Chronic pain affects millions of people around the world, often disrupting everyday life, limiting activities, and taking a toll on emotional well-being. While conventional treatments like medication, physical therapy, and even surgery offer varying degrees of relief, more people are discovering the benefits of acupuncture as a natural and holistic approach to managing chronic pain. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture has helped individuals for thousands of years, and today, a growing body of research continues to support its role in long-term pain relief.
Understanding Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is typically defined as pain that lasts for more than three months—long after an injury or initial issue has healed. It can take many forms, including back and neck pain, arthritis, migraines, fibromyalgia, or nerve-related pain. Beyond physical discomfort, chronic pain can impact sleep, mood, relationships, and the overall quality of life.
There are many different approaches to treating chronic pain, from prescription medications and physical therapy to lifestyle changes and surgical interventions. Each method has its strengths, but acupuncture stands out as a natural, gentle, and holistic option that supports the body’s own ability to heal. By addressing both symptoms and underlying imbalances, acupuncture offers a pathway to relief that resonates with people seeking long-term wellness—without relying solely on medications or invasive procedures.
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture involves gently inserting ultra-thin needles into specific points on the body, called acupuncture points. These points are located along pathways known as meridians, which carry the body’s vital energy or “Qi”. By stimulating these points, acupuncture helps restore balance, improve circulation, and encourage the body’s natural healing response. When the flow of Qi is disrupted or blocked, it can result in pain or illness.
From a biomedicine standpoint, acupuncture is believed to positively influence the nervous system, enhance blood flow, and trigger the release of endorphins—the body’s natural pain relievers. It can also help modulate the way the brain and spinal cord process pain, providing lasting relief.
How Acupuncture Supports Chronic Pain Relief
- Reduces Inflammation
Acupuncture may lower inflammation throughout the body by decreasing inflammatory markers, which is particularly helpful for conditions like arthritis and tendonitis. - Enhances Circulation
Needle insertion encourages better blood flow to affected areas, delivering essential oxygen and nutrients to tissues in need of healing. - Rebalances Pain Pathways
Acupuncture is thought to influence how the nervous system perceives pain, helping to calm overactive signals and reduce hypersensitivity. - Promotes Natural Pain Relief
Treatments stimulate the release of endorphins and other feel-good chemicals, often resulting in a sense of comfort and ease during and after each session. - Addresses the Root, Not Just the Symptoms
Unlike treatments that only mask symptoms, acupuncture aims to correct the underlying imbalances contributing to chronic pain, offering a more comprehensive path to healing.
Common Conditions Treated with Acupuncture
- Chronic back and neck pain
- Arthritis and joint pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Fibromyalgia
- Sciatica and nerve pain
- Repetitive strain and sports injuries
Chinese Herbal Medicine: Liniments, Moxa, and Herbs for Healing Chronic Pain
Chinese Herbal Liniments: Targeted Relief for Pain and Inflammation
Chinese herbal liniments are potent topical formulations that combine the therapeutic properties of various herbs in a liquid base. These liniments are typically applied directly to the skin over painful areas, offering localized relief. The herbs used, such as Dong quai (Angelica sinensis), Corydalis (Corydalis yanhusuo), and Mentha (mint), have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. When applied, these liniments penetrate the skin, promoting circulation and reducing muscle stiffness, which helps to alleviate both acute and chronic pain.
The synergy of herbal ingredients can relax the muscles, disperse stagnation of Qi (vital energy), eliminate dampness and heat, and most importantly move blood thereby addressing the root causes of pain as defined in TCM.
Most commonly in clinic we use Zheng gu shui or known to us by the brand name Evil bone water. This powerful liniment helps move blood stagnation and heal the root issue causing pain.
Moxibustion: Therapy for Pain Relief
Moxibustion, or moxa therapy, is a cornerstone of TCM that involves the burning of dried mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) near specific acupuncture points. This ancient technique is employed to invigorate the flow of Qi and enhance the body’s ability to heal itself. The heat from the burning moxa stimulates the meridian points, facilitating the circulation of Qi and blood, which is essential in the treatment of chronic pain.
Moxa has been shown to be particularly effective in cases of pain related to cold and stagnation, such as lower back pain, joint pain, and conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. By warming and stimulating the body’s energy pathways, moxa promotes the dispersal of pathogenic factors and alleviates pain. For patients who suffer from pain exacerbated by cold or dampness, moxibustion offers a non-invasive and highly effective therapeutic modality.
Herbal Formulations: Internal Healing for Chronic Pain
In addition to topical liniments and moxibustion, Chinese herbal medicine offers a wealth of internal remedies aimed at healing the root causes of chronic pain. These herbal formulas are designed to balance the body’s internal systems, promote circulation, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the body’s resistance to pain.
For instance, Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang is a classic formula used to treat chronic pain associated with the musculoskeletal system, particularly when pain is caused by a deficiency in Qi and blood. Herbs such as Dang gui and Yan Huo suo work synergistically to enhance circulation and relieve pain.
Similarly, Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang is a formula often used for pain related to blood stasis, such as that seen in conditions like fibromyalgia and chronic back pain.
There are many more formulas not listed but always make sure to check with a reputable provider and let them know what medications you are on or if you are or plan to become pregnant
Integrating TCM into Modern Pain Management
The strength of Chinese herbal liniments, moxibustion, and medicinal herbs lies in their ability to target both the surface and deeper aspects of chronic pain. By addressing the root causes of pain—whether related to stagnation of Qi, blood deficiency, or external pathogenic factors—TCM therapies promote long-term healing rather than merely masking symptoms. As such, they offer a powerful adjunct to conventional pain management strategies, particularly for patients seeking a natural, non-invasive approach to chronic pain relief.
Integrating these time-honored practices with modern medical care allows patients to benefit from a comprehensive, multidimensional treatment approach that not only alleviates pain but also enhances overall vitality and well-being.
What to Expect During Treatment
Your acupuncture journey begins with a personalized consultation to understand your unique symptoms, health history, and lifestyle. Treatment plans are tailored to your specific needs and goals, with most people starting with weekly sessions that may decrease in frequency as progress is made.
Many patients describe acupuncture as deeply relaxing. While some experience immediate relief, for others, the benefits build steadily over several sessions. Consistency is key to unlocking the full therapeutic potential of this gentle yet powerful therapy.
Safety and Comfort
Acupuncture is a safe, low-risk option when performed by a licensed and experienced practitioner. Side effects are rare and typically mild. At Dee Acupuncture, we prioritize your comfort, safety, and peace of mind at every step.
A Supportive Addition to Your Wellness Routine
Acupuncture doesn’t have to be your only approach to healing—it works beautifully alongside other therapies, such as physical therapy, massage, mindful movement, and nutritional support. It can also be an empowering option for those looking to reduce or manage their reliance on pain medications.
Discover a Healthier Path Forward
Chronic pain can feel isolating and overwhelming, but healing is possible. Acupuncture offers a compassionate, research-supported path to relief—one that honors the body’s ability to heal from within. Whether you’re living with long-standing pain or just beginning to explore new solutions, acupuncture can help you take meaningful steps toward comfort, resilience, and renewed vitality.
Ready to begin your healing journey? Reach out to Dee Acupuncture today to schedule a consultation. We’re here to support you every step of the way.