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Acupuncture for pain: What Traditional Chinese Medicine can offer
Acupuncture for pain: discover what Traditional Chinese Medicine can offer, which types of pain have been studied and how treatment can be adapted to you in Palma de Mallorca.
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
Salva Gianfreda
4 min read
Pain, especially when it persists for weeks or months, can affect sleep, movement, mood and everyday life.
There are different approaches to managing pain, and they do not work in the same way for everyone. Acupuncture can form part of a complementary approach within Traditional Chinese Medicine, particularly when personalised care is desired alongside appropriate healthcare support.
At Renia, the aim is not simply to treat a particular area of the body, but to understand each person's situation and consider which Traditional Chinese Medicine approach may be appropriate.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the approaches used within Traditional Chinese Medicine. It involves inserting very fine needles into specific points on the body.
From a traditional Chinese perspective, these points are associated with different systems and pathways described within the theory of meridians. The assessment may also consider factors such as symptoms, medical history, sleep, digestion, emotional wellbeing and other aspects of the individual's situation.
From a biomedical perspective, different mechanisms have been studied through which needle stimulation may influence pain perception and other processes involving the nervous system.
Scientific research into acupuncture and pain continues to evolve, and findings can vary depending on the type of pain, the individual and the treatment context.
What types of pain can acupuncture be used for?
Acupuncture has been studied for different types of pain, particularly some musculoskeletal and recurrent pain conditions.
Areas that have been researched include:
Low back pain
Neck pain
Shoulder pain
Knee pain
Some headaches and migraines
Musculoskeletal pain
Some forms of chronic pain
Pain associated with the menstrual cycle
This does not mean that acupuncture is appropriate for every type of pain or that it replaces medical diagnosis or treatment.
When pain is persistent, severe, unexplained or accompanied by other significant symptoms, it is important to seek an assessment from a qualified healthcare professional.
Does acupuncture hurt?
The needles used in acupuncture are very fine, and the sensation during insertion is usually different from that of a conventional injection.
Some people barely notice the insertion, while others may experience a brief, mild sensation. During treatment, you may also notice sensations such as pressure, warmth, heaviness or a slight electrical sensation.
Everyone responds differently, and the treatment can be adapted according to your sensitivity and comfort.
How should you prepare for an acupuncture session?
You do not need any special preparation before an acupuncture session.
As a general guide, it can be helpful to:
Eat something light before your session
Avoid arriving on a completely empty stomach
Tell your practitioner about any medication, treatment or relevant health circumstances
Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to the areas being treated
Leave yourself a few minutes to rest after the session if needed
It can also be useful to mention any sensations or changes you noticed after a previous session. This information can help adapt the approach during future sessions.
How many sessions are needed?
There is no fixed number of sessions that is appropriate for everyone.
The frequency and duration of treatment may depend on the type of pain, how long it has been present, how it develops over time and the individual's overall situation.
In some cases, a more frequent initial period of sessions may be considered, followed by less frequent visits depending on progress and individual needs.
At Renia, a fixed number of sessions is not determined before understanding your situation. The first session provides time for an assessment from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective and to discuss the different options for continuing.
How many needles are used?
There is no standard number of needles.
The number may vary according to the approach being used, the areas being treated and the individual's response. Some treatments may involve only a few needles, while others may involve more.
The priority is to adapt the session to each person rather than use a predetermined number of needles.
When is it advisable to seek help for pain?
You do not necessarily need to wait until pain becomes severe before seeking advice.
However, new, persistent or worsening pain deserves appropriate assessment to help understand its possible cause.
Acupuncture can be used as a complementary approach in certain situations, but it should not delay medical assessment when this is necessary.
Speak to a qualified healthcare professional particularly if your pain:
Appears suddenly and is severe
Is progressively getting worse
Is accompanied by fever or other significant symptoms
Develops following significant trauma
Is accompanied by loss of strength, changes in sensation or other neurological symptoms
Is new and has no clear explanation
Is acupuncture safe?
When performed by an appropriately trained practitioner using sterile, single-use needles, acupuncture is generally considered a low-risk technique.
As with any intervention, side effects can occur. The most common include minor discomfort at the insertion site, small bruises or slight bleeding.
Some people may temporarily experience tiredness, dizziness or drowsiness after a session.
Before treatment begins, it is important to mention any relevant circumstances, such as pregnancy, anticoagulant medication, bleeding disorders, recent procedures or other conditions that may be important when assessing the session.
What other Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches can be used?
Acupuncture does not necessarily have to be the only approach used.
Depending on the individual situation, a Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment may incorporate different approaches, such as:
Acupuncture
Auriculotherapy
Moxibustion
Cupping
Gua Sha
Chinese herbal medicine
Nutritional guidance
Not everyone needs all of these approaches. The choice depends on the individual's situation, preferences and progress.
A personalised approach to pain
Pain can present in very different ways.
Two people experiencing discomfort in the same area may have very different circumstances in terms of their history, sleep, stress, physical activity, diet or the development of their symptoms.
That is why, at Renia, the first session begins with time to understand your situation and carry out an assessment from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective.
From there, we can consider which approach may be appropriate and how the sessions can be adapted as your situation develops.
When should you see a healthcare professional?
Traditional Chinese Medicine can be used as a complementary approach, but it does not replace conventional healthcare.
If you have persistent, severe or unexplained pain, or pain that is significantly affecting your everyday life, speak to a qualified healthcare professional for an appropriate assessment.
Acupuncture can form part of a complementary approach when appropriate.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no universal answer. Frequency can change depending on how each person progresses and the type of pain involved.
After your first session, you can discuss the different options for continuing with Salvatore and decide what makes sense for you.
Start with a first session
The first session lasts 90 minutes and gives us time to understand your situation, carry out an assessment from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective and begin treatment when appropriate.
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Gilabert de Centelles 19, 5th floor
07005 Palma
Monday - Saturday
By appointment only
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"Renia offers traditional Chinese medicine as a complementary therapy. It does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your doctor for any health concern."