Acupressure to treat chronic pain
By Patricia Delzell, M.D., Advanced Musculoskeletal Medicine Consultants, Inc.
Here at Advanced MMC, we do employ conventional Western medical practices, but we also rely on alternative therapies, including what is known as Traditional Chinese Medicine. Because we specialize in integrative medicine—which treats the whole person rather than a disease process—we look at body systems instead of just body parts. Traditional Chinese therapies, like acupressure, help us tap into these systems.
One of the most important ones even in this day and age is the concept of a vital energy called Qi (pronounced chi), which flows through the entire body and is responsible for multiple functions needed to maintain good health. Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners believe that chronic pain is often caused by a blockage or an imbalance of the Qi, and by using therapies like acupressure doctors can correct the flow.
Acupressure is similar to acupuncture but without needles. Instead, we use our hands and fingers to manipulate the acupressure points. Too much energy or blocked energy at the acupressure points can cause pain. By tonifying or dispersing energy at those points, we can either open channels or slow the energy flow down, modifying the pain and associated symptoms.
Weekly acupressure treatments are often accompanied by progressive qigong exercises as well as aromatherapy, nature-related visuals, and other tools to help improve relaxation. In this way, we affect the parasympathetic nervous system, which predominates in quiet “rest and digest” conditions. In fact, it is not uncommon for patients to become so relaxed during acupressure treatments that they fall asleep.
Please note that we not offer acupressure as a stand-alone therapy, but only as a part of an overall plan to treat chronic pain.
Editor’s Note: Dr. Delzell will be giving a mind-body demonstration at the Chagrin Valley Wellness Fest on July 23.
Advanced Musculoskeletal Medicine Consultants’ new offices are at 8401 Chagrin Rd., Suite 20A, in Chagrin Falls. To schedule a complimentary Chronic Pain Phone Consultation, call 440-557-5011. Visit AdvancedMMC.com for more information, including blogs and videos.