Acupuncture is a holistic, comprehensive form of medicine that has been in practice for over 2,000 years. It involves the insertion of thin, painless needles into acupuncture points on the body associated with different organs, body functions, and illnesses. The needles stimulate the Qi, or life energy, where it may be blocked or stagnant. Qi runs along channels, called meridians, that encompass all of the internal organs and affect the mind, body, and spirit. An energetic imbalance is thought to create disease and various health conditions. Acupuncture aims to restore the balance that is vital to health and wellbeing.

Acupuncture for back pain addresses the root source of the pain. If its pain due to a deficiency it tends to be an aching, dull pain that becomes chronic. Pain due to the stagnation of Qi or blood is typically seen in individuals with muscle tears, sprains, and strains. This form usually presents itself as severe and sharp. It can be chronic and also causes stiffness that increase with rest. A cold damp obstruction leads to back pain that is at its peak upon waking and gets worse in cold or damp weather. There may be swelling or numbness as well.

Because of the holistic nature of acupuncture, points associated with stagnation, deficiencies or damp cold obstruction will be addressed to get to the cause. The actual area of injury may be needled as well. Acupuncture for back pain triggers the body’s natural healing response for long lasting relief, good health, and wellbeing. Restoring the energetic balance to the body and ensuring that all systems are working in harmony, is a potent form of healing. These benefits have been shown to work for chronic and acute back pain, sciatica, and related problems.

It is becoming more popular among those suffering from back pain, because there are no side effects. Medication and surgical treatments can cause extreme discomfort and side effects that lessen individuals’ quality of life. Acupuncture for back pain enhances all areas of one’s being to alleviate back pain and improve health.