Did you know that acupuncture can be a safe and effective treatment for dental pain?
In 1997, the National Institute of Health compiled a Consensus Statement based on the research of a panel of experts representing acupuncture, pain,psychiatry, physical medicine and rehabilitation, drug abuse, family practice, internal medicine, health policy, epidemiology, statistics, physiology, biophysics and the public. The panel, answering predefined questions, developed their conclusions based on the scientific evidence presented in open forum and the scientific literature. The panel concluded that acupuncture had promising results for: adult post-operative pain, chemotherapy nausea and post-operative dental pain.
Since that time, new studies have shown acupuncture to be very effective in the treatment of the following:
– Relief of post-operative dental pain
– Relief of TMJ jaw joint pain
– Relief of neck pain and headaches after dental procedures
– Enhanced response to anesthesia during dental procedures
– Enhanced response to pain medication after dental procedures
How does it work?
Acupuncture is an ancient oriental system of health care that uses the insertion of fine needles under the skin at specific sites or points proven to be effective in the treatment of many health problems, including pain relief. These points have been used by the Chinese for thousands of years to keep a balance of energy in the body and this balance helps maintain good health.
Acupuncture works with the natural vital energy, Qi (pronounced ‘chi’), which is inherent within all living things to promote the body’s ability to heal itself. It is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of Qi and blood through distinct meridians that cover the body, somewhat like the nervous system and blood vessels. According to ancient theory, acupuncture allows Qi to flow to areas where it is deficient and away from areas where it is excessive. In this way, acupuncture regulates and restores the harmonious energetic balance of the body allowing it to heal.
When used before and immediately after dental procedures, pain can be significantly reduced and recovery enhanced.
We recommend Moira McCarthly, LAc, at Whole Body Health as a perfect practitioner of acupuncture for whatever your imbalances or needs. Reach out to 512-328-5200 for more details!
