by Remedy Wellness Centre | May 6, 2025 | Acupuncture
Acupuncture for Pain Relief and Healing: How This Ancient Practice Supports Modern Wellness
At Remedy Wellness Centre in Victoria, BC, we offer acupuncture for pain relief and healing, as part of a holistic, evidence-informed approach to health and wellness. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, dealing with chronic pain, or simply seeking balance, acupuncture can offer safe, effective, and natural relief.
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a system of healing developed thousands of years ago. TCM is based on the theory that the body’s energy—known as Qi (pronounced “chee”)—flows along specific meridians or pathways. When this energy becomes blocked or unbalanced, it can lead to pain, illness, and dysfunction.
Acupuncturists use fine, sterile needles to stimulate precise acupuncture points along these meridians. The goal is to restore the smooth flow of Qi, promoting balance and encouraging the body’s natural ability to heal.
How TCM Works from a Western Perspective
Modern science has uncovered several mechanisms that explain how acupuncture relieves pain and supports healing:
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Stimulates neurotransmitters: Acupuncture triggers the release of endorphins and serotonin, your body’s natural painkillers and mood enhancers.
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Reduces inflammation: Needle stimulation decreases pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can help ease swelling and chronic inflammation.
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Improves circulation: Local microcirculation is enhanced, speeding up tissue repair and oxygen delivery to muscles and joints.
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Regulates the nervous system: Acupuncture helps rebalance the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, improving stress resilience and lowering pain sensitivity.
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Balances hormones: Research shows acupuncture may influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, contributing to hormonal balance and stress regulation.
These effects explain why acupuncture has proven effective for a wide range of conditions beyond pain alone.
What Conditions Can TCM & Acupuncture Help With?
At Remedy Wellness Centre, we use acupuncture to support healing from:
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✅ Chronic and acute pain
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✅ Muscle tension and inflammation
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✅ Joint pain and arthritis
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✅ Headaches and migraines
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✅ Digestive issues (e.g., IBS, bloating, nausea)
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✅ Hormonal imbalances and menstrual pain
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✅ Infertility and reproductive health
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✅ Stress, anxiety, and sleep problems
Whether you’re recovering from surgery, struggling with repetitive strain injuries, or simply tired of relying on painkillers, acupuncture offers a gentle, evidence-supported solution.
What the Research Says
The effectiveness of acupuncture for pain relief is backed by a growing body of clinical research. A few highlights include:
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A meta-analysis in the Journal of Pain (2018) found that acupuncture is significantly more effective than both placebo and no treatment for chronic pain, including back pain, osteoarthritis, and headaches.
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The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and World Health Organization recognize acupuncture as a treatment for over 100 conditions.
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Research published in BMJ Open (2019) concluded that acupuncture reliably reduces inflammation, which plays a role in many chronic pain and autoimmune conditions.
Want to dive deeper? Pain BC has an excellent webinar on acupuncture and chronic pain, offering both clinical insights and patient experiences:
👉 Watch here
What to Expect During Your Acupuncture Appointment
At Remedy Wellness, your acupuncturist will begin with a thorough intake to understand your symptoms, health history, and lifestyle. Based on your unique presentation, they’ll create a personalized treatment plan, selecting acupuncture points tailored to your needs.
Sessions are relaxing and virtually painless—many people even fall asleep during their treatment! You may notice reduced pain, improved sleep, and increased energy after just a few visits.
Book Your Acupuncture Appointment in Victoria, BC
Ready to try a proven, drug-free solution for pain and healing? At Remedy Wellness Centre, our experienced and compassionate acupuncturists work collaboratively with you and our integrated health team to support your full recovery and well-being.
Learn More:
Acupuncture for Inflammatory Conditions
Stress and Anxiety Management
About Acupuncture
What to Expect When you Get an RMT Massage
by Remedy Wellness Centre | Feb 3, 2025 | Acupuncture
Allergies can make life miserable, whether you suffer from seasonal hay fever, dust allergies, or chronic sinus congestion. While conventional treatments like antihistamines provide temporary relief, they often come with side effects like drowsiness and dry mouth. Acupuncture offers a natural, drug-free alternative to help regulate your immune system, reduce inflammation, and provide long-term relief from allergy symptoms.
At Remedy Wellness Centre in Victoria, BC, our acupuncturists use Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) techniques to target the root cause of allergies, not just the symptoms. Keep reading to learn how acupuncture can help you breathe easier and enjoy life without the constant struggle of allergies.
How Acupuncture Helps with Allergies
Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points in the body to reduce inflammation, regulate the immune response, and promote overall balance. Studies suggest that acupuncture can:
✅ Decrease histamine release, reducing sneezing, congestion, and itching
✅ Strengthen the immune system, helping prevent allergic reactions
✅ Improve circulation and lymphatic drainage, reducing sinus congestion
✅ Lower stress and inflammation, which can trigger or worsen allergy symptoms
A study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine found that patients who received acupuncture for allergic rhinitis experienced significant symptom relief and reduced medication use compared to those who received standard treatments (source).
Common Allergy Symptoms That Acupuncture Can Treat
Acupuncture may help with a variety of allergy-related symptoms, including:
🔹 Nasal congestion and runny nose
🔹 Sneezing and itchy eyes
🔹 Sinus headaches and pressure
🔹 Post-nasal drip and sore throat
🔹 Coughing and wheezing
🔹 Hives, eczema, and other skin reactions
Research published in The American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy supports acupuncture as an effective therapy for allergic rhinitis, reducing nasal congestion and improving overall quality of life (source).
Key Acupuncture Points for Allergy Relief & Why They Work
During your acupuncture session at Remedy Wellness Centre, your practitioner will select specific acupuncture points based on your symptoms and you’re level of comfort with needling. Some commonly used points include:
1. LI-20 (Welcome Fragrance)
📍 Location: On either side of the nostrils
🔹 Why it’s used: Opens nasal passages, reduces sinus congestion, and helps relieve sneezing and runny nose.
2. Yintang (Third Eye Point)
📍 Location: Between the eyebrows
🔹 Why it’s used: Helps relieve sinus pressure, headaches, and nasal congestion caused by allergies.
3. ST-36 (Leg Three Miles)
📍 Location: Below the knee on the outer side of the leg
🔹 Why it’s used: Strengthens immune function, reduces inflammation, and supports overall energy levels.
4. SP-6 (Three Yin Intersection)
📍 Location: Inside the lower leg, above the ankle
🔹 Why it’s used: Helps balance the immune system and reduces systemic inflammation.
5. LU-7 (Broken Sequence)
📍 Location: Above the wrist on the thumb side
🔹 Why it’s used: Opens the lungs, improves breathing, and clears nasal congestion.
6. GV-20 (Baihui – Hundred Meetings)
📍 Location: At the top of the head
🔹 Why it’s used: Helps regulate the immune response and improve overall energy flow in the body.
7. KD-27 (Shu Mansion)
📍 Location: Just below the collarbone
🔹 Why it’s used: Strengthens lung function and helps reduce wheezing, shortness of breath, and congestion.
Your acupuncturist may also recommend additional TCM techniques such as cupping therapy, herbal medicine, or dietary adjustments to further support your body’s natural healing process. One of the best at home remedies is simply consuming local unpasteurized honey all year.
What to Expect During Your Acupuncture Treatment
1️⃣ Comprehensive Consultation – Your practitioner will assess your allergy symptoms, triggers, and overall health.
2️⃣ Acupuncture Session – Fine, sterile needles will be inserted at key points to stimulate healing.
3️⃣ Additional Therapies (if needed) – Your session may include cupping, gua sha, tui na, or dietary advice.
4️⃣ Ongoing Treatment Plan – Many patients see improvements after a few sessions, but long-term allergies may require a series of treatments for lasting relief.
A randomized controlled trial published in Allergy found that 12 sessions of acupuncture over six weeks significantly reduced allergy symptoms compared to a control group (source).
Why Choose Remedy Wellness Centre for Acupuncture in Victoria?
At Remedy Wellness Centre, our experienced acupuncturists take a holistic approach to allergy treatment, tailoring each session to your unique needs. We combine acupuncture with complementary therapies to help you achieve lasting relief and improved well-being.
✔ Personalized Treatment Plans – We address the root cause of your allergies, not just the symptoms.
✔ Experienced Practitioners – Our skilled acupuncturists have extensive training in TCM and allergy relief.
✔ Relaxing, Professional Environment – Our wellness centre provides a calm, healing space for optimal results.
Book Your Acupuncture Appointment for Allergy Relief Today!
Don’t let allergies hold you back! Whether you’re struggling with seasonal allergies or chronic symptoms, acupuncture can provide lasting relief without the side effects of medication.
Experience the benefits of natural allergy relief with acupuncture at Remedy Wellness Centre! 🌿
