Are you suffering from pain right now? Is it sharp or dull, intermittent or steady, localized or all over?
We often assume chronic pain won’t affect us until we’re older. However, Statistics Canada reports that 1 in 10 Canadians ages 12 to 44, or about 1.5 million people, experience chronic pain. Which means, “they responded ‘no’ when asked if they were usually free of pain or discomfort.” Common complaints among younger people are associated with back pain and migraine headaches. Neck or knee pain may be the result of an injury. Nerve or sciatic pain may be related to an illness or genetic condition. Arthritis is highly associated with severe pain and more prevalent as we age.
How to Manage Pain
We all do our best to manage pain and look to doctors, physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals to assist. At this stage, you have probably developed some positive habits such as exercising and stretching to help ease your discomfort. Perhaps, you’re relying on medication. On the other hand, maybe nothing is working. Despite our best efforts, pain still negatively impacts many lives. Individuals “were less likely to respond positively on measures of well-being including self-perceived health, satisfaction with life, and sense of community belonging. Finally, individuals with chronic pain were also more likely to report mood and anxiety disorders.” If you are still struggling with pain, you may be wondering if there is another option.
Acupuncture for Pain Relief
There used to be a divide between Eastern and Western medicine, but since the 1970s, acupuncture continues to gain popularity in Canada. Acupuncture is an ancient tradition, which originated in China thousands of years ago, but how does it work? According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), pain has a purpose. It is sending your body a message. What is your body trying to communicate? Your body has 2,000 different acupuncture points. By stimulating these points using hair-thin needs, you relieve obstructions and increase energy flow. This enables your body to heal itself. In Western terms, acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system to release neurotransmitters and hormones. Acupuncture dulls pain, boosts the immune system and regulates various body functions.
Acupuncture in Calgary
Dr Gui Chao Wu practices here at Better, “A Medical Centre for Complete Living” in Calgary, Alberta.
- Alberta Registered Acupuncturist
- Traditional Chinese Medical Doctor
- Registered Massage Practitioner
Dr. Wu applies methods of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine and massage to promote good health and maintain good health. A gifted healer, Dr. Wu uses his practice of acupuncture to help his patients improve their energy as well as their circulation. His areas of special interest include chronic pain and sexual dysfunction.
In addition to being a registered acupuncturist, Dr. Gui Chao Wu is also a registered massage practitioner in the province of Alberta. Make an appointment