On September 15, 2013, the Los Angeles Times reported that the Dodgers’ shortstop, Hanley Ramirez, was using acupuncture to treat his injuries. He received regular acupuncture treatments for an irritated nerve in his back that had become chronic over the previous three years. “That’s one of the reasons that nerve has been feeling better,” said Ramirez, “We do a lot of acupuncture.” He’s not the only one. Many high-level athletes have used acupuncture to help heal their injuries.
Scientific research has shown that acupuncture stimulates the release of brain chemicals such as endorphins (the body’s natural pain killers), which function to relieve pain. Some say endorphins are TEN times stronger than morphine. Acupuncture can successfully treat a host of acute and chronic pain conditions, such as headaches, migraines, and pain involving the back, neck, shoulder, knee, hip, and jaw. It also helps arthritis. According to Chinese Medicine, wherever there is pain, there is stuck blood and energy. Acupuncture and/or Chinese herbs can remove the blockage and relieve the pain!
Healing the adrenal glands is another strategy that I use to treat pain. Cortisol, the hormone made by the adrenals, is anti-inflammatory. Cortisol levels can drop in response to stress, pain, too much sugar and more, seriously diminishing our natural anti-inflammatory capabilities. The result is inflammation, which exacerbates pain and leads to many other health problems. Give Chinese medicine and Functional medicine a try if you dream of a time when you will feel your best.
