Traditional Chinese Medicine
Finding Relief: The Benefits of Acupuncture for Treating Chronic Pain
According to a study published in 2023, approximately 51 million people in the United States suffer from chronic pain, with about 17 million of those suffering from high-impact chronic pain. Those who suffer from chronic pain find their lives altered in difficult ways. The search for relief is constant. Traditional medicine offers various prescription medications, but if you are looking for a more natural path to healing and wellness, acupuncture should be at the top of your list. continue reading
Understanding the Differences Between Dry Needling and Acupuncture
If you’re searching for pain relief, you’ve probably come across both acupuncture and dry needling as treatment options. While they may appear similar—both involve inserting thin needles into the body—their philosophy, training, technique, and treatment goals are very different.
At Big Easy Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine in Metairie, LA, we frequently get asked:
“Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?”
Let’s break down the science, similarities, and when to choose one over the other.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a relatively modern technique developed by physical therapists and sports medicine practitioners. It targets myofascial trigger points—tight bands of muscle that may cause pain, stiffness, or limited movement.
Dry needling is a technique that uses thin, solid needles to stimulate muscle tissue without injecting any substances—hence the term “dry.”
Key Features:
- Based on Western anatomy and neurophysiology
- Involves inserting thin needles into muscle knots to relieve tension
- Often used to treat sports injuries, tendonitis, or joint stiffness
Research on Dry Needling:
- A 2013 systematic review in Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found it can improve muscle function and reduce pain
- A 2017 study in Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy noted that 85% of patients experienced relief after just one session
Dry needling is symptom-focused—it treats the area that hurts but doesn’t address systemic issues or underlying imbalances.
When most people hear the term “acupuncture” they think of needles being inserted into the skin. The term dry needling is often brought up for people suffering from pain as well and it also includes needles being inserted into the skin. But for the most part, that’s where the similarities end. Everything from their origins and benefits to how many needles and how long a session might take is different. Let’s take a deep dive into both.
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient system of medicine, practiced for over 2,000 years. It’s a central part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and uses a network of energy pathways (meridians) to treat pain and improve whole-body health.
Key Features:
- Based on balancing Qi (vital energy) throughout the body
- Needles are placed on specific acupuncture points. Points can be local or distant from the site of pain
- Treats not just pain, but also sleep, digestion, stress, hormonal health, and more
What Modern Science Says:
- A 2012 meta-analysis in JAMA Internal Medicine found acupuncture to be more effective than usual care or placebo for chronic pain
- A 2018 study in Journal of Pain showed up to a 30% reduction in chronic pain intensity
Acupuncture also improves nervous system regulation, circulation, and can treat multiple conditions in a single session.
A Helpful Primer on Acupuncture Needles
Just how many types are there and what do they all do?
If you’ve ever thought about trying acupuncture, you might find yourself with an equal mix of curiosity and trepidation. What is this “ancient medicine?” How does it work? And what about all the different kinds of needles? Do they hurt? Let’s take some of the guesswork and trepidation out of the equation and define the various needles that could be used in treatment. Each one fulfills its own purpose and has a specific role in restoring balance and promoting healing. continue reading
Finding Relief: Acupuncture for Neuropathy
According to a 2014 study, approximately 10% of Americans suffer from some form of neuropathic pain. And those numbers have only increased since then. Neuropathy is a condition that affects the peripheral nerves, leading to pain, weakness, and sensory disturbances. Traditional treatments can offer limited relief depending on the severity of the condition and patients can grow desperate for relief. Acupuncture offers those looking for answers another option for pain relief. continue reading
Acupuncture: A Gentle Touch in the Fight Against Cancer
Hearing you’ve been diagnosed with cancer can feel like getting run over by a freight train. It can be overwhelming to learn about the prognosis, treatment options, and what to expect as you begin the journey that will hopefully lead to a full recovery.
The aggressive treatments, often including chemotherapy and radiation, can leave patients feeling drained and in constant pain. What many people don’t realize is that acupuncture can be a great source of hope as it helps bring physical relief to many of the symptoms caused by traditional cancer treatments. continue reading
Acupuncture Offers Hope for Diabetes Management
If you or someone you love suffers from type 2 diabetes, then you understand the challenges that come with this disease. Despite adhering to a medication regimen and making positive lifestyle changes, those dealing with diabetes might still struggle with managing blood sugar levels. Frustration and fatigue can be constant companions. But did you know that acupuncture can help with diabetes management? Whether you are skeptical or desperate for some help, it’s worth looking into acupuncture as a source of hope and help in managing this often-tricky disease. continue reading
Benefits of Working with Allied Practitioners
How your acupuncturist can build bridges among your health care team.
Let’s see if we can set the scene of something remarkable, something that could become the future of healthcare. Picture yourself walking into a doctor’s office or health clinic looking for relief from your debilitating chronic pain. The nurse calls your name and leads you into a serene treatment room. As you settle onto the examination table, the door opens and you are greeted by not just the familiar face of your acupuncturist, but also by a team of allied practitioners working in harmony to address your health concerns. continue reading
Veterans Can Find Relief and Recovery with Acupuncture
You would be hard pressed to find a warrior who didn’t come home wounded; either physically, emotionally, or more likely, both. Those who serve our country often return carrying the weight of their experiences, unable to find solace due to their deep emotional scars. continue reading
Using Acupuncture to Manage Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases can prove to be intricate and seemingly unsolvable puzzles for many people. And statistics prove this to be true as millions worldwide are impacted by autoimmune diseases ranging from rheumatoid arthritis to lupus, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, irritable bowel disease, and even Parkinson’s disease. Conventional medicine can diagnose 100 different autoimmune conditions, however the treatments offered don’t completely resolve the issues associated with the disease and in extreme cases, no treatment is available at all. And yet, in the midst of all these medical challenges that autoimmune diseases present, acupuncture emerges as a promising ally, offering relief to those grappling with these often-complex health conditions. continue reading
The Benefits of Detoxifying your Body with Acupuncture
Life can be incredibly stressful. Even if things are “going well,” the constant pull of the needs of others including kids, coworkers, parents, and even friends can leave us feeling drained and often leads us into making poor lifestyle choices. But what if there was a place you could go to heal your body and your mind? A sanctuary of sorts, where you can find serenity and healing through the art of acupuncture. Your acupuncturist can help you find the path to detoxification—a journey of renewal and revitalization for both body and soul. continue reading
