Treatment of Pain by Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

Every year millions of Americans young and old seek medical treatment for acute and chronic pain. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine provide rapid, complete healing of pain and injuries safely, completely, and without side-effects.

Types of Injuries

Back, neck, and overuse injuries involve damage to various body tissues. Chronically tense muscles develop excruciatingly painful areas called trigger points by Western medicine. These arise when the “brain cell” of a muscle gets activated into an excessively coiled state, as a result of chronic physical or emotional tension, poor posture, or due to sudden unusual exertion like lifting a heavy weight. This causes irritation, inflammation and pain in a specific area, like between the shoulder blades. The area feels tense, tight, is tender to pressure, and may radiate pain away from the area. Trigger points are associated with headaches, neck and back pain, tennis elbow, and carpal tunnel.

Tendinitis, is inflammation of the tissues that connect muscles to bones. This happens a lot in overuse injuries such as forearm pain or carpal tunnel associated with keyboard usage. Here, due to tight, shortened, exhausted muscles, blood flow is restricted and lactic acid builds up in the tendons where they attach to the bone, leading to inflammation, pain, weakness, and swelling.

Back and neck pain injuries involve various combinations of tense, shortened irritated muscles, trigger points, and compression of nerves either at their roots by bulging discs,(called “pinched nerves” in the past) or at the periphery by shortened tense muscles.

Nerve pain, called Sciatica, when involving the large nerve that runs through the buttock and leg, involves intense pain that radiates down the arm or leg, with possible numbness or tingling. Symptoms of nerve damage involve muscle weakness.

How Acupuncture Helps

Chinese medicine includes the use of Acupuncture, Massage, Herbal Medicines, and herbal lotions, compresses and plasters. Acupuncture is especially valuable for the treatment of pain because it accomplishes so many tasks at once.

First, it stimulates the secretion of the neurotransmitters called endorphins that send the body into the Relaxation Response. This relaxes muscles and improves blood circulation, bringing new oxygen to tissues and reducing inflammation and pain.

Second, it stimulates the adrenal glands to secrete our body’s own natural cortisone product called cortisol that powerfully fights inflammation throughout the body.

Third, acupuncture has a direct localized anti-inflammatory effect on the specific tissues of an actual injury site. For example, if you have a painful tennis elbow or low back pain, and you place ultrathin, sterile acupuncture needles in the muscles surrounding the joint, it has an anti-inflammatory effect that is caused by the direct relationship between the the needles and the inflammed tissues themselves. Scientists believe this is accomplished via the endocrine system.

Fourth, acupuncture on muscular “motor points” causes muscles to actually lengthen, thereby releasing mechanical pressures on tendons, ligaments, nerve roots, and vertebral spaces.

Fifth, acupuncture deactivates the painful trigger points that are at the root of many repetitive use injuries and much back and neck pain.

Fifth, in chronic pain cases, acupuncture helps “turn the pain” messages of the nerves off” and coupled with therapeutic exercises creates new neural pathways without pain.

Acupuncture is practically painless, is performed with sterile disposable needles, and is performed in California by highly trained professionals licensed by the California Medical Board.

San Diego Acupuncturist Eyton J. Shalom, M.S., L.Ac., has been doing Acupuncture in San Diego for 16 years, specializing in the the treatment of Pain, Injury, Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics. He can be reached at 619.296.7591, and for an in-depth bio go to www. bodymindwellnesscenter.com

Testimonials

Acne and Eczema

…thank you so much, I can’t believe how great my skin looks, besides not having acne any more, it feels softer and is glowing. It wouldn’t be wrong to say this has changed my life. And I feel like my hormones are balanced, too.

Cindy P., Master of Science, Public Health, La Jolla, Ca

…I feel so much better. My skin is all cleared up for the first time in my life, which is especially good since the antibiotics the dermatologist gave me were not working anyway! A side benefit–I have lost 15 pounds, too, with the diet you gave me. Thanks a million…

Laurie G., Systems Analyst, San Diego, CA

…this is the first time in my life I have been free of PMS and menstrual pain. I had no idea that was related to my skin issues, since I had them through the whole month and not just pre-menstrually. Anyway, my Acne is all gone. I am not sure which helped more the acupuncture, diet, or herbs, or maybe all three…

Maria R., University Professor, La Mesa, CA

…i spent the last two years struggling with Eczema all over my body that began during pregnancy. Terrible itching and oozing sore like things. Its basically all gone now, and I have learned which foods act as triggers, and the acupuncture really took the edge off of the stress….

Lynda R., Electrical Engineer, Poway, CA

…my cystic acne that I have had since 1995 is 95% gone, just a few tiny red bumps left, my mood swings before my period are gone, and I have lost 15 pounds since changing my diet. …could not be happier…this has changed my life!

Denise B., Office Assistant, Portland, Oregon

…thanks a lot Eyton, my acne is so much better. The Neem really works well…

Anju W., University of Cal @ Berkeley, Student

Allergies and Asthma

…I have suffered from really bad hay fever since I was 18. With the Chinese Herbs, Acupuncture, and Dietary changes, I am 85% better. On a really bad pollen day I can feel a sneeze or two, or a little tingling in my nose, but God, that is nothing compared to before…no more Claritin , no more runny eyes, sneezing fits, or impossible nose breathing…

Rachel B, Registered Nurse, New York City

…have to admit I was skeptical. My asthma began after a couple of bouts of bronchitis. Prior to that I was the kind of person who never got sick, so I was willing to try. I am pretty pleased to say I am now drug free and do not need to use an inhaler or take steroid meds. I will be looking into this further from the science side…

Bruce P., M.D., Emergency Room Physician, Chula Vista, CA

…i am 27 and have had asthma since childhood, so I never thought I would be able to get off my meds, but with the acupuncture, herbs, and diet, I have been drug free for three years now…getting a latex mattress helped a ton, too.

Leticia R., Accountant, Scripp’s Ranch, CA

Bronchitis

…after years of battling bronchitis I decided to try alternative medicine and it works! Instead of spending 3 months coughing each winter, the past two years

I have just had one normal cold…

Patricia H., Dental Assistant, San Diego, CA

Digestive Health

…ten years of chronic constipation gone! how do you spell relief? T-r-i-f-a-l! …really excited about how I feel with the new diet you gave me, too. And heartburn is a thing of the past. Yeah!

Ken V., Clinical Psychologist, La Mesa, CA

…before working with Dr. Shalom I had chronic yeast infections, chronic heartburn, and constant outbreaks of genital herpes. It felt like my immune system was shot. I have not been sick now for two years. I credit the herbs, diet, and acupuncture with how I now feel and live…

Sandy M., Office Manager, San Diego

Pain: Back, Heel, Jaw, Headache, Shoulder

…I suffered from severe migraine headaches for twenty years. I am a big wave surfer, and I had to give up surfing, which was tragic. Since getting acupuncture and herbal medicine with Dr. Shalom, I have been headache free, completely, for 3 years, and have returned to surfing year round.

Bill F., Physical Therapist, Oceanside, CA

Dear Eyton,

Thank you so much for all your help. I had such bad shoulder pain when I met you, I couldn’t even put my right arm around my wife. Kaiser wanted to operate. With your treatment I have never felt better in my life! I am pain free.

Thanks a lot.

Mark V., Electrical Contractor, National City, CA

I can’t begin to tell you how improved I am – my cough is almost gone. Both hand injuries are more than greatly improved…

Nelda V., Small Business Owner, Ensenada, Baja Cal, Mexico

…I am a flight instructor and have been flying 60 hours a week in cramped conditions for the past two years. Before I came in I had severe lower back pain, felt like a pinched nerve. I got immediate relief after 1 treatment, and after 3 was completely recovered…

Dave E., Flight Instructor and Small Plane Pilot, La Mesa, CA

…I can’t believe how quickly you were able to fix my heel spur and plantar fasciitis. Its great to be able to dance salsa again.

James C., Architect and Salsa Dancer, Lakeside, CA

I had a traumatic injury to my hand incurred catching a falling iron gate. I came to you as a last resort before surgery, and frankly did not have high hopes.

I am amazed at how in one treatment I regained muscular stregnth in my hand, and how over three treatments I was out of pain, 95%….

Tommy M., City Planner, San Diego, CA

thank you so much for healing me…I have not felt pain in my wrist once! my M.D. was happy to know that acupuncture worked so well. thank you!

Leslie J., Cosmetician/Hair Salon

Pediatrics

…this is the first time my 4 year old has gone the winter without an asthma attack or a chronic cough. He used to have a cold every other week, too. This month we went whale watching and next week we go to Hawaii. Changing his diet was a key, and also the Chinese and Ayurvedic herbs.

Arati L., Yoga Instructor, San Diego, CA

…before seeing Dr. Shalom, my two kids, aged 2 and 4 were constantly sick with chronic ear infections, colds, sinus infections, and cough. It seemed like they were always on antibiotics. I am really pleased. With the Chinese herbs and the advice you gave me about diet, my kids have passed this year with only one mild cold each, and no ear or sinus infections. I am extremely pleased, especially since now my wife and I get to sleep through the night. How cool is that?

Alex G., Technical Writer, Long Beach, CA

Women’s Health

When I first came to see Dr. Shalom I couldn’t be away from a rest room for more than 20 minutes. I was in so much pain, too. Interstitial Cystitis is really dreadful. I couldn’t be happier. I can drive for 3 hours and feel like I have my normal life back. Praise God and thank you Eyton.

Ellen W., Software EngineerOceanside, CA

…my life was ruled by my menstrual cycle before, and it wasn’t pretty. After acupuncture and Ayurvedic herbs I have a normal period like I think we are supposed to…

Daphne S., Teacher and Dancer, Idylwild, CA

Sports Medicine

…i have come to Eyton Shalom and have brought both my teenaged kids, for ankle sprains, IT band tear, shoulder and knee issues. We are all very active, my

son has run three marathons, my daughter is on the basketball team, and I run and play volleyball. I have found acupuncture very helpful for quick recovery.

Dr. Daniel S., D.D.S, Dentist, Rancho Bernardo, CA

…my partner and I both play volleyball, very competitively. Would not be able to play without Eyton’s acupuncture needles!…

Sandy W., Clinical Psychologist, San Diego, CA

…i first hurt my shoulder in a car accident. I made it worse hitting a shorebreak in Hawaii bodysurfing. Partial tear rotator cuff. I am all better after a course of acupuncture, and just came back from a hunting trip. Firing a shotgun is not easy on the shoulder, but I feel fine…

Geoff D., Attorney at Law, Mission Hills, Ca

…I am 42 and I snow board and surf like a 20 year old, that’s the truth. I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t see Eyton for acupuncture once or twice a year for prevention. And when I have been injured, he fixes me up real good and fast. Way to go!

Beaudy G., Tile Contractor, Pacific Beach, CA

…I am a massage therapist so I really need my shoulders. I basically have an overuse situation from my work, but it really bothered me after a grueling 40 mile trek in the Sierras with a heavy pack. Back to work after one acupuncture

session!

Maurey T., Massage Therapist, Kearney Mesa, CA

…the fact that I drive down from Orange County to see you says it all. But let me tell your public that I would not be able to otherwise. I am 76 and I still garden and lift weights like a man half my age. Really appreciate the acupuncture when my back goes out.

Dick R. , Retired Insurance, Laguna Hills, CA

Depression and Anxiety

I had depression after my baby was born 6 months ago. It was so bad and the drugs were not really helping. Acupuncture and herbs with Dr. Shalom really turned things around. I am exercising again, and feel confident I can cope with whatever comes up. Thanks

Renata M., Homemaker

I had post-partum depression, very badly. Ayurveda and Chinese herbs made a huge difference. I am pregnant again, and not even worried about their being a problem. I feel much healthier now….

Michal O., Project Manager

Learning how to meditate with Dr. Shalom, along with the acupuncture and herbs, has given me a tool to use when I feel anxiety getting out of control.

Overall I feel much less anxious. I am very very pleased.

Eric H., Retired Scientist

I can’t thank you enough. I would not have believed how much better I feel after treatments with you.

Andy R., Mortgage Broker

After an unexpected death in the family I developed severe anxiety and depression. When the drugs did not help I tried alternative methods with Mr. Shalom. I feel hundreds of times better now. …

Christinia S., Graduate Student