Project Description

Pain Management

Pain Management

Chinese medicine has a famous saying to describe pain “Bu tong ze tong, tong ze bu tong.” This translates to “If there is no free flow, there is pain; if there is free flow, there is no pain.” Thus, our treatments aim to restore “free flow” in the body to eliminate pain.

With our current lifestyles that involve sitting for long hours, working on a computer, using a mobile device, high stress, and intense workouts, it is very common to experience pain.

Pain conditions that can be treated with acupuncture include:

  • Neck and Back Pain
  • Joint Pain
  • Tendonitis
  • Sciatica
  • Neuropathy
  • Headaches
  • Post-Surgery Healing

Our Approach

For acute pain, we suggest beginning treatment as soon as possible. Getting immediate treatment two times per week, for 2 weeks can be the most effective way to eliminate acute pain quickly. For chronic pain, weekly treatments for 4-6 weeks are often needed.

One of the main causes of pain in the body is tightness. Overused or strained muscles become tight, these muscles then pull on the tendons they are attached to, and the tendons become injured. Our first goal in treatment is to relax any tight muscles. Acupuncture needle insertion does this by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation. As blood freely flows, the muscles can relax and injured muscle fibers can heal. This also eliminates the extra strain on the tendons, allowing them to heal.

Some pain is caused by pressure on nerves from a tight muscle or inflamed spinal disc. Acupuncture is very effective for nerve pain. Needles insertion can address the tight muscles, reduce inflammation, and release the “pinched” nerve.

Headaches can vary in type of pain and area of pain. Chinese medicine recognizes several different headache patterns and provides treatment protocols to address each type.

In addition to acupuncture, we often utilize other Chinese medicine techniques such as cupping, guasha, and moxibustion to address pain. We also offer therapeutic exercises and diet/lifestyle recommendations that will speed the healing process.

ACUPUNCTURE FOR PAIN

Specific points on the body are stimulated by inserting thin needles through the skin. Needle insertion signals the body to promote healing at the site of injured tissue. Acupuncture is proven to increase blood flow, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain.

CUPPING FOR PAIN

To perform cupping, a vacuum is created in glass cups using heat. The cups are then placed over large muscles to create a suction. The suction is like a reverse deep tissue massage, the skin and muscle is gently drawn upwards into the cup. Cupping effectively elongates tight muscles, releases muscle knots, tension, and deep adhesions in connective tissue.

GUASHA FOR PAIN

Guasha is a massage technique that is applied using massage oil and a round edged instrument. Guasha improves local circulation and breaks up scar tissue or adhesions in the muscles and connective tissue. This technique can be performed anywhere on the body, but is commonly done on joints, the back, neck and shoulders.

MOXIBUSTION FOR PAIN

Moxa is a dried plant (Mugwort) used to warm and stimulate acupuncture points. It improves the circulation of blood and treats conditions associated with cold. It is especially effective for cold and achy joints, warming and softening scar tissue, and promoting healing of injured tissue.

OUR PATIENTS SAY

I’ve been plagued with chronic neck pain that resonates down my arm for more than 18 months.  After thinking surgery would be my only option, I found Laurel and she made magic happen. She helped guide me towards a path of recovery with results greater than expected.

Cyrus S.

I’ve gone to Shuqing for a couple of times. She is very accommodating, compassionate and knowledgeable. She did cupping and acupuncture on the spots I felt a lot of pain and stiffness. My chronic pain was relieved significantly. I’m very pleased with the results.

Shelia K.

The acupuncturists are very receptive & attentive to your needs and go above and beyond to provide you with support. I have noticed a significant improvement in my chronic back pain, issues with my hamstrings and overall stress levels after consistent appointments. Looking forward to continuing to utilize the treatments available at Evoke.

Ryan M.

COME VISIT US

We are a team of licensed practitioners, each with slightly different specialties, so we can match you with the best practitioner for your case.