By Pat Keenon

Several studies show that acupuncture may offer significant relief for a variety of diseases and conditions, including most kinds of common pain such as low back pain and headaches, fibromyalgia, migraines and osteoarthritis. To ease pain, you do not have to rely solely on pain pills as acupuncture treatments can help you find pain relief. It is believed that Acupuncture decreases pain by increasing the release of chemicals that can reduce pain, called endorphins. There is growing evidence to show that different neurotransmitters are released in the brain and those have different effects throughout the body, including pain reduction and reducing inflammation. Acupuncture is scientifically demonstrating that there is a strong energy component to our body's biochemistry. The acupuncturist, the person who performs acupuncture, will swab each acu-point area with alcohol before tapping a hair-thin, metal needle into the site.

Treating Pain With Acupuncture

Most practitioners view the acupuncture points as places to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue. Although each acupuncture practitioner has his or her own unique style, each visit typically includes an exam and an assessment of your current state of health, the insertion of needles, and a discussion about self-care tips. Using acupuncture for pain relief requires taking a treatment session in which one to twenty needles are inserted into various parts of your body, with the needles either simply penetrating just beneath the skin, or at other times they may even have to penetrate the fat as well as muscles. Once inserted, the needles may be left for anywhere from fifteen to thirty minutes and they may also be twisted and be removed and placed elsewhere in the body.

Acupuncture For Back Pain

The majority of back pain is from strained back muscles and ligaments, from improper or heavy lifting, or after a sudden awkward movement. Most all adults will experience some form of low back pain during their lifetime. The majority of people who received acupuncture for back pain reported better pain relief immediately after treatment than those who received sham treatments such as TENS or laser that had the machines switched off, or acupuncture with the needles inserted in the wrong place.