What is pain?

We have all experienced pain at some point in our lives. It might be a headache, or pain in the back, neck, shoulders, elbows, knees or other parts of the body.

Sometimes pain resolves on its own, but in other cases it persists, returns repeatedly or gradually starts to affect our daily lives. It can limit movement, interfere with sleep and make even simple activities difficult.

Some of the most common complaints people bring to an acupuncture clinic include lower back pain, neck and upper back pain, shoulder pain and headaches.

How can acupuncture help with pain?

Acupuncture can be a valuable part of an individualised approach to pain management. Research suggests that it can influence how the nervous system processes pain signals and may also affect local tissue activity and other physiological processes involved in pain regulation.

Depending on the condition and treatment approach, needles may be placed directly in the affected area or at points elsewhere on the body, such as the arms and legs. This is known as distal acupuncture.

The aim is not simply to temporarily mask the pain, but to help regulate the processes involved in pain perception, reduce discomfort and improve movement and function.

Looking Beyond the Pain

Pain is not always caused by a problem in the area where you feel it. Sometimes, the source of the problem lies elsewhere, involving surrounding muscles, movement patterns or the way the nervous system processes pain.

This is why I don’t focus exclusively on the painful area. I look at the bigger picture, considering how different parts of the body work together.

Depending on your needs, treatment may include traditional acupuncture, distal acupuncture, motor point and trigger point techniques, or a combination of approaches. The aim is to address the factors contributing to your symptoms and help you move more comfortably.

Why does treatment often require several sessions?

Some people notice a change after their first treatment, while others experience more gradual improvements. Pain can return, particularly when it has been present for a long time or when underlying contributing factors remain.

Acupuncture often has a cumulative effect. Repeated treatments provide ongoing stimulation and may help reinforce changes in the way the nervous system regulates pain.

For this reason, treatments are often scheduled more frequently at the beginning, with the intervals gradually increasing as symptoms improve. The exact frequency and number of sessions depend on your condition, how long you have experienced it and how you respond to treatment.

We will assess your progress along the way and adjust the treatment plan accordingly. In many cases, the first few sessions give us a better indication of how your body is responding and what may be needed next.