Pain Relief through Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
Article by Dr. Spence Pentland
The World Health Organization (WHO) references acupuncture as being an effective treatment for the management of many types of pain, both acute and chronic.
There are 3 proven mechanisms that explain how acupuncture relieves pain;
1. Gate Theory
Once inserted, the needle activates the myelinated nervous system fibers which ultimately stops the pain message from getting to the T-cells in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord (closes the ‘Gate’). Therefore the pain message does not transmit to the thalamus/cortex in the brain (these areas normally interpret these messages and make you feel pain)
2. Opiate Theory
Once inserted, the needle activates the midbrain to release beta-endorphins into the cerebral spinal fluid and met-enkephalin into the plasma. This cascade causes the release of other neurotransmitters that block the sensations of pain. Both endorphins and enkephalins are naturally occurring opiate-like substances produced by the body in situations that require analgesia. Opiates are the fundamental compounds that Pharmaceutical painkillers such as codeine and morphine are built from.
3. Antihistamine Theory
Once inserted, the needle activates a process which regulates (reduces) the amount of histamine and bradykinin in the blood. These substances are what causes inflammation and pain when chronic or acute injury occurs.
Traditional Acupuncture Theory
Energy (Qi) circulates within the body through a series of pathways called meridians, similar to blood vessels. Wherever blood flows it brings with it nourishment and life giving qualities to the surrounding tissues and organs. Qi is the vital force necessary to keep the heart pumping so that blood will be transported as needed. More broadly, Qi gives that same life force to every single cell, tissue, muscle, organ, and gland in the body. Therefore, a blockage of the flow of Qi anywhere in the body will inhibit the amount of nourishment that reaches our cells, tissues, muscles, organs, and glands.
Many things can cause Qi to become blocked: poor diet, physical trauma, emotional trauma, inherited weakness, many disease processes, and chemical, physical, and emotional stress, just to name a few.
By inserting fine sterile needles at specific points, blockages of Qi that cause pain are cleared and smooth flow is restored. Once this is accomplished, pain will vanish.
Treatment Protocols
It is not uncommon for there to be significant relief after just one treatment. Most often with acute pain, between 2-4 treatments for 1-3 weeks is usually required to obtain optimal pain relieving effects. As for chronic pain, 1-2 treatments per week for longer durations is usually necessary.
Any pain condition may involve combination with other pain relieving modalities (yoga, fitness rehabilitation, physiotherapy, etc). Herbal salves and preparations along with certain recommended supplements may also enter the scope of treatment. Other traditional techniques such as cupping and moxibustion are also frequently employed. You may also be asked to perform some simple techniques at home or work between treatments to aid treatment efficacy.
About the Author
Dr. Spence Pentland is a board licensed Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and certified Fellow of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine. Since 2004 Spence has focused exclusively on the treatment of reproductive disorders in both men and women in Vancouver Canada. To book an appointment or for a free 15 minute phone consultation visit www.drspencepentland.com. Click here for more info on fertility.