your health. Understanding what you want to change is key to knowing if it is effective. For example, if you experience migraines and notice they are less frequent or painful after treatment, that is a good sign. Results can vary; some may feel better quickly, while others may need several sessions. Each person’s response to treatment is unique.

What To Expect After Undergoing Acupuncture for Pain Management

After a session, you will likely feel very calm and relaxed. Acupuncture can create a sense of happiness and euphoria. Many people leave feeling relaxed, thanks to a significant release of neuropeptides and neurotransmitters like endorphins, serotonin, noradrenaline, dopamine, and oxytocin—often referred to as happy hormones.

Activities like exercise, dancing, or laughing with friends release these hormones. Your body and muscles may feel more relaxed and less tense. Your mind may feel calm, focused, and positive.

Frequency For Receiving Acupuncture Treatments

The frequency of treatments depends on your health and the severity of your condition. It also depends on how your body reacts. Some patients may need two weekly sessions for chronic conditions for several months. Many people see their acupuncturist every other week.

Others may require more frequent visits, depending on how long the effects last. You can discuss a suitable schedule with your acupuncturist. You might feel partial benefits after one or two sessions. Acupuncturists usually recommend at least six treatments for the most satisfactory results.

Duration of Acupuncture’s Effect on Managing Pain

The effects of acupuncture can be similar to those of other physical treatments. For acute injuries causing immense pain, the immediate benefits may last anywhere from 36 to 72 hours. Your acupuncturist may suggest visiting 2-3 times a week. It is common during the initial weeks of your injury. This measure helps improve pain relief while the injury is still fresh. The sessions will become less frequent as your body responds better to the treatments. They will move once a week, then every other week.

When your pain is under control, and you notice improved mobility, strength, and function, switching to monthly maintenance visits is a good idea.

Potential Risks of Acupuncture

Patients might experience certain side effects or complications. It can happen even with a qualified practitioner performing acupuncture. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established rules for acupuncture treatments. These rules state that all needles must be made of steel. They must be sterile, non-toxic, solid, and clearly labeled. The FDA requires practitioners to use disposable acupuncture needles. They must dispose of them properly afterward.

Receiving acupuncture from an untrained acupuncturist can be dangerous. Serious complications are rare. However, there is a risk of injury if the provider is not well-trained or uses non-sterile needles. Potential injuries include damage to the central nervous system, organ punctures, and infections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some FAQs on acupuncture for managing pain:

Will I Need Other Treatments Alongside Acupuncture?

Many patients combine acupuncture with other treatments. For example, those with chronic pain might take medication while also receiving acupuncture. Cancer patients may also use acupuncture alongside their treatments. Continue taking any prescribed medications, even if acupuncture helps you feel better.

Acupuncturists also combine acupuncture with nutrition, physical therapy, and massage therapy.

Are There People Who Should Avoid Acupuncture?

You should consult your doctor before beginning acupuncture. Avoid acupuncture if you are suffering from a bleeding disease, have a pacemaker, are experiencing complications during pregnancy, or have specific medical devices.

How Should I Prepare For My Acupuncture Appointment?

Come in feeling relaxed, well-hydrated, and open to the experience. Avoid heavy meals or stimulants right before the appointment. Wear loose, comfy clothing. It allows for easy accessibility to treatment areas on your legs and arms.

Does Acupuncture Work Right Away?

The speed at which acupuncture works varies for each person. It also depends on why they are seeking treatment. Some people may feel the effects when the practitioner inserts or removes the needle. Others may notice benefits only after the session ends.

Most therapies, including acupuncture, often require several sessions before patients see significant improvements. This is especially true for those with acute injuries or chronic issues lasting more than three months. Generally, you can expect to notice results within 4-6 treatments. You should be patient and committed to the process.

Find a Professional Acupuncturist Near Me

Chronic pain can be severe and may interfere with your daily tasks. Many individuals use acupuncture therapy as a natural method to relieve pain and explore alternatives to conventional medicine. Acupuncture can help ease discomfort and improve your overall well-being.

We at Art of Chinese Healing are here to help if your pain prevents you from living fully. Our Los Angeles team is a holistic treatment clinic that offers acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine treatments. Contact us at 310-405-1610 or schedule a session with our skilled practitioners