neck, back, and shoulder pain; headaches; oral pain; arthritis; osteoarthritis; labor pain; menstrual cramps; fibromyalgia; sciatica; digestive issues; and even to ease chemotherapy side effects. It also supports mental and emotional well-being by relieving stress and promoting relaxation.: An Ancient Practice for Modern Relief
By Isabelle Gallagher, Salem State University student
Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practice, has been utilized for thousands of years in Eastern cultures to heal the mind-body connection and alleviate pain. It involves inserting very small microneedles into the skin at specific anatomical points to stimulate nerves, muscles, and tissues, enhancing the body’s natural painkillers. After insertion, the acupuncturist may manipulate the needles and leave them in place for a set duration based on the healing plan before removing them.
As acupuncture gains popularity in Western society, research is becoming more advanced, providing solid evidence of its pain-relieving effects. People seekneck, back, and shoulder pain; headaches; oral pain; arthritis; osteoarthritis; labor pain; menstrual cramps; fibromyalgia; sciatica; digestive issues; and even to ease chemotherapy side effects. It also supports mental and emotional well-being by relieving stress and promoting relaxation. It also supports mental and emotional well-being by relieving stress and promoting relaxation.
A 2024 study published in the Journal of Pain Research examined pain management for athletes using manual acupuncture in a Western medical context. Three clinical trials assessed athletes’ perceptions of their pain after undergoing medical acupuncture, and the results were overwhelmingly positive, showing significant benefits for muscular pain and injury recovery. Participants reported noticeable improvements and expressed high satisfaction with the treatment.
In a 2019 data analysis by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) involving 6,376 participants from 20 countries experiencing pain, acupuncture was found effective compared to no treatment for neck and back pain and osteoarthritis. For headaches and migraines, acupuncture effectively managed pain. For cancer-related pain, combining acupuncture with other treatments proved more beneficial than using drugs alone. Acupuncture also helps rebuild and strengthen the immune system during chemotherapy by increasing blood cell count and enhancing lymphocyte and natural killer cell activity, reducing nausea in the process.
Acupuncture is a low-risk treatment with minimal side effects, making it suitable for individuals of all ages.
For more information visit Salem Acupuncture Therapy or call 617.872.4082
Body & Soul Massage in Salem Ma offers Therapeutic Massage for Pain Relief. For more information about our services visit www.bodysoulsalem.com or call 978-825-0040. HSA/FSA/Flex Spending Plans accepted.