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ACUPUNCTURE - TREATMENT FOR PAIN
We aim to treat pain at the root cause to help support long term healing.
Chinese medicine treatments for the alleviation of pain include acupuncture, acupressure (therapeutic Massage) cupping and may include taking Chinese herbal medicines.
The WHO recognises the therapeutic affect of acupuncture for;
Musculo-skeletal Disorders – Muscle pain, swelling, stiffness and weakness; Localized traumatic injuries, sprains, strains, tendonitis, contractures; Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Work and sports related injuries, Low back pain, Osteoarthritis, “Frozen shoulder”, “tennis elbow”, Sciatica
We often combine acupuncture treatments with acupressure massage, cupping or moxibustion to achieve best results. We may also recommend herbal remedies that can be beneficial.
How Can Acupuncture Help with Pain?
Regulate pain signals
Acupuncture can stimulate specific points on the body and influence the nervous system’s response to pain. This can help reduce the intensity of pain signals reaching the brain and support the body’s natural pain-control mechanisms.
Encourage the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals
Acupuncture can stimulate the release of endorphins and other natural chemicals involved in pain regulation. This may help ease discomfort and promote a greater sense of relaxation and wellbeing.
Help improve local circulation
Acupuncture can increase blood flow around the treated area, helping to deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues while supporting the body’s natural recovery processes.
Relieve muscle tension and stiffness
By stimulating the nervous system and local tissues, acupuncture can help relax tight muscles and reduce tension around painful or stiff areas. This can be particularly helpful when pain is associated with muscular tension or restricted movement.
Support your body’s natural healing process
Rather than simply masking discomfort, acupuncture aims to work with the body’s own regulatory systems. By addressing pain, muscle tension and circulation, it can support recovery and help improve comfort and mobility.
The Causes of Back & Shoulder Pain According to Traditional Chinese Medicine:
Stagnation of Qi and Blood – this is caused by contusions, sprains, or other trauma to the lumbar region leading to meridian Qi and Blood stasis.
Exposure to Cold-Damp – this refers to environmental exposure to cold and damp places or living conditions, over a prolonged period of time, leading to an accumulation of these qualities with the body. The result is a blockage or impaired circulation of qi and blood through the meridians from pathogenic cold-damp.
Exposure to Heat-Damp – this occurs from environmental exposure to damp-heat or the accumulation of heat-damp internally, causing blockage of the meridians.
Poor Diet & Lifestyle – often consisting of eating raw, sweet, and fatty foods, bad posture, lack of exercise, which increase the damp quality of the body.
Frequently Asked Queastions - Acupuncture for Neck and Back Pain:
How many acupuncture sessions will I need for back pain?
Most people notice some easing within 3–6 sessions, though this varies with how long the pain has been present and its underlying cause. Acute back pain often responds faster than long-standing or chronic patterns. We'll give you a realistic sense of timeline at your first visit.
Is acupuncture safe for lower back pain caused by a disc issue?
Acupuncture is often used alongside conventional care for disc-related pain to help with muscle tension and discomfort, but it isn't a substitute for medical diagnosis. We always ask about any scans or diagnoses you've had so we can treat appropriately and refer back to your GP or physio where needed.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most people feel very little — a light pinch or dull ache as the needle is inserted, which settles quickly. Many find the treatment itself relaxing, and some fall asleep during a session.
Can I combine acupuncture with physio or chiropractic treatment for back pain?
Yes, we frequently work alongside physiotherapy and chiropractic care. Coordinating approaches often gives better results than any single treatment alone — let us know what else you're doing so we can plan around it.
Neck Pain
What causes neck pain that acupuncture can help with?
Neck pain is often linked to muscle tension, poor posture, stress, or repetitive strain — commonly from desk work or phone use. In Chinese medicine terms this is frequently a pattern of qi and blood stagnation in the local channels, which acupuncture and cupping aim to release.
I sit at a desk all day, will treatment actually help, or will the pain just come back?
Treatment can ease the acute tension, but lasting improvement usually needs some attention to posture, breaks, and stretching alongside it. We'll often suggest simple home care measures so the benefit holds between sessions.
Do you use cupping as well as needles for neck pain?
Often, yes. Cupping is commonly combined with acupuncture for neck and shoulder tension, as it can help release tight muscles more quickly than needling alone. We'll tailor the combination to what your neck needs.
How soon can I expect relief from neck stiffness?
Many people feel looser after just one or two sessions, though how long that lasts depends on how chronic the tension is. We'll usually recommend a short course to consolidate the improvement.
When it comes to acupuncture treatments, it is important to choose a skilled and qualified practitioner with the knowledge and experience to achieve optimal results. Book with us today in the knowledge that you are in the best of hands.