Acupuncture for Back Pain

Tip: Stretching the legs and massaging the feet improve back pain, because the back, legs and feet are an extension of one another.


In general acupuncture happens to work really well for back pain, of course acupuncture is not a miracle therapy, although sometimes it seems like it is. Why and how does acupuncture help back pain?
First of all the back is a long smooth surface so its easier to manipulate and stimulate it with acupuncture and adjunctive techniques like cupping and guasha. There are also about 100 acupuncture points on the back and a bunch more on the legs and arms that directly affect the back.

Combining back points and points on the limbs stimulates the body's bioelectricity(chi) and blood flow, which moves stagnation(pain) away from the back. Once the needles puncture the skin, the brain also reacts by releasing different hormones and neurotransmitters that relieve pain and allow the body to relax.

When it comes to chronic back pain, acupuncture can help, but many treatments are usually needed to make a lasting effect on pain relief. The more acute or recent the pain is, the easier it is for acupuncture to work. Adjunctive techniques like cupping and guasha are usually used in conjunction with acupuncture needles, which open up tissue on deep levels and over big areas. This opening of tissue creates a massive flow of blood circulation in the muscles, to the surface of the skin and to the underlying organs inside the body that also improves their function. Increased blood circulation is a great way to improve circulation and remove painful stagnation.

From top to bottom, stimulating the back also stimulates the underlying organs, below is a list of what section of the back is connected to what organ.

Top- Lungs, Heart, Pericardium
Middle- Spleen, Stomach, Liver, Gallbladder, Diaphragm
Lower- Kidneys, Bladder, Small and Large Intestine

Acupuncture needles can also be placed in between the spaces of the vertebra of the spine, doing this also is very effective way of relieving pain, because the entire body is an extension of the spine and the nerves that come out of it.

 No acupuncture needles are ever put in as deep as a western doctor would to put an injection into the spine. Acupuncture needles are also significantly thinner then regular hypodermic needles, so acupuncture in general is a more comfortable therapy.

If you or someone you know suffers from back pain ask them to contact their local acupuncturist, acupuncture is safer and more affordable then cortisone shots or surgery. I would only recommend surgery or a cortisone shot as a last resort or in case of emergency.

Thanks for visiting Acuthink today, if you have any questions or comments please let me know and have yourself a great day!