Pain affects many Australians at different stages of life. Common causes include medical conditions such as arthritis and back problems, injuries, and recovery after surgery.

When pain persists for more than three months it is generally referred to as chronic pain.

Conventional pain management often includes medication, physical therapy and lifestyle changes.

Many people also explore complementary therapies such as acupuncture and Chinese medicine as part of a broader approach to wellbeing.

Acupuncture is a traditional therapy that has been used for thousands of years. It involves the insertion of very fine needles at specific points on the body.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, these points are connected through pathways known as meridians that help regulate the flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”) and Blood.

A number of clinical studies have investigated acupuncture for pain management.

Large systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials suggest that acupuncture may provide modest but statistically significant improvements in several types of chronic pain, including back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis and headaches, when compared with usual care or sham acupuncture.

David Tu, a registered Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine Practitioner with more than 30 years of clinical experience, explains that Chinese medicine focuses on assessing each patient individually and developing a personalised treatment approach.

“In Traditional Chinese Medicine, pain may be associated with patterns such as stagnation of Qi and Blood or exposure to environmental factors like cold and wind,” David explains.

Treatment in Chinese medicine may include acupuncture, moxibustion (a warming therapy using the herb mugwort), herbal medicine, cupping, dietary therapy and lifestyle advice.

These therapies aim to support circulation, relaxation and overall balance in the body.

If you are experiencing ongoing pain, consult with a qualified health professional to determine the most appropriate treatment options for your condition.