How Does Acupuncture Work?

by Joe Recsnik | Jun 7, 2024 | Acupuncture

How Does Acupuncture Work?

By: Joe Recsnik L.Ac.

One question I get asked all the time is: “How does acupuncture work?” Well, in a word, acupuncture is all about increasing circulation. When an acupuncture needle pierces the skin, A “microtrauma” stimulates blood flow to the insertion site as part of the body’s natural healing response. Everything the body needs to heal is in the blood: oxygen, minerals, immune substances, hormones, and pain blocking chemicals. depending on where the acupuncture pin is placed, this natural response can be utilized to benefit the body’s health in different ways. Some Acupuncture points are focused on muscles to help reduce tightness and tension or reduce pain in the joints. Other points are focused on nerves that control internal organ function or stimulate glands of the endocrine system. Other points are communicating with the central nervous system to promote the release of natural pain blocking chemicals such as endorphins or norepinephrine.

But perhaps most importantly, Acupuncture is helping to reduce the effects of stress on the body. When our bodies come under stress, the sympathetic nervous system, or the “fight or flight response”, is triggered. This natural response to stress causes increase of respiration, increase of heart rate, increased tightness and tension in the muscles, and decreased pain threshold. Further, the “fight or flight” response triggers the release of cortisol, the body’s “stress hormone”. elevated cortisol causes a cascade of effects that disrupts hormone balance and internal organ function. Acupuncture stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system via the Vagus nerve to counterbalance the sympathetic nervous system and help promote a sense of relaxation, improved internal organ function, optimal hormone balance, and reduced pain threshold.

If you or someone you know would like to find out more about how acupuncture works and it’s natural health benefits, please click on the link to our website to request a free 15-minute phone consultation today. Thank you and I look forward to speaking with you soon!

Sincerely,

Joe Recsnik L.Ac, DCCM

Licensed Chinese herbalist, acupuncturist, lead herbal pharmacist,

& Founder of POPULUSS Classical Eastern Healing

Proudly serving the nearby communities of Venice, Mar Vista, Inglewood, Ladera Heights, Palms, West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Westwood, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Culver City, Playa Del Rey, Playa Vista, Westchester. LAX and Greater Los Angeles

Joe Recsnik L.Ac, DCCM offers a brief explanation of how acupuncture works.

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine for Pain Relief

by Joe Recsnik | Apr 16, 2024 | Acupuncture

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine for Pain Relief

By: Joe Recsnik L.Ac.

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How Does Acupuncture Relieve Pain?

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to alleviate pain and promote overall well-being. But how exactly does this ancient practice work?

While the exact mechanisms are still being explored, science is starting to shed light on acupuncture’s effectiveness for pain relief. Here are some of the theories:

Traditional Beliefs

Traditionally, acupuncture is based on the concept of “qi” (pronounced “chee”) – a vital energy that flows along meridians throughout the body. Needles are used to stimulate these points, regulating the flow of qi and restoring balance.

Modern Science’s Take

Modern science offers a different explanation. Acupuncture needles are believed to:

The Pain Gate: Acupuncture needles may stimulate nerves under the skin, sending signals to the spinal cord that block incoming pain signals. It’s like turning down the volume on your pain receptors.
Endorphin Release: Needles might trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Endorphins work similarly to morphine, binding to opioid receptors in the brain and reducing pain perception.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Acupuncture may help regulate the body’s inflammatory response. Inflammation is a natural healing process, but chronic inflammation can contribute to pain. By modulating inflammation, acupuncture could help ease discomfort.
Improved Blood Flow: Studies suggest acupuncture may improve blood circulation in the treated areas. This increased blood flow can deliver oxygen and nutrients to promote healing and reduce pain.

Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?

There’s ongoing debate about the placebo effect, where a patient’s belief in a treatment can lead to pain relief. Acupuncture has been shown to be more effective than a placebo in some studies, suggesting a true physiological effect beyond mere belief.

Which Pain Conditions Can Acupuncture Help With:

Acupuncture can be effective for various pain conditions, including:

Chronic lower back pain
Headaches and migraines
Osteoarthritis
Neck pain
Tennis elbow
Fibromyalgia
And much more

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Acupuncture is generally not considered a painful procedure. Acupuncture needles are very thin, much thinner than needles used for injections or blood draws. They are also solid, not hollow, which means they don’t pierce your skin as much.

You may feel a slight prick when the needle is inserted, but this is usually very brief. You may also feel some tingling, numbness, or a dull ache at the insertion site. These sensations are normal and usually subside quickly.

If you do experience any pain during acupuncture, let your acupuncturist know right away. They can adjust the needle’s depth or location to make you more comfortable.

How often should I get acupuncture for pain relief?

During acute injury/acute pain stage I recommend treatments 1-2 times per week for 6-8 weeks. Once the condition has stabilized and severity of pain is reduced, following up with regular acupuncture treatments 1-2 times per month can be sufficient to prevent pain from reoccurring over the long term.

Can Chinese herbs help with pain relief?

Chinese herbal medicine is an effective complementary therapy in the treatment of acute and chronic pain conditions which can be used concurrently with acupuncture, or can be employed as a stand-alone treatment option.

Some examples of herbal formulas commonly prescribed for treatment of pain conditions include:

Gui Zhi Tang, Ge Gen Tang, Ma Huang Tang, Gui Zhi Jia Ge Gen Tang, Gui Zhi Jia Gua Lou Tang, Si Ni San, Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang, Da Chai Hu Tang, Xiao Jian Jiong Tang, Fu Zi Tang, Si Ni Tang, Dang Gui Shao Yao San, Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang, JIn Gui Shen Qi Wan, Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang

Are Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine right for you?

Acupuncture offers a natural approach to pain management, and with growing scientific evidence, it’s becoming a more mainstream option for pain relief. While needles might seem intimidating, the results could be a welcome relief from chronic pain.

At POPULUSS we incorporate the Classical Chinese Medicine methods of acupuncture, herbs, cupping, gua sha, and moxibustion to reduce and manage pain.

If you would like to know more about how acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can help your specific case, I offer a FREE 15 minute phone consultation to discuss your health situation and treatment options.

If you or someone you know suffers from acute or chronic pain, I look forward to the opportunity to share the relieving benefits of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine with you soon!

Sincerely,

Joe Recsnik L.Ac, DCCM

Licensed Chinese herbalist, acupuncturist, lead herbal pharmacist,

& Founder of POPULUSS Classical Eastern Healing

Utilizing Chinese Herbal Medicine & Acupuncture For The Winter Solstice

by Joe Recsnik | Dec 13, 2022 | Acupuncture

Utilizing Chinese Herbal Medicine & Acupuncture For The Winter Solstice

By: Joe Recsnik L.Ac.

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According to the traditional Chinese lunar calendar, the winter solstice marks the height of the taiyin seasonal node of “Major Snow”. During this time, yin energies of cold and darkness are most prominent and water freezes, turning to ice. While yin energy is most abundant, yang energies such as sunlight and heat are are greatly diminished. In nature animals hibernate or spend more time in their dens to save energy and warmth. Trees shed their leaves, storing energy in their roots deep below the ground until the warmer weather of spring returns and it is safe to blossom once again. In other words, in December at the height of winter, yang is in storage and yin flourishes.

In Classical Chinese Medicine, the taiyin organs are Spleen & Lung. From an internal health perspective, during winter solstice acupuncture and Herbal medicine treatments emphasize warming and supporting these organs to ensure optimal immunity, circulation, and internal organ function (read: prevent our bodies from overly cooling off or “freezing”, leading to diminished bodily function or worse). Supporting the storage of yang energy (heat) is akin to the squirrel who stashes acorns for winter. We want to increase and store our internal energy reserves as much as possible to support the return of yang and new growth in spring. Winter is about storing with minimal expenditure of resources. While winter in Los Angeles may generally be much milder than many parts of the U.S., the health supporting principles of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine during this season are the same.

For winter solstice, seasonally appropriate herbal formulas focus on warming and drying the Spleen & Lung by storing body heat in the blood layer and reducing accumulation of water. As our body heat (aka “life force”) is most vulnerable to being frittered away during winter season, the herbal formula archetypes for winter typically revolve around Sini Tang and its variations (Sini Jia Renshen Tang, Fuling Sini Tang, Danggui Sini Tang, etc) to warm and dry taiyin.

All this being said, Classical Chinese Medicine greatly emphasizes the adage “treat the patient, not the disease”. In other words, while we may speak in generalities, in practice such treatments are hardly a one size fits all type of approach. If you would like to further explore utilizing Chinese herbal medicine to support you optimal health during winter, please free to call or email to arrange a time for your very own custom herbal formula consultation. Wishing you an abundance of health and goodwill during this holiday season and beyond!

In Health,

Joe Recsnik L.Ac, DCCM

Licensed Chinese herbalist, acupuncturist, lead herbal pharmacist,

& Founder of POPULUSS Classical Eastern Healing