Patient Education for Pain Relief
Simple, Effective Ways to Support Your Healing at Home
Pain can be frustrating, exhausting, and disruptive — but you don’t have to wait until your next acupuncture session to find relief. Acupuncture works best when combined with supportive daily habits that help calm the nervous system, reduce inflammation, and promote circulation.
This page outlines safe, practical tools you can use between visits to help manage pain and support your body’s natural healing process.
01
Nutrition & Lifestyle Support for Pain
Small daily choices can influence inflammation and healing:
- Stay hydrated
- Eat anti-inflammatory foods (vegetables, healthy fats, protein)
- Reduce excess sugar and ultra-processed foods
- Take breaks from prolonged sitting or repetitive tasks
💡 Tip: Top spine surgeon, Dr. Betsy Grunch’s #1 recommendation to reduce back pain is to quit nicotine in all its forms as nicotine is one of the biggest accelerators of degenerative disc disease in our spine.
02
Practice Acupressure at Home
Gently pressing acupuncture points at home can help reduce pain levels. Try the following:
- LI4 – for headaches, sinus pain, neck pain
- GB20 – for headaches, neck pain
- BL62 – for back pain and sciatica
- GB40 – for hip pain
Large Intestine 4 (LI4)
Located on the hand between the first and second metacarpal bones at the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone.
Gall Bladder 20 (GB20)
Located at the base of the skull, in the depression between the sternocleidomastoid muscle and trapezius muscle. (where the thumbs are pressing)
Bladder 62 (BL62)
Located at the bottom corner of the outer ankle bone.
Gall Bladder 40 (GB40)
Located in the depression anterior and inferior to the outer ankle bone.
Acupuncture Points Handbook
This book is a great resource for learning acupressure and acupuncture point location.
03
Gentle Movement (Even When You’re Sore)
While rest can be helpful, too much inactivity often worsens pain and stiffness.
Helpful options include:
- Range-of-motion exercises
- Walking
- Gentle or assisted stretching
- Yoga or Tai Chi
💡 Tip: Movement signals safety to the nervous system, which can lower pain sensitivity.
04
Nervous System Regulation
Pain is strongly influenced by the nervous system. Simple calming practices can reduce pain intensity. Try:
- Slow nasal breathing
- Body scans or guided relaxation
- Short mindfulness practices (5–10 minutes)
💡 Calmer nervous system = lower pain sensitivity.
Recommended Products
Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate and earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.
Heating Pad for Back
I almost always prefer heat for pain and this heating pad is a good size for the back.
Heating Pad for Neck
This heating pad is great for neck and shoulder pain.
Magnesium Drops
Magnesium helps to relieve cramping and pain. I like this easy to take liquid form.
Healing Back Pain by John E. Sarno
This New York Times bestseller reveals teaches how you can become pain free without drugs, exercise, or surgery.
Ultimate Body Rolling Workout
This book helps relieve pain by relieving tight muscles and improving alignment.
Exercise Ball
Use this ball with the direction of the Body Rolling book for full body stretching to relieve pain.
Foundation Training App
This app provides full body exercises and stretches to relieve pain and realign the body.
Mutu App
This app has a guided plan to help strengthen your core which can help relieve back pain.
Calm App
Use this app to help relieve stress and to desensitize the nervous system when pain is aggravated.
Research
Here’s what science says about acupuncture and pain:
Blog Posts:
How Acupuncture Helps Reduce Inflammation in the Body (Science-Backed Explanation)
Discover the ways that acupuncture helps reduce inflammation in the body that are backed by science.
The Best Topical Pain Relievers Recommended by an Acupuncturist
Discover the best topical pain relievers recommended by an acupuncturist to use for aches, pains, soreness, and bruising.
Why Am I Still in Pain? New Ways to Look at Healing Chronic Pain
Learn why you may still be struggling with chronic pain when you’ve already tried everything to heal it. You CAN get out of chronic pain. Let’s start investigating how you can do just that!
How to Heal Inflammation and a Broken Bone
When I unexpected broke my wrist, I went into healer mode to immediately start working on my recovery. Find out what helped me recover faster while casted and after my cast was removed.
Book Now!
If it’s been a while since your last treatment or if you’re now experiencing pain or discomfort, it’s time to book an appointment! Schedule today:
More Resources:
As a patient of Balanced Health Acupuncture, you have access to my exclusive Patient Education Hub as well as the following resources. Check them out today:
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