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Pain Management

Acupuncture for Pain - Essential Acupuncture in Libbie and Grove, West End, Richmond, VirginiaAcupuncture has been shown to decrease healing time from acute injury as well as significantly reduce pain in chronic conditions.  Following are a few ways in which acupuncture works to treat pain.

Acupuncture has been found to stimulate the release of endorphins. Endorphins are small molecules that are primarily produced by your nervous system.  These naturally produced molecules work with sedative receptors in your body to reduce pain. Endorpins are your body's natural analgesic.

Gate Control Theory suggests that pain signals are transmitted to the brain through small nerve fibers.  Larger nerve fibers send inhibitory signals to the small fibers which prevents the pain signal from being set off.  When a painful stimulus comes in, the activity of the small nerve fibers overrides the large fibers and pain is felt. Acupuncture needles stimulate the large fibers so that the small fibers are unable to send pain signals to the brain.

Acupuncture also brings attention to an injured area, creating an immune response and increasing circulation to promote recovery.

Acupuncture is also extremely effective at promoting a relaxation response.  Often when the muscles are relaxed there will be less pain as well as more available energy that can be directed to healing. 

Kristina Aschenbach, L.Ac.
5318 Patterson Avenue, Suite E
Richmond, Viginia 23226
804-922-3485
info@essacu.com