What is Chronic Pain?
By the time a lot of clients find me, they’ve often tried loads of doctors and medical practitioners. And many times—especially for those with chronic pain, fatigue or autoimmune issues—they’ve had their experiences dismissed. ‘The labs are fine,’ they’re told. But their body says otherwise, and the body doesn’t lie.
So first things first: when you visit me for a treatment, I promise to listen to you. Not the ‘labs’. You. Because honestly, you’re the expert on your body. I will work with you to help relieve your pain, your fatigue, your problems, and find ease in your life. Which brings us to a common issue: chronic pain.
Chronic pain affects millions of people across the globe, but often goes overlooked and undiagnosed. For the individuals who suffer from it though, there is no way to ignore it. The pain severely impacts their quality of life and leaves them feeling alone and misunderstood. I’ve got you, friends.
When to seek help for Chronic Pain
How do you tell if you should seek support for your pain? I mean, everyone has the odd ache and pain, right? Well, here are some signs it’s not something you can manage on your own:
· Persistent pain: pain that persists for an extended period—typically lasting beyond three months—and does not subside despite self-care measures
· Limited mobility: pain that restricts your ability to engage in activities that were previously manageable—or hinders your mobility and independence
· Poor mental health: symptoms like anxiety, depression, irritability, or a sense of hopelessness due to persistent pain
· Lack of response to self-care: if your attempts at self-care—things like rest, over-the-counter pain medications, and lifestyle modifications—fail to provide significant relief from the pain
· Negative impact on relationships and quality of life: if your pain is negatively affecting your personal relationships, work, or social life
I fully acknowledge that chronic pain is way more than the odd ache or pain. It’s persistent and can have major implications on a person’s life. Luckily, there are things you can do to help.
How acupuncture can relieve chronic pain
There are a number of treatments that can help alleviate chronic pain, one of which is acupuncture.
Acupuncture (and Chinese Medicine in general) looks at the person as a whole. This means we won’t just be treating your symptoms, but looking for the underlying root cause. We’ll still treat your symptoms, but we’ll be working towards long term effects, not just a short term remedy.
Here are a few of the specific ways that acupuncture can help relieve chronic pain:
· Pain relief: acupuncture can stimulate the release of endorphins, natural pain-relieving substances, which can provide relief from chronic pain conditions such as back pain, arthritis, migraines, and fibromyalgia (1)
· Anti-inflammatory effects: acupuncture has been shown to help reduce inflammation and swelling (2)
· Relaxation and stress reduction: by inducing a state of deep relaxation, acupuncture can alleviate muscle tension and enhance pain management (3)
If you’re struggling with chronic pain, please know two things:
1. There’s a way to find some relief
2. You are not alone
I can honestly say that one of the most wonderful parts of my job is helping people suffering from chronic conditions along their journey to better health. People that have often been overlooked and dismissed, or told ‘its all in their head.’ People who’ve often started to believe that the pain is their normal.
If any of this sounds familiar, please reach out. You’re not alone. Xx