Pain Relief Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has used pain relief acupuncture for conditions for over 3000 years. This complete medical system existing for centuries was met with skepticism, ridicule, and fear until gradually gaining acceptance in western society in the 1970’s. It works by applying single use, sterile needles, heat, and pressure to specific points on the body. In TCM there is an ancient adage that states “Bu tong ze tong; Tong ze bu tong” which translates to “If there is free flow, there is no pain; If there is pain, there is no free flow.” Stimulating specific points (depending on condition or areas of pain) releases and redirects the body’s natural energy known as qi (pronounced Chee.) Dis-ease and pain come from blockages or imbalances of this vital life force, and the goal of each treatment with an Art of Acupuncture physician is restoring balance and free flow in order for relieving pain with acupuncture. Acupuncture for pain has been proven to stimulate the release of endorphins, regulate the nervous system, and have a significant effect on both acute and chronic painful conditions.
Relieving Pain with Acupuncture
Acupuncture treatments can vary widely, both from treatment to treatment with the same practitioner and between different practitioners. There are a lot of styles and schools of thought within the acupuncture community, all of which are valid, and therefore acupuncture really is a bit of an ART. Needles will typically be placed near or at the painful site and also at other points around the body to support the local treatment. Often acupuncture for pain will also include cupping or gua sha, both body work techniques our practitioners are proficient in. You can read more about both in our blog. Many cases also call for the use of Moxibustion, which is an herb (Mugwort, Artemisia Vulgaris) we burn near points or areas to encourage free flow and warmth. This technique has been proven to decrease inflammation in local tissues.
From The Experts
“Acupuncture offers more than just pain relief; it’s a testament to the body’s innate capacity for self-healing. Through this ancient practice, we connect with the body’s wisdom, addressing pain at its source and fostering a deeper sense of well-being that reaches beyond the physical realm.”
Types of Pain Relieved Acupuncture
Low Back Pain and Sciatica
Acupuncture has been widely studied and proven to help alleviate both acute and chronic low back (lumbar pain) and sciatica. Often, your practitioner will also utilize Fire Cupping or Gua Sha or Moxa directly to the low back. Acute lumbar injuries usually require 4-8 treatments, depending on severity, duration and patient’s general constitution. Chronic low back issues usually require 6-12 treatments and a less frequent maintenance plan to maintain relief.
Nerve Pain-Neuropathy
Numerous clinical studies have shown acupuncture to be effective for the treatment of neuropathic pain, regardless of origin. Acupuncture improves blood circulation to the area and regulates the nervous system, increasing flow and relaxation throughout an individual’s entire system. Long-term neuropathy can take several sessions to feel benefit, and your practitioner might also use electrical stimulation (e-stim) to the acupuncture needles.
Fibromyalgia
Recent clinical trials studying acupuncture in the treatment of fibromyalgia have shown measurable decrease in pain, improved sleep, and overall quality of life. Fibromyalgia is a condition requiring an ongoing treatment plan and an initial course of treatment is typically 6-10 sessions.
Tennis or Golfer’s Elbow
Numerous studies have demonstrated acupuncture to be an effective treatment for lateral or medial epicondylitis (tennis or golfer’s elbow.) This minimally invasive technique can often give significant relief after the first treatment without invasive surgical procedures.
Menstrual Cramping & Period Pain
Acupuncture has been proven effective at reducing the intensity and duration of painful period cramping. In addition, it can lessen menstrual pain on future cycles and help regulate the hormonal cycle-lessening a person’s need for pain medications to manage during their cycle. Treatment plans vary and your practitioner will often prescribe herbals, if appropriate.
Sprains, strains, & fractures
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal solutions are amazing adjunct treatments to quickly recover from traumatic injuries including sprains, strains and fractures! Utilizing points to increase blood flow, relieve congestion and decrease swelling in surrounding tissues along with our line of martial arts topical liniments, we can help you get back to functional faster.
Arthritis- Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Joint Pain
Studies have demonstrated a reduction in pain and joint inflammation with increased range of motion and strength in many types of arthritis utilizing acupuncture integrated with a patient’s western medical modalities.
TMD- Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
Acupuncture is frequently and effectively used to relieve the pain of TMD without adverse side effects of corticosteroids or pain medications. Typically significant relief is immediately noticeable after the first session.
Abdominal Pain
Chronic abdominal pain and acute flares associated with IBD or IBS can be successfully treated and managed with acupuncture. Dietary therapy, nutritional counseling, and prescription herbals are also often a part of treatment for most abdominal pain conditions.
Neck Pain- Cervicalgia
Cervicalgia (neck pain) and stiff neck are very successfully treated with acupuncture for pain in St. Petersburg, FL. Your practitioner might also utilize Fire cupping, Gua Sha or Moxibustion to loosen and increase circulation to surrounding tissues around the cervical spine.
Headaches and Migraines
There have been several large scale studies for headaches and migraine headaches demonstrating effectiveness at relieving pain with acupuncture. In addition, there is a decrease in the frequency of headaches often lasting several months. Treatment plans depend on the severity, duration and frequency of an individual and is determined on a case by case basis by Art of Acupuncture physicians.
What Our Clients Say
“I’ve been going to Art of Acupuncture for years. If you suffer from chronic pain, the doctors and services offered at this location are the best you’ll find in the area. I truly couldn’t imagine going anywhere else for the myriad of physical issues I suffer from and I’m thankful every single day for this location and the incredible services they provide.”
“Emily has helped me address several health issues, including chronic headaches, lower back pain, and shoulder pain. She is very thorough, taking detailed notes and listening carefully to her patients to ensure she addresses their needs. Through Emily I have been able to reduce and eliminate pain without taking drugs or having surgery. She is a godsend!”
Choosing a Practitioner
Finding the right practitioner for you can be a journey. Make sure anyone you consider is a licensed acupuncturist and is board certified in both acupuncture and Chinese herbs. This means they have completed 3-4 years full time master’s degree program with hundreds of hours of supervised clinical practice. The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) is our governing body and is a great resource to verify credentials and find a qualified practitioner of acupuncture anywhere in the U.S.
Our Approach to Pain Relief Acupuncture
Each practitioner at Art of Acupuncture has their own unique approach to pain relief acupuncture, and all are trained and comfortable with multiple TCM modalities including:
Electrical Stimulation
We feel an integrated approach with your current western practitioners (MD, PT, OT, etc.) is the best path to pain relief acupuncture. This often results in less reliance on medications and surgical interventions. We take a patient centered approach and are dedicated to making sure that you can always see the provider with the most experience treating similar cases to yours. We value the wisdom of ALL of our providers which may mean a collaborative approach to get you on the most efficient path to wellness.
Meet Our Acupuncturists
Give us a call or schedule an appointment online with one of our practitioners specializing in acupuncture for pain. Select Learn More below to meet our whole team and read our physicians bios.
EMILY ARMSTRONG
Diplomat of Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture Physician, Registered Herbalist, Gua Sha Specialist, Meditation Instructor, Co-Owner of Art of Acupuncture
HILLARY TALBOT Roland
Diplomat of Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture Physician, Certified Fellow of American Board of Reproductive Medicine, Co-Owner of Art of Acupuncture
DR. Hannah Winner
Diplomat of Oriental Medicine, Doctor of Acupuncture & Eastern Medicine, E-stim, Gua Sha, Certified APIT, Nutrition and Herbal Therapy.
KECIA FOWLER
Diplomat of Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture Physician, Certified Facial Rejuvenation, Certified APIT, Certified Zero Balance Practitioner, Facial Rejuvenation Certified
Frequently Asked Questions
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Depending on the severity and duration of the painful condition, acupuncture for pain may take several hours to several days or weeks. In longer term or chronic pain cases, it might require several treatments to begin seeing longer term effects.
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Yes! 3000 years of historical and anecdotal cases of pain relief acupuncture and now clinically proven controlled trials have shown acupuncture to be effective at reducing or eliminating pain, of any sort or origin.
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Most of the risk is improved sleep, a calmer nervous system and a better mood, but some patients relieving pain with acupuncture do bruise or bleed slightly at needle sites or experience mild nausea or dizziness.
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To prepare for your acupuncture for pain appointment, wear comfortable clothing, eat, and drink plenty of water. Bring your questions, medication list, and any relative reports (MRI, Xray, etc…)
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Most treatments result in relieving pain with acupuncture with some immediate change in pain levels, but often much more relief occurs 24-72 hours AFTER your session. Much of this depends on severity and duration of the painful condition or injury state.
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Some people who are relieving pain with acupuncture feel a brief tiny prick at some sites, and often there will be sensation that moves from a point or somewhere else entirely. This is not painful, but can be surprising. Trigger points are usually more sensational to the patient and can be a little sore or tender for a day or so after a treatment.
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In most cases, patients experience relieving pain with acupuncture immediately. To what degree and effect varies widely on what type of painful condition we are treating and how long it has been experienced by the patient.
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Any sort of active infection, internal or cutaneous (skin). Some severe bleeding disorders prevent pain relief acupuncture being a safe option.
Schedule an Appointment for Pain Relief Acupuncture
OUR OFFICE: 2941 5th Avenue North St. Petersburg, FL 33713
HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday — Thursday: 8:30am — 6:30pm & Friday — Saturday: 9:00am — 5:00pm
EMAIL US: Join our community today. Ask a question, send us a testimonial or just let us know you are interested in learning more about acupuncture for pain by filling out the form below. Our terrific front office staff or one of our practitioners will be happy to help!
