Heal your Mind, Body and Soul
Acupuncture Treatment for Neck Pain at Central Earth Healing, Cupping & Massage
A Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic in Aiea, HI
Attainable Relief: Key Approaches for Managing Neck Pain with Acupuncture Treatment
If you are struggling with neck pain, acupuncture could be a valuable solution for you. This article delves into the core principles of how acupuncture can help relieve neck pain, drawing from both traditional methods and contemporary scientific studies. Prepare to discover the rationale behind how acupuncture needles can provide relief, without any unnecessary details.
Key Takeaways
Acupuncture has the potential to effectively address neck pain by releasing muscle tension, decreasing inflammation, and triggering healing mechanisms in the body.
Alternative treatments like cupping, acupressure, and herbal remedies can complement acupuncture in improving the management of neck pain.
Selecting a competent acupuncture provider is crucial and requires confirming their licensing and ensuring they possess appropriate training and national board certification.
Exploring Neck Pain: Reasons and Signs
Neck pain is a common problem that can be caused by various factors like bad posture, stress, and specific health conditions. This persistent issue affects a significant portion of adults. Chronic neck pain, especially, can be very disabling, resulting in a constant stiff neck and occasional pain that interferes with daily activities and neck movement. Mastering effective stiff neck treatment can greatly enhance one's quality of life.
Risk factors for developing chronic neck pain include:
Accident or physical trauma
A sedentary lifestyle
Previous neck pain
Cervical disc degeneration
Poor general health
Fortunately, acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practice, offers an effective approach to alleviating neck pain and managing chronic pain by targeting these risk factors and enhancing overall health.
Acupuncture for Neck Pain: How It Works
Acupuncture, a treatment method known for its effectiveness in alleviating neck pain, works by:
Mechanically releasing muscle tightness that can lead to neck pain
Restoring the body’s natural energy flow or ‘qi’
Stimulating biochemical changes both locally and in the central nervous system
Leading to pain relief and healing
Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient practice that takes a holistic approach to health and has been utilized for thousands of years. It suggests that any imbalance in the flow of Qi, an essential life force or energy, can lead to sickness and poor health. In line with TCM principles, acupuncture is deemed effective in alleviating pain, such as neck pain, by harmonizing the Qi equilibrium in the body.
In traditional Chinese medicine, neck pain and headaches are frequently seen as indicators of a more profound imbalance or issue. As a result, practitioners focus on evaluating the condition of the spine and investigating potential root causes of the discomfort, such as bulging discs, injuries, or compromised joints.
Acupuncture Points for Neck Pain Relief
Acupuncturists perform thorough assessments to pinpoint the underlying source of neck discomfort. They might choose to place needles in nearby neck regions and muscles, or in distant areas like the abdomen or foot instead of directly at the painful spot.
This technique is employed to ease tension in the neck, reduce inflammation, boost qi, and promote the restoration of energy flow. The goal of activating acupuncture points is to enhance circulation and address the fundamental reasons for the pain, ultimately resulting in lasting relief.
Gallbladder 20 (GB20) - Fengchi
Situated at the bottom of the skull, within the hollow area amidst the two primary neck muscles (sternocleidomastoid and trapezius), this spot is commonly employed to alleviate headaches, neck rigidity, and stress.
Bladder 10 (BL10) - Tianzhu
Located one finger's width below the skull base on both sides of the spine, this position is beneficial for alleviating neck pain, particularly when caused by stress and tension.
Governing Vessel 14 (GV14) - Dazhui
Located beneath the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra, this point is utilized in the treatment of neck pain, stiffness, and specific types of headaches.
Small Intestine 3 (SI3) - Houxi
Situated on the side of the hand, directly beneath the little finger, this point is frequently utilized in acupuncture to target neck problems, particularly those related to the cervical spine, despite its seemingly unrelated location.
Large Intestine 4 (LI4) - Hegu
Located between the thumb and index finger on the back of the hand, this point is commonly utilized for treating different types of pain such as neck pain and headaches.
Muscles Related to Neck Pain in Acupuncture:
Trapezius Muscle: A significant muscle that runs from the back of the head and neck down to the upper back, frequently contributing to neck stiffness and shoulder tension.
Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) Muscle: Extending from the sternum and clavicle to the mastoid process behind the ear, this muscle runs along the sides of the neck. Tension in this muscle may lead to neck pain and restricted range of motion.
Levator Scapulae Muscle: This muscle spans from the cervical spine to the scapula and is frequently strained due to improper posture, resulting in neck discomfort and tension.
Suboccipital Muscles: A set of muscles situated at the bottom of the skull. These muscles tend to be tense in people experiencing tension headaches and persistent neck discomfort.
In acupuncture, addressing neck pain typically requires a blend of targeting particular points and dealing with muscle imbalances or tension in these specific regions.
The Acupuncture Treatment Session
The treatment for neck pain through acupuncture begins with an assessment of the patient's condition, followed by the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. This process aims to rebalance energy flow, reduce pain, and release tension. Throughout the session, fine needles are strategically placed to regulate energy flow, improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and help relieve pain. Moreover, these needles may be heated or stimulated with electricity to enhance their therapeutic effects.
The typical length of a standard acupuncture session for neck pain typically falls between 30 to 60 minutes. Nevertheless, the ideal length and frequency of acupuncture sessions for neck pain depend on the intensity and duration of the pain and stiffness. It is up to the patient to decide whether to continue with the treatments, based on the benefits they perceive.
Research and Evidence
Research into the effectiveness of acupuncture for neck pain has produced mixed findings, with some studies suggesting the possibility of providing short-term pain relief and reducing stress. Numerous meta-analyses have examined the efficacy of acupuncture in treating neck pain, and they have consistently found that acupuncture is more effective than both sham treatments and no acupuncture at addressing various pain conditions.
Although acupuncture has shown to be effective in reducing short-term neck pain, its effects on long-term pain and disability are still uncertain. Nevertheless, there is moderate-quality evidence suggesting that acupuncture could be helpful in easing chronic myofascial pain in the head and neck.
Call OAHU Acupuncture Clinic at 808-582-8660 to Schedule an Appointment. We look forward to seeing you in our Honolulu clinic soon.
Meet our Oahu Acupuncturist, Dr. Annie (Han) Yang 杨
"Traditional Chinese Medicine is rooted in its power to transform our health and wellness. Treatments offered at Oahu Acupuncture Clinic are personalized to each individual."
Dr. Annie (Han) Yang 杨
Doctor of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine (DACM)
Dr. Annie Yang is a Doctor of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine (DACM). She is also a Licensed Acupuncturist in both China and Hawaii. Dr. Yang Specializes in Pain Management, Female Irregular Menstruation, Digestion Issues, & Stress Relief.
Dr. Annie Yang studied Internal Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine for 6 years at
Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
She has over 15 years of clinical experience in Acupuncture.
Restore balance and harmony to your body and mind, please contact OAHU ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC in Aiea, HI at 808-582-8660 to learn more about our Acupuncture and other Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments.
We offer AFFORDABLE
Facial Acupuncture Package Deal of 10 Treatments!
We also offer SINGLE SESSION Treatments!
Click the Below to Check Out our Facial Acupuncture Special
OAHU ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC
Central Earth Acupuncture, Cupping & Massage
Traditional Chinese Medicine
VISIT OUR LOCATION AT
98-199 KAMEHAMEHA HWY STE 53, AIEA, HI 96701
NEW PATIENT SPECIAL
Includes the Following:
Consultation with Dr. Annie, Includes Acupuncture Treatment, Cupping Treatment and Treatment Plan ($160 Value) for $100
Comments