Acupuncture plays an important role in the elimination of pain, and is a valuable alternative choice for the treatment of acute and chronic pain conditions. In 1997, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conducted an extensive review of the scientific evidence for acupuncture. According to the panel, clear evidence supports acupuncture’s efficacy for chronic conditions that benefit from the control of pain and inflammation, enhanced circulation, endocrine and immune function, and the reduction of stress. The panel found a number of conditions for which acupuncture is extremely useful as an adjunct or alternative therapy, particularly if it is included in a “comprehensive management program.” These conditions include: carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, headache, low back pain, menstrual cramps, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, tennis elbow, etc. (NIH p.2).

Acupuncture is a holistic method of encouraging the body to promote its own natural healing and to improve overall functioning. The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the body to produce natural steroids and release endorphins. Steroids decrease inflammation, while endorphins inhibit pain. These substances are 50 to 100 times more potent in relieving pain than are many prescription drugs, and play an integral role in the elimination of the pain cycle.

To date, Western medicine has not had a great deal of success in providing substantial pain relief solutions. The most popular forms of treatment are pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs. Unfortunately, these options are not effective and often produce side effects that are more troublesome than the condition itself. In addition, prescribed opiates have the potential to become addictive.

Acupuncture is a safe, painless alternative, and a very effective procedure for eliminating or relieving pain. Acupuncture can greatly enhance the effect of other therapies, as well as reduce unwanted side effects from conventional medicine, because it:

• stimulates the body’s natural healing.
• quickly reduces pain and inflammation, and relaxes muscles.
• increases circulation to speed up recovery time.
• maintains longer-term positive results and prevents recurrence.
• reduces pain without the prolonged use of drugs and surgical intervention.
• promotes physical and emotional well-being.
• enhances endocrine and immune function.
• lowers cost (acupuncture treatments are less expensive).
• fully integrates with other therapies.