Pain is one of the most common reasons that people seek out an acupuncturist. And while the results can at times be stunningly effective, there are also situations where the process of healing unfolds in a slower, or frustratingly stutter-step way.
In this episode we explore the role of the nervous system and its role in patterns of chronic pain. And we dig into some of the various ways that acupuncture not only effects our physiology, but our neurology as well.
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Show Highlights:
4:38 Does acupuncture hurt?
5:28 How does acupuncture work?
7:55 A really good definition of acupuncture.
9:28 The brain creates pain.
11:13 The unique challenges of working with chronic pain.
15:29 Using acupuncture to treat bone on bone pain.
18:57 The metaphors we organize our life around effect us.
23:11 The image the brain has of the body.
29:02 Use of ice, spray and stretch to loosen up muscles.
34:03 Bones are not like bricks, they are constantly changing.
35:21 Role of diet.
37:56 The importance of what we say to ourselves.
40:00 The point is to know your baseline, and then push it a little bit.
43:02 Black Cohosh works as a peripheral vasodilator in the lower part of the body.
46:14 How long does it take to get better?
49:24 Acupuncture creates a bit of emotional space.
Matt Haug
Born in 1962, Matt “grew up” in the Poetics Department at the New College of California in San Francisco where he was fortunate to study with the poets Robert Duncan, Diane Di Prima, Clark Coolidge and others. He graduated from there in 1985 with a BA in Poetics.
Advanced studies in Field Theory and “the local” lead him (back) to New Mexico to study with the well known herbalist Michael Moore. After working in the herb industry for several years. He attended ACTCM and received his Acupuncture License in 2002. Since that time he has worked in Pain Clinics in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Website: www.matthaug.com
