To relieve pain, headache, migrant, Muscle sprain, Tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, most people’s first choice is taking pain killer including ibuprofen (as in Motrin), naproxen (as in Aleve) and celecoxib (as in Celebrex).
According to Harvard Health Publishing, it’s estimated about 15% of the US population takes an NSAID (non-steroid anti inflammation drug) regularly (including those that are over the counter and prescription strength). Along with sporadic users, more than 30 billion doses are taken each year.
However, as we all know all medications have side effects, include NSAIDs. NSAAID side effects include stomach upset, heartburn, and ulcers. Kidney injury, easy bruising or bleeding. According to British Journal of General Practice, NSAIDs are responsible for 30% of hospital admissions due to adverse drug reaction, mainly due to bleeding, heart attack, stroke, and renal damage. Since we know there are many adverse drug reaction or side effects for NSAID, have you ever thought of trying some physical way for pain relief? Such as physiotherapy, Acupuncture and Moxibustion.
Acupuncture and Moxibustion are Traditional Chinese Medicine originated 2000 years ago. It’s been widely used in Chine. In western country, acupuncture is more and more popular which attributes to effectiveness for pain relief and scientific studies have begun to prove its efficacy. A study posted on Global Advance in Health and Medicine showed during the past 40 years, acupuncture has become more and more popular in western country. More than 10 million acupuncture treatments are administered annually in the United States alone.
Traditional Chinese medicine believe that human body is a harmonious balance of “yin” and “yang” which was driven by force of Qi. Imbalance of “yin” and “yang” lead to illness. Acupuncture and Moxibustion is to regulate the flow of Qi and blood to re-balance the body.
Acupuncturist and Moxibustion are therapeutic method using needling and moxibustion. Acupuncturists insert sterile disposable thin needles on acupoints. When needed acupuncturist put cone shape moxa on top of needle and ignite the moxa. The heat from the burning moxa transmits through the needle to acupoint.
Acupuncture and moxibustion are external therapy and safe when perform correctly and have fewer side effects. Acupuncture and moxibustion are used for pain relief , insomnia, bell palsy, wight loss, constipation.