Pain Management by Robert Chu, L. Ac.

Pain is an unfortunate reality for many who train in the martial arts (and for many who don't as well!). It is caused by the stagnation of energy and blood in the body and acupuncture seeks to eradicate pain through the balancing and movement of energy and blood, using the precise placement of hair-thin needles into specific points on the body. Acupuncture has been practiced for over 2,500 years and is part of the holistic system of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The premise of TCM is that health is a balanced flow of energy and proper movement of blood. In TCM, imbalances in the natural flow of energy and blood are thought to result in disease and pain. Acupuncture aims to restore health by balancing the flow of energy and blood.

In 1971, New York Times reporter James Reston, stricken with appendicitis while in Beijing, was treated successfully with acupuncture for post-surgical pain. A story featuring the recovering Reston in the Times, led to a surge of interest in acupuncture and related modalities. Acupuncture offers people a more holistic, naturalistic approach to health care and is gaining acceptance in the Western medical community. Today, acupuncture has become a widely accepted form of treatment in the U.S., practiced by Licensed Acupuncturists who have received special training in its methods.

How Does Acupuncture Work?
According to the principles of TCM, energy flows through the body via 12 primary meridians and 8 extra channels. To strengthen the flow of energy, or remove blockages in the meridians, an acupuncturist inserts a number of disposable tiny, sterile, flexible needles just under the skin at certain specific points (called acupoints) along these channels. There are numerous acupoints along the meridians, which are associated with specific internal organ functions. These acupoints trigger the immunity system to correct itself. For example, if you are suffering from acute pain in the lower back, needles might be inserted into your lower back or back of the knee. There are even points on the ear, scalp, and hands to treat this ailment. TCM practitioners believe that acupuncture stimulates the body's internal regulatory system to nurture a natural healing response. Long centuries of empirical observation indicate that acupuncture leads to real physiologic changes in the body. This is why TCM is mainstream medicine in Asia. Recently, numerous studies here have shown that inserting needles into the skin stimulates nerves in the underlying muscles. This stimulation, some researchers feel, sends impulses up the spinal cord to the brain, leading to the release of endorphins and monoamines, which are natural chemicals in the body that block pain signals in the spinal cord and brain.

What To Expect
When first visiting an acupuncturist, the practitioner will take a thorough medical history inquiry, take pulses on each wrist, examine your tongue, take note of how your breath and body smell, and "palpate" (or feel) certain areas of your body. Depending on your ailment, you may also have your first acupuncture treatment at that first visit. In general, visits occur once or twice a week over several months until therapeutic results are achieved. Needles may feel like a tiny prick or pinch upon insertion. Sterile disposable needles are always used They are very thin, about the thickness of a human hair, and do not hurt like hypodermic needles used to give injections or draw blood. Once the needles are inserted, the acupuncturist may manipulate them manually or send a weak electrical current through them to increase the energy flow. The needles are typically left in for 15 - 20 minutes, depending on the ailment. Practitioners may also use moxibustion, which involves burning herbs (primarily the dried herb mugwort), near acupoints, to also stimulate healing, depending upon the ailment. Other techniques include cupping, massage and manipulation therapy, often complimented with herbal and dietary therapy. Herbal therapies are not always the "witches brew" or decoction that they once were. In this country, there is a tendency to use patented formulas or customized powders to allow for more patient compliance, and get beyond the inconvenience of taste, smell and cooking raw herbs.Different people experience different sensations from acupuncture. Some describe a tingling or electrical or "full" feeling, whereas others may feel numbness or nothing at all. Most find the sessions relaxing, and many fall asleep during the treatment. Some patients notice rapid improvement after just a few sessions. In acute pain cases, one or two treatments may lead to dramatic results. In chronic pain conditions that may have taken years to develop, treatment may take longer.

Health Benefits
Acupuncture traditionally treats many frequent illnesses in Asia, but in the United States, it has been mainly used to relieve acute and chronic pain--caused by such ailments as arthritis, headaches, PMS, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, TMJ, and back pain--and to assist in withdrawal from addictions such as drug and alcohol dependency. Acupuncture can be used to treat patients suffering from chronic pain in cancer patients and can help alleviate some of the adverse reactions of nausea from chemotherapy and radiotherapy. . Acupuncture can treat all types of pain, including migraines, shoulder stiffness, muscular pain, sports injuries, carpal tunnel, TMJ, lower back pain, and the like. It is also used for Internal medicine to treat thyroid disorders, high blood pressure, impotence, high cholesterol, stroke rehabilitation, chronic fatigue syndrome, gynecological disorders, fertility, GI disorders, and even the common cold. Many Acupuncturists today look at themselves as providers of complementary medicine and work with your current healthcare provider.

How To Choose a Practitioner
In California, there are over 4,000 licensed acupuncturists. All are accredited by the Department of Consumer Affairs to practice acupuncture as a California Licensed Acupuncturist and must pass a comprehensive examination consisting of Oriental Medicine theory, diagnosis, technique, acupuncture and herbology. In general, most practitioners should have a Master's of Science in Oriental Medicine (MSOM), a four year study with over 800 hours of clinical experience to qualify to sit for the license examination. Another requirement is to follow National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) in Alexandria, Virginia for Clean Needle Technique to prevent Hepatitis B and other blood-borne contagious diseases.

Currently, Worker's Comp, Auto Insurance and some medical insurance carriers do cover treatments.