Where is your pain?
Acupuncture can relieve pain
The number one reason people see an acupuncturist is for pain management. Acupuncture works very well with treating all types of pain. It is a safe and natural way to eliminate pain or keep a pain condition under control without the use of narcotics or invasive surgery.
Arthritis
Post-operative pain
Muscle pain (ie, fibromyalgia)
Pain from stress/anxiety/depression
Injury
Weakness/Illness
Joint pain
Gout pain
Unknown cause
The number of treatments necessary to treat pain conditions will vary based on the cause of the condition, whether it is chronic or acute, the overall health of the patient, and how closely the patient follows lifestyle recommendations.
Location of pain
Hip - Arthritis, Bursitis, Sciatica, Tendinitis, Muscle/Tendon Strain
Back - Sciatica, Herniated disc, Spinal Stenosis, Radiculopathy, Muscle Strain
Neck - Disc Issues, Stress-muscle tension, Arthritis, Whiplash, Strain
Shoulder - Tendinitis Bursitis, Arthritis, Muscle Strain, Weakness, Frozen Shoulder, "50 year old woman Shoulder pain" (limited ROM, pain)
Elbow - Golfer's elbow, Tennis elbow, Tendinitis, Bursitis, Arthritis
Hand - Thumb pain, Tendinitis, Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel Pain, RA, Gout Pain
Wrist - Carpal Tunnel Pain, Tendenitis, RA, Sprain, Dequarvian's Syndrome
Knee - Runner's knee, Arthritis, Tendinitis, Post-surgical pain, Muscle strain
Ankle - Arthritis, Tendenitis, Sprain, Gout Pain, Swelling of, Achilles Tendinitis
Foot - Plantar Fasciitis, Bunion, Arch Pain, Neuroma, Neuropathy
Acupuncture for Low Back Pain and muscle spasms
Low back pain is probably the most common ailment I see in my practice. The most common reasons people have low back pain are:
Herniated Discs and Degenerative Discs
Disc issues are definitely one of the most common reasons people experience low back pain. When a disc budges either because of degeneration (normal wear and tear) or an injury or accident, the material from inside the disc can press on the nerves which send messages to the brain causing pain in the low back area, and/or along the sciatic nerve. Additionally, when the muscles around the area become stiff or in spasm, they press down tighter on the vertebra, causing more pressure on the already sensitive discs and nerves. Acupuncture works to relax the muscle, bring blood flow to the area, and triggers the brain to release pain relieving chemicals called endorphins.
Trigger Points (tight knotted muscle fibers) in the Quadratus Lumborum muscle
Trigger points in the QL muscle can cause stiffness in the low back area and can cause referral pain into the buttock. Trigger points in this muscle can be very painful when it is coupled with a herniated disc. When the muscle is knotted, it shortens and can push and pull on its attachments which can result in pain.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal Stenosis is the narrowing of the spine that are typically caused by bone spurs from osteoarthritis. The narrowing of the canal can put pressure on the nerves which can cause pain. Acupuncture works to help bring blood flow to the area, induces production of cortisol (an inflammation reducing hormone) and triggers the brain to release pain relieving chemicals called endorphins
Spondylolisthesis
Normal wear and tear of your muscles and ligaments can cause them to become unstable and unable to hold your spine in its proper place. This disease often comes with age, and can cause low back pain when the vertebra moves more than it should, pressing on the nerves, and causing pain. Acupuncture can help relieve this pain by bringing blood flow to the area, inducing production of cortisol, an anti-inflammatory hormone, and by releasing pain relieving chemicals such as endorphins.
Sciatica Pain
Sciatica is one of the most common aliments I see in my office. Sciatica pain usually starts in the buttock area and can move down the entire leg, in the back or the side of the leg. This pain can range from excruciating to just mild or achy. Sciatica pain can come from a herniated disc, or from a tight muscle in the buttock (either the piriformis or glutes). If you do have a herniated disc, acupuncture can help relieve the muscle spasms around the area of the disc, which can relieve the pressure on the Sciatic Nerve.
If you do not have a herniated disc, your leg pain is probably caused by a trigger point in the glute minimus or piriformis muscle. When one or both of these muscles are tight they can press on the sciatic nerve causing pain to move down your leg. These muscles can easily be released with Acupuncture and Trigger point dry needling techniques.
Vertebral Fractures
Vertebral fractures are often caused by osteoporosis. When specific acupuncture points are stimulated, calcitonin, the hormone responsible for recalcifcation of bone, is produced and there is a reduction in bone pain.
It is important to treat your low back pain with acupuncture when it first begins. The longer you wait, the more treatments you will need. Typically, you will need a month of treatment (at once or twice a week) for as many years as you have been experiencing pain. If you have any questions or concerns about how acupuncture can treat your low back pain, please call 484-938-8778 or email Brittany@renewacupuncturecare.com.
Headaches and Migraines
Whether you experience mild headaches or severe migraines, headaches take time out of your day and lower your quality of life. The search for relief seems to be never-ending. One way suffering patients often seek relief is to use drugs and other medications. While they can be helpful in the short run, they do not treat the root cause and overtime can cause unwanted side effects. Acupuncture is an effective alternative approach to relieving headache pain.
Headaches/Migraines can be caused by
Improper posture causing tight muscles (forward head posture)
Stress
Allergies (Chemical, dust, mold etc)
Trigger Points in neck, head, and upper back muscles
Emotional health
Physical trauma
Hormones
Improper Diet
Trigger points in the SCM muscle can cause this referral pain pattern.
Could your neck muscles be causing your headaches? Its extremely common! If you have tight neck muscles, it could be the main cause of your headaches and migraines!
Allergies and Asthma
Allergies
The signs and symptoms that indicate a Western diagnosis of allergies relate to an imbalance in the organ or meridian system in the body. These imbalances can be caused by a poor diet, constitutional weakness, pollutants, stress, or environmental toxins. If a person has allergies most likely their "Wei Qi" is not functioning correctly. The Wei Qi in Chinese medicine is similar to what western medicine refers to as the immune system. The Wei Qi defends the body against foreign substances. When the Wei Qi is deficient it is unable to guard the body against these foreign invaders:
Pollen
Mold
Bacteria
Animal dander
Viruses
Dust
People who are prone to allergies and proficient colds most likely have a deficiency in their Wei Qi. Acupuncture works to strengthen the Wei qi by addressing the root cause of underlying imbalances affecting the Wei Qi.
Seasonal Allergy Tips:
1. Try eating a teaspoon of local organic honey every day.
2. Keep windows closed during allergy seasons
3. Do not hang clothes out to dry, they can gather mold and pollen.
4. Eat spicy foods and omega's to your diet
5. Use a Neti Pot
6. Put on a mask when working outside
Asthma
Asthma is caused by inflammation of the airways and bronchial constriction due to smooth muscles that line the walls of the airway. Acupuncture helps produce anti-inflammatory agents naturally that decrease inflammation while also affecting the sympathetic nervous system to ease muscle constriction of the smooth muscle and airway.
Acupuncture can help reduce the need for an inhaler and other medicine although it is important to continue to use medication as needed during the treatment.
Stress, Anxiety, Insomina and Depression
Acupuncture can be very effective in treating emotional and psychological disorders. Most patients being treated by acupuncture for any condition notice that during and after the treatment they feel calmer and more relaxed (just another positive side effect!). For people who suffer from psychological/emotional conditions, this effect can be profound.
The mind and body are not separate; Acupuncturists are aware of this powerful interplay. When you are feeling stressed, your shoulders or neck might feel tight, you might get a headache. When you have chronic physical pain, your mind is effected and you might become depressed. Acupuncture works to heal your mental and physical emotional disorders by addressing the root cause and underlying imbalances that have contributed to the problem and treat it safely and naturally.
Acupuncture can provide a drug-free way to address your psychological disorder but it is not a "quick fix". It may require weeks or months of treatment in order to see lasting results. Give yourself the time required so that you can experience the maximum benefits of acupuncture.
Addiction - Food, Drugs, Nicotine, Alcohol
There is hope for those who suffer from addictions to substances harmful to their health. Acupuncture is rapidly increasing in popularity as an effective aid in the control of many addictions—everything from alcohol and drugs to nicotine and food.
Acupuncture helps to relieve stress, reduce anxiety, and alleviate depressive feelings associated with quitting. It can also reduce appetite and stimulate repair of organs that were harmed during addiction period.
Knee Pain
Muscle Trigger Points that cause Knee Pain!
Knee pain is very successfully treated with Acupuncture. Acupuncture can help break down scar tissue, release muscles (with trigger point dry needling) that pull on the knee causing pain and tightness, and building strength by treating underlying weaknesses in the body. Knee pain can come from many causes: torn ligaments, post surgical pain and scarring, acute swelling or sprains, arthritis, osteoporosis and runner's knee. Please call or email with any questions about your specific pain!
Muscle Trigger Points that cause Knee Pain.
Post Surgical Pain and Scarring
Surgery should be a last resort, but sometimes it is necessary. The road to recovery can be very long for some surgeries, but acupuncture can help you get back to your best much quicker than physical therapy alone!. It is very important to start acupuncture and physical therapy as soon as possible after your surgery to avoid scar tissue build up. Acupuncture with electrical stimulation can help break down scar tissue, moving blood flow to the area, which is needed for healing. Surgery also shocks the body, sometimes causing muscle trigger points (tight knotted muscle fibers) which can be released with an acupuncture technique called trigger point dry needling. When the muscles are released back to their normal position, they stop pulling and pushing on sensitive areas and nerves that can cause pain. Please call or email with any specific questions or concerns.
Hypertension
There are two kinds of hypertension; essential hypertension and secondary hypertension. 90% of hypertension cases are essential hypertension. Risk factors for essential hypertension that you can't control include; race, age, and family condition. Factors you can control include: being overweight, drinking heavily, using tobacco, being stressed, eating too much salty foods, and a sedentary lifestyle. Incorporating acupuncture into your treatment plan can treat your high blood pressure as well as improve overall health by finding imbalances in your body and addressing the root cause of the high blood pressure,
Self-care tips for lowering high blood pressure:
Exercise daily
Plenty of sleep
Reducing stress by meditation, breathing exercises
Reduce fat and salt in your diet
Avoid smoking, coffee, and alcohol
Try adding Tai-Chi or Qi-Gong and yoga to your workout
Post-natal Disorders
Acupuncture can relieve post-natal problems such as:
Post-natal Depression
Urinary difficulties
Constipation/Hemorrhoids
Joint Pain
Insufficient Lactation
Spontaneous Lactation
Menstrual Problems
Acupuncture can relieve menstrual problems such as:
Irregularities in Menstruation
Early Periods – Consistently early (9 days)
Late Periods – Consistently late
Irregular Periods – Sometimes early, Sometimes late
Bleeding between Periods
Irregularities in amount of Bleeding
Heavy Periods – Heavy bleeding, normal duration
Scanty Periods
Flooding and Trickling
Amenorrhea
Irregularities in duration of Bleeding
Long Periods
Short (Scanty) Periods
Painful Periods
PMS – Emotional/physiological symptoms before period
Dysmenorrhea – Painful Periods
Problems during Period
Breast tenderness
Headache
Edema
Diarrhea
Fever
Acne
Mouth Ulcers
Pregnancy
Acupuncture can relieve common problems of pregnancy such as:
Morning Sickness
Abdominal Pain
Threatened Miscarriage
Edema
Anxiety
Cough, Loss of Voice
Retention of Urine
Constipation
Habitual Miscarriage
Induction of Labour
Menopause
Why is menopause treated like a disease?
Menopause is a natural, physiological cycle that occurs in all women. Western medical treatments only address the symptoms associated with menopause. Chinese medicine recognizes that the typical symptoms of menopause are merely signs of a deep imbalance within the body. Acupuncture corrects underlying imbalances. If these imbalances are not corrected, they will result in typical signs and symptoms of menopause.
Symptoms of menopause
graying hair, loss of libido, weakness of knees, urinary difficulty, poor memory, backache, fatigue, hot flashes, night sweats, heart palpitations, insomnia, and mood swings.
After determining which system is unbalanced various therapies such as acupuncture, qi gong, meditation and diet can be used to correct the imbalance. Since acupuncture is completely safe and natural, there is no need to worry about the side effects of hormone therapy and other western medical treatments.
Weight Loss
Americans spend billions of dollars annually on weight loss products, yet obesity is still on the rise! Unfortunately, excess weight is not just a cosmetic issue. Being overweight is a risk factor for many conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Acupuncture helps to control weight by:
Releasing Endorphins: when people start dieting, their body starts craving which can lead to binge eating. Cravings are often due to a lack of endorphins. Acupuncture helps curb cravings by releasing endorphins!
Reduce Stress: When your body is under stress it releases cortisol which can alter your metabolism. Through the release of endorphins the "stress hormone" cortisol can be neutralized.
Support Digestion: Acupuncture can support the body in generating a healthy digestive process.
Fertility
Acupuncture provides a safe, effective, and drug-free approach to treating infertility and enjoying a healthy pregnancy. We have a 95% conception success rate with proven techniques backed by science. Unlike other acupuncture offices, you will see only one practitioner throughout your entire fertility & pregnancy (no being passed between different acupuncturists!). Schedule a free consultation to learn more about our fertility program.
LIfe FErtility BioTherapy® is an international fertility program that has been
used for the past two decades with a proven record of fertility success. LIFE
has not only helped couples and individuals from all over the globe build their
families, it has also ensured a healthy pregnancy, prepares the body for labor,
and improves postpartum recovery.
Acupuncture can help you conceive by:
Regulating the hormones (estrogen & progesterone) involved in the mensural cycle to improve ovulation and increase chances of contraception.
Acupuncture can improve blood flow to the reproductive organs, including the ovaries and uterus. This increased blood flow can help to thicken the uterine lining, making it easier for a fertilized egg to implant and develop.
Reducing stress: Acupuncture is known to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Stress can negatively impact fertility by disrupting hormonal balance and reducing blood flow to the reproductive organs.
Enhancing male fertility: Acupuncture may also benefit male fertility by improving sperm count, motility, and morphology.
