Get back to the things you love… Get back to “you”.

Research shows that 8 out of 10 people will experience lower back pain at some point in their life. It is such a frequent ailment that most people simply accept it as a part of life, whether due to manual labor, sitting for long hours, or just as a process of aging. But pain is not our natural state, no matter our age.

Our natural state is neutral, and the body uses pain as an indicator that we have swayed from that neutral point. This is the entire reason that there are healers, holistic practitioners, and western doctors; this is the reason medicine was discovered- to bring us back to neutral, which after being in a state of pain actually feels pleasurable. The goal of acupuncture is no different; the goal is to bring the body back to the neutral point, thus relieving the pain.

How does it work?

Studies have shown acupuncture to be effective in the treatment of lower back pain, which explains why it is the number one reason individuals chose to go for acupuncture treatment. These individuals find short term relief with the added peace of mind that there are fewer to no side effects like those associated with traditional pain management through pharmaceuticals. This is because acupuncture can help the body to:

“Release opioid peptides. Opioids are naturally occurring chemicals in the brain that have an analgesic effect. The release of these opioids plays a significant role in the reduction of pain. There has been considerable evidence to support that acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system, releasing these chemicals.

Alter the secretion of neurotransmitters and neurohormones. Acupuncture is said to activate the hypothalamus and pituitary gland and thereby alter secretion of these chemicals. These particular chemicals play a direct role in the sensation of pain as well as the activity of an organ or organs. Evidence has shown that acupuncture alters this secretion in a manner that reduces pain. Documentation has also shown that acupuncture positively affects immune functions in the body.

Stimulate electromagnetic points on the body. The 2,000 points of the body that acupuncture focuses on are theorized to be strategic conductors of electromagnetic signals. Stimulation of these areas is believed to start the flow of endorphins—the body’s natural painkillers.” ⁽¹⁾

Harvard Health Publications through the Harvard Medical School have even published a review that acupuncture is worth trying for those who suffer with back pain and who want to avoid drugs or surgery as the alternative, citing the Archives of Internal Medicine’s research paper which concluded that acupuncture is an effective treatment for chronic pain.

What are your next steps?

If you or someone you love has been living with back pain, simply accepting it as a part of life, go have a brief consultation with Dr. Chah about your options, and find out what living pain free can mean to you. She may be reached at 561-249-0447, or you can schedule by clicking here.