Pain From Fibromyalgia, Carpal Tunnel Or Lower Back Pain?

By Yvette C. Ross Hebron, MD, MA, RAc,

Acupuncture is among the best known of complementary and alternative therapies. Acupuncture is a treatment method that originated more than 3,000 years ago in China and is practiced in most of the world today

Since the late 1970's acupuncture has gained popularity in the United States. The practice of acupuncture consists of inserting fine, solid needles into selected body locations. It is known that there are 365 points located on channels of energy flow that are mapped onto the surface of the body, called meridians.

Illnesses can result from an imbalance in the body and from blocked Qi. Qi is energy, the vital force that flows ceaselessly through the meridians (the energy channels of the body). Qi is the essential element in the healing of the body.

In acupuncture you have the placement of fine needles into the body to stimulate the body's natural ability to heal itself through the stimulation of Qi. Acupuncture will unblock stuck blood flow and Qi with the insertion of acupuncture needles. It balances the Qi of the body to relieve pain and dysfunction thus, promoting wellness and vitality. In addition, placing an acupuncture needle into the meridians stimulates the release of endorphins (natural occurring pain killers in the body). Acupuncture leads to the release of neurotransmitters in the brain, reduces inflammation, and increases circulation of blood and body fluids.

Because of these benefits, acupuncture will be prescribed to treat many problems including the pain of fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel, and low back pain.