Back Pain & Acupuncture (Pasadena, CA)

Did you know acupuncture is recommended prior to opioids for the treatment of back pain? 

In 2017, American College of Physicians released the new recommendation that MDs should suggest acupuncture, amongst other practices BEFORE prescribing medication for back pain, in order to help reduce the opioid crisis. You can read more here.

Wonderful, right? The only way they would make such a strong recommendation for acupuncture is if scientific research backed it up. To which they did after carefully considering systematic randomized controlled studies of non invasive treatments for acute, subacute and chronic nonradicular back pain.

 

In addition, multiple studies support the effectiveness of acupuncture for managing pain. And not just back pain.

The World Health Organization (WHO) also supports the use of acupuncture for many other conditions - and their recommendations are based on research outcomes. 

You can see the full list of conditions (pain + more) for which the WHO & NIH recommend acupuncture here

 

What kinds of pain can acupuncture help with? 

  • Back pain 

  • Neck pain/stiffness/tightness

  • Sciatic pain 

  • Knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, wrist, ankle pain (arthritic pain)

  • Headaches

  • Fibromyalgia 

  • Post-surgical pain 

  • Toothache/jaw pain

  • Pain associated with Multiple Sclerosis

  • Menstrual pain/cramping

  • Acute pain due to injury

  • Nerve pain

If you have pain that you've been struggling with, try acupuncture first, not as a last resort. It's incredibly helpful and my patients are often surprised at how much better they feel - that's a huge part of why I love my job!

Auricular Acupuncture, Battlefield Acupuncture & Veteran’s Affairs (Los Angeles, CA)

Ear Acupuncture protocol was first described by the French father of modern auriculomedicine, Paul Nogier in 1957, then confirmed and heavily researched by the Chinese NanJing Army Ear Acupuncture research team in 1958. Its origins trace back to Chinese, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, observed in forms of cauterizing, and piercing parts of the ear’s skin and its veins to help with sciatic pain, arthritis, and sexual dysfunctions.

To learn more tap here [Ear Acupuncture]

Now, as an evidence based Acupuncture tool, it is used for pain and anxiety disorders both in the civilian and military environments. With its ability to stimulate neural reflexes, auricular acupuncture utilizes the great vasculature and nerve pathways of the ear (lots of cranial nerves including the vagus nerve) to regulate the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

Battlefield acupuncture is a protocol of specific ear points which is formally used in war zones, VA hospitals and private practices like ours, in order to reduce pain and stress responses. [battlefieldacupuncture.va.gov]

NADA, the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association has created an evidence based acupuncture protocol which since 1985 is widely accepted and used for opioid addiction, PTSD, insomnia and depression both in inpatient and outpatient settings. [NADA.nih.gov]

I hope this provides insight and resources for you or your loved ones. We use auricular acupuncture in combination to traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture, electroacupuncture or as a stand alone treatment. If you know anyone who struggles with anxiety, depression, insomnia, pain, post traumatic stress disorder, acupuncture and traditional Chinese Medicine may be able to help.

Our Mission Statement (Los Angeles, CA)

At our acupuncture clinic, we pride ourselves on offering a harmonious blend of traditional East Asian medicine and modern integrative therapies. With a focus on restoring balance and enhancing overall well-being, our skilled practitioners are dedicated to providing comprehensive care tailored to each individual.

By drawing upon the ancient wisdom of acupuncture, we aim to address a wide range of physical, emotional, and mental health concerns. Through the strategic placement of needles along energy pathways in the body, known as meridians, acupuncture promotes the free flow of Qi to facilitate healing and pain relief.

In addition to acupuncture, our clinic offers a variety of integrative therapies to complement and enhance treatment outcomes. From herbal medicine and cupping therapy to moxibustion and lifestyle counseling, we strive to create a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of health issues.

Whether you are seeking relief from chronic pain, stress management, or improved energy flow, our experienced team is here to support you on your journey to optimal health and wellness. Embrace the time-tested & science backed techniques of traditional East Asian medicine combined with the benefits of modern integrative therapies at our acupuncture clinic today.

This blog is intended for educational purposes only. Always consult a licensed professional before integrating new treatments.