Accompanying the movement to become more "green" and natural with the things we do, products we use, and things we put into our bodies, acupuncture is becoming a much more popular method for relieving low back pain. More and more people are shying away from using over the counter medications as a crutch for relieving pain of any kind, including back pain. As the side effects, like stomach bleeding and ulcers, become more widely known, over the counter medications are becoming a thing of the past for treating lower back pain.

Similarly, people want a less invasive treatment than surgery. Our fast paced society doesnt want to have to take the time off work and out of our lives to have back surgery done. This is where acupuncture can be an excellent solution. Its a completely holistic alternative treatment thats becoming recognized as a legitimate way to effectively reduce pain.

There are even studies being done to prove the effectiveness of acupuncture to relieve pain, specifically low back pain. These studies have shown acupuncture to be effective in the short as well as long term in relieving lower back pain.

The Chinese believe theres more to our bodies than organs and tissue. They believe in an inner energy, called the Chi. Its thought that low back pain, or any type of dysfunction really, is caused by a stagnant Chi, and acupuncture helps break up the stagnation and stimulate the flow of energy once more.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of several very think needles in a targeted area of discomfort. Complete removal of the shirt is normal, so that the acupuncturist can see your entire spine, and insert needles in the areas they deem will be most effective. They are placed in specific areas at varying depths for the maximum Chi stimulation. Needles may be placed all over the back, even if the pain is centralized in the lumbar region, depending on the flow of your unique Chi. This process is thought to stimulate the production of endorphins and promote blood flow to encourage the healing process to naturally speed up.

When done by a professional, acupuncture is a fairly low risk procedure with very few side effects. They can include bleeding, soreness at the site of insertion and infection if the needles arent clean. However, reputable acupuncturists rarely have issues, and can have great successes with relieving back pain.

For more information on acupuncture, its benefits and other holistic ways to treat lower back pain, please visit www.losethebackpain.com. The professionals at The Healthy Back Institute understand that more often than not a natural approach to relieving pain is often just as effective and in fact more healthy than using medications or surgery. They offer a wide range of e-books on naturally relieving back pain, natural products like topical creams, seat cushions and other tips and tricks to help get your Chi flowing in the right direction again. Visit their Web site today to get going on the road to achieving a more balanced life force.