The musculoskeletal system consists of connective tissues including joints, ligaments, and tendons. Problems with the musculoskeletal system can result in inflammation and pain, and ultimately reduce the body’s overall health. People are looking for more natural approaches to help relieve musculoskeletal conditions instead of relying on medications. Even over the counter non-steroidal anti inflammatory medications are being found to do more harm than good. Acupuncture is gaining favor as a way to treat these injuries.
Acupuncture works
Well known for its effectiveness in reducing many types of pain, acupuncture is often used to treat pain from injuries. Specifically, injuries predominantly due to trauma or overuse syndromes involving the musculoskeletal system. Trauma to these soft tissues, including ligaments, tendons and muscles, are generally the result from falls, blows, sprains/strains, collisions, compression, crushing, and disruptions of the healing processes due to inflammation.
Acupuncture is a good choice because it has no side effects and is helpful for many types of pain, regardless of what is causing the pain or where the pain is located. Studies show the pain relief provided by acupuncture lasts for months. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain before and after acupuncture treatment for pain shows dramatic decreases in brain activity by up to 70 percent. This decrease in activity in certain areas of the brain is thought to be the reason for the reduction of pain resulting from acupuncture treatments.
Stages of an Injury and Blood Stasis
After sustaining an injury, the healing process goes through two stages. The first is called the acute stage and is characterized by redness, swelling, inflammation, and pain. The second is the chronic stage in which a patient may experience pain only when overusing the injured body part. Noticeable signs of inflammation may be minimal or nonexistent. In general, acute stages last from a few days to about three weeks. Residual problems and pain beyond that time are considered chronic.
Physical trauma resulting from accidents, post-operative conditions, labor, disease or other causes, requires different treatment for each stage. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine provide a comprehensive treatment from the very beginning of an injury and throughout recovery. To help rehabilitate a patient and provide pain relief after an injury, a practitioner may have to resolve a condition known as blood stasis.
Blood stasis, according to acupuncture and Oriental medicine, occurs when the flow of blood slows down and blood begins to congeal. The pain associated with this condition is fixed, sharp, and with clear boundaries. This means the pain does not change locations and can be located precisely by the patient. A good example of blood stasis is a bruise on the leg. Judging by the color changes on the skin, unpleasant sensations and perhaps some puffiness, it is evident the leg endured a physical trauma. All evidence points to an eruption of blood vessels resulting in a small, visible pool of blood. Acupuncture can help alleviate blood stasis and get things moving again.
Daoyin technique to rectify blood stasis.
Tai Chi, Qigong, and Yoga for Avoiding Repetitive Stress Injuries
Repetitive stress injuries come in many different forms. A soccer player may contend with tendonitis in the knee from relentlessly kicking the ball across the field. A janitor may feel the pain of bursitis in the shoulders from mopping floors all day. Even sitting in an office for eight hours and typing often causes discomfort in the hands and arms, plus pain in the lower back from being sedentary for extended periods of time.
Perhaps one of the best ways to counter the effects of repetitive activities is through the practice of tai chi, qigong, or yoga. These styles of exercise are flowing, rhythmic, and meditative. The pace is usually slow to moderate. Some may even say those practicing look like they are engaged in a well-choreographed slow-motion dance. In China today, many people, some well into their golden years, can be found openly practicing tai chi in the local parks. Often, it is performed as a group activity, creating a supportive social environment as well. Movements are very structured and coordinate with the breath to bring about a more tranquil state of mind. The gentle, continuous flow of the movements is well-suited for people of all different athletic abilities.
Simple Stretches for Any Time of Day
To help achy or tired arms and hands, try this finger stretch. Start by extending your arm in front of you, with your palm facing outwards. Spread your fingers and gently, one by one, pull each finger delicately toward your body. Spend a few seconds massaging each finger. When finished get the blood flowing by giving your hands a good shake. Another good way to loosen up tension in the hands and forearms is to do the wrist stretch. Simply tap the insides of your wrists together 8 times and then do the same for the outsides of your wrists. Your fingers should be pointing upwards during the inner wrist move, and conversely, they will be dangling upside down for the outer move.
The shoulders may need some attention and loosening up, as they tend to hold tension without us even realizing it. Every couple of hours or so, take a few minutes to engage in shoulder rolls. Lift your shoulders as high as they will go while leaving the rest of your arms relaxed. Roll the shoulders forward three to four times, and then roll them backwards three to four times. Sometimes life gets busy and it’s easy to forget ourselves as we delve into a project or work. Setting an alarm for every hour can help you remember to bring attention to those body parts which absorb stress easily. For many, these include the shoulders, jaw and lower back.
We can help
Here at Evolution, we’ve got three acupuncturists, a qigong class every weekday at 9:30 am, and yoga classes every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evening at 7 pm. Nobody should suffer through pain. A holistic approach to healthcare and fitness is a great way to treat and prevent pain.
Thanks to Acufinder for the bulk of the content in this article.
