New study findings reveal that massage therapy and acupuncture, along with other complementary therapies, can reduce pain by as much as 50 percent in hospital patients. The study was conducted at the Abbott Northwestern Hospital between January 1, 2008, and June 30, 2009. Included in the study were 1,837 patients hospitalized for a range of ailments from cardiovascular to women's health. Patients rated their pain verbally on a scale from 0-10 before and after receiving complementary and alternative treatments like massage therapy and acupuncture.
The science behind the effectiveness of these treatments is varied and highly speculated, but there are numerous studies over the past decade that show they work, in many cases better than traditional medicine. Massage increases circulation and blood flow to areas of soreness or stiffness and is highly effective at relieving the pain in muscles and joints that often accompanies illness. In addition, research suggests that massage stimulates the release of opioids in the brain, which act as natural painkillers, and it also encourages the flow of oxytocin, a 'feel good' hormone that relaxes muscles and provokes feelings of well-being and contentment.
Acupuncture operates under the belief that pain is caused by blockages in the body's energy channels or meridians. When needles are inserted at one of the 2,000 points along these meridians, healthy energy is released and the pain is eradicated. From a medical standpoint, acupuncture works much like massage, triggering the release of the body's natural painkillers and 'feel good' neurohormones. Acupuncture also boosts immune function and may aid in the healing process.
Whether you suffer from chronic pain or your discomfort is short-lived, acupuncture and massage can be a viable alternative to over-the-counter or prescription pain medications that come with a host of unappealing side effects. Ultimately, the success of your treatment with alternative therapies depends on the skill of the practitioner, so go to someone you trust and who has experience in pain management.
Jody Braverman is a Seattle-based personal trainer, yoga instructor, and health and fitness writer. Contact her with comments or questions at JodyBraverman@gmail.com.
Added on 04/09/2010
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