Acupuncture for Pain Relief

By the Physical Therapy Team Dhuruva Global Naturopathy Hospital, Coimbatore

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Acupuncture & Acupressure in Naturopathic Pain Management

Acupuncture and acupressure are ancient healing techniques that stimulate specific points on the body to relieve pain, restore energy flow, and promote natural healing. At Dhuruva Global Naturopathy Hospital, we integrate these therapies with varmam, naturopathy, and yoga for comprehensive pain management—often reducing or eliminating the need for long-term pain medication.

While acupuncture uses fine needles and acupressure uses finger pressure, both work on the principle that stimulating specific meridian points unblocks energy (Qi) flow and activates the body's pain-relieving mechanisms.

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How Acupuncture Works: The Science Behind the Needles

Neurological mechanism: Needle insertion stimulates A-delta nerve fibers that transmit signals to the brain faster than pain signals (C fibers)—essentially "closing the gate" to pain perception (gate control theory).

Endorphin release: Acupuncture triggers release of endorphins and enkephalins—the body's natural painkillers—producing analgesic effects without pharmaceuticals.

Inflammation reduction: Stimulation reduces inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-alpha) and increases anti-inflammatory markers.

Circulation improvement: Needle stimulation increases local blood flow, accelerating tissue healing and waste removal.

Nervous system regulation: Acupuncture modulates autonomic nervous system—reducing sympathetic "fight or flight" activation and enhancing parasympathetic healing response.

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Conditions We Treat with Acupuncture at DGNH

Musculoskeletal Pain

Chronic low back pain: Studies show acupuncture as effective as conventional treatments with fewer side effects. We target points along the bladder meridian (spine), kidney meridian, and local tender points.

Arthritis (osteo and rheumatoid): Reduces joint inflammation, improves mobility, decreases pain—often allowing patients to reduce NSAIDs.

Frozen shoulder: Combines acupuncture with varmam therapy for faster recovery of range of motion.

Knee pain: Effective for cartilage degeneration, ligament strain, and post-surgical rehabilitation.

Neck pain and cervical spondylosis: Relieves muscle spasm, nerve compression, and tension headaches.

Headaches & Neurological Pain

Migraine: Preventive acupuncture (weekly sessions) reduces migraine frequency and intensity. We target points on the head, hands, and feet.

Tension headaches: Often responds within 2-3 sessions by releasing muscle tension and improving circulation.

Trigeminal neuralgia: Facial nerve pain responds to acupuncture combined with kirigai varmam therapy.

Sciatica: Needle points along the bladder and gallbladder meridians relieve sciatic nerve irritation.

Other Pain Conditions

Fibromyalgia: Acupuncture reduces tender point sensitivity and improves sleep quality.

Post-surgical pain: Accelerates recovery, reduces medication needs.

Menstrual cramps: Highly effective—many women experience complete relief after regular treatment.

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Acupressure: Needle-Free Pain Relief

For patients uncomfortable with needles (or for self-care between sessions), we teach acupressure—precise finger pressure applied to the same meridian points acupuncture targets.

Common acupressure points we teach:

LI-4 (Hand Valley Point): Between thumb and index finger. Relieves headaches, neck tension, and general pain.

GB-20 (Wind Pool): Base of skull. Relieves headaches, neck pain, eye strain.

ST-36 (Leg Three Miles): Below knee. Boosts energy, supports digestion, strengthens immunity.

SP-6 (Three Yin Intersection): Inner ankle. Menstrual pain, insomnia, digestive issues.

We provide printed guides with photos so patients can continue acupressure at home.

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What to Expect: Acupuncture Session at DGNH

Assessment (first visit): We evaluate your pain pattern, medical history, and identify the meridians and points to target.

Treatment: Fine, sterile, single-use needles are gently inserted at specific points. Most patients feel minimal discomfort—often describing a tingling or warm sensation.

Duration: Needles remain in place 20-30 minutes while you rest comfortably. Many patients fall asleep during treatment.

Frequency: Acute pain: 2-3 sessions per week. Chronic pain: weekly sessions for 4-8 weeks, then maintenance as needed.

Results: Some experience immediate relief; others notice cumulative improvement over several sessions.

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Safety: Performed by trained therapists using sterile, disposable needles in a clinical setting.

Location: No. 21, Periyar Nagar, Nehru Nagar East, Kalapatti Road, Peelamedu, Coimbatore - 641014 | Contact: +91 93421 99338

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Acupuncture and acupressure at Dhuruva Hospital are administered by trained physical therapists under the supervision of our naturopathic team.