The opioid crisis is a serious issue in the U.S. Why are so many people addicted to painkillers when they could be pain free naturally?
In this newsletter, Dr Tan discusses the healing benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine and how to get off opiates.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) vs Opioid Crisis
By Dr. Qineng Tan, L.A.c, Ph.D.
Pain killer abuse, also known as ” the opioid crisis”, is sweeping across America. Painkiller abuse is not only the number one substance abused in the entire world, but it is also the most easily accessed substance via our Western health care system. The US makes up 5 percent of the world’s population and consumes approximately 80 percent of the world’s painkillers. According to the Center for Disease control & Prevention, Every day, more than 115 people in the United States alone die after overdosing on prescription pain relievers. This is a serious public health crisis that also effects both social and economic welfare. The Centers for Disease control and Prevention estimates that the total “economic burden” of prescription pain killer misuse alone in the United States is $78.5 billion a year, including the cost of healthcare, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice involvement. When people are prescribed pain killers, most think they are doing the right thing by taking them because they are being prescribed by a trusted physician, but what people do not know, is that there is another solution to their pain relief that is completely natural. That solution is traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In 2012 a study published by NIH Public Access ( Arch Intern Medicine. 2012 October 22; 172 (19) ) concluded “Researchers discovered acupuncture is effective for the treatment of chronic pain and is therefore a reasonable preferred option”.
Why not use a method that has been around for thousands of years and is one of the safest, most permanent solutions to pain? If your house had a hole in the roof, what would you do to deal with that hole? Would you cover the hole with a tarp for a temporary fix hoping no rain will eventually come through, or would you repair the roof entirely so you have no further damage to the inside of your home? Now, think of painkillers as the tarp. The painkillers will mask whatever problem or pain you have at that moment, but does not permanently fix the underlining issue.
Why is acupuncture and TCM such a better alternative to painkillers? TCM is safe, effective, non addictive, and helps patients successfully participate in other aspects of therapy so they can completely rid any pain in their body. Acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system when you are receiving treatment for pain. Not only can stimulating acupoints help your body to heal, but it can also activate the part of your brain that governs serotonin levels and trigger the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain-killers.
At Art of Wellness, each of our doctors has more than 30 years experience to help with almost all kinds of chronic and acute pain conditions caused by arthritis,back and neck disorder, herniated discs, spinal degeneration, sciatica, whiplash, rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, joint pain, tennis/golfers elbow, carpal tunnel, hip pain, headaches/migraines, post operative pain, and more. Here at Art of Wellness, our goal is not only helping your pain, but also bringing you back to good health with the teamwork between you and us.
You don’t have to suffer from chronic pain or rely on pain prescription pills for temporary relief. You can live your life much healthier, happier and longer.
You have my best wishes!
