Why Acupuncture is one of the best non-drug treatments for pain

(By Dr. Grace Rollins, DAc) Due to its robust evidence base, acupuncture is recommended by the American College of Physicians as a first-line treatment for chronic low back pain.

Acupuncture is one of the best non-drug treatments for pain available-- but why?

Short answer: Acupuncture harnesses your body's own multi-leveled ability to regulate pain.

At the local level, acupuncture stimulation directly modulates nociceptors-- sensory nerve endings that are specialized for pain.

Needling acupuncture points also causes the body to release a chemical array both locally and systemically, with neuro-modulatory, immunomodulatory and analgesic effects: endogenous opioids, substance P, CGRP, VIP, cytokines, adenosine and more.

Acupuncture needling also stimulates the local release of histamine and nitric oxide, which increase bloodflow and relax tissues.

What’s more, acupoints can help promote the top-down modulation of pain-- helping relax the mind and assist your brain in turning down the volume on the pain it is experiencing.

If you have pain, don't wait. Find the best place to get some acupuncture, and make it a part of your life right away!