Low back pain relief at Tao to Wellness in Berkeley
At Tao to Wellness, cumulatively over the years, we see more patients seeking pain relief than any other ailment in our practice. And we agree pain is horrible, horrible thing to go through. It can compromise your sleep, your mobility and your happiness.
As we age, our muscles and joints deteriorate, especially in the back, the reason why so many of us have back pain is because of disc degeneration and dryness, by bringing circulation to the area with acupuncture, we can not only HEAL, but also PREVENT future damage. In this way, Acupuncture acts as a tool for ANTI-AGING.
Acupuncture, for instance, is often used to relieve pain. “This is one in a gamut of interventions that I think can help people,” says Strugar. According to Arya Nielsen, M.S., M.A., L.Ac., a licensed acupuncturist at Beth Israel’s Center for Health and Healing (CHH) in Manhattan, N.Y., one of the reasons acupuncture works is because it stimulates the production of endorphins, which can help relieve pain.
Acupuncturists identify the area where the pain is located by looking for muscle constriction. They then place needles in points that release those muscles. “Most pain, even if it involves a disc problem, is preceded by a musculoskeletal problem,” says Nielsen. But other factors can play a part, she says. Nielsen works with her patients to identify other factors that could be contributing to the problem. For example, eliminating caffeine, which Nielsen says is pro-inflammatory, and changing your eating habits by eating less at night, could help alleviate pain.
Another technique taught in acupuncture schools that doesn’t involve needles is Gua Sha. This involves pressured stroking using a smooth instrument. According to Nielsen, it moves the blood stagnation and brings immediate pain relief.
Christina “Mei Wen” Martin, L.Ac., Dipl.AC, MTOM, FABORM.
christina@berkeley-acupuncture.com
Christina Martin is the founder of Tao to Wellness. She is an Acupuncturist, Chinese Herbalist and Teacher and has been in practice for fifteen years. She holds a Master’s Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is California state licensed and a nationally certified Diplomat of Acupuncture. Christina entered Acupuncture school without ever having an Acupuncture treatment. She simply felt it was her calling.
