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Pain Management Alternatives

by Stacy Lauren-Kon, Lac MSOM

Pain Management and
The Safer Alternatives We Offer

Pain Management Alternatives, Mend Family Acupuncture and Healthcare in Los Angeles, CA

Many of my patients have been using over the counter anti-inflammatory NSAIDS on a weekly or even daily basis. Studies have proven that Advil, Ibuprofen, and Aleve, cause damage to the kidneys when taken regularly. And Tylenol, or Acetaminophen, can easily cause major liver damage with regular use.

A recent study showed that incorrect use of NSAIDs is estimated to account for 107,000 hospitalizations and 15,600 deaths annually in the United States. These medications are purchased without a prescription and are assumed perfectly safe by most people. However, these medications are indeed very serious and can cause damage to your body slowly, without notice.

Did you know that a toxic dose of Aspirin is a mere 200 to 300 mg/kg (milligrams per kilogram of body weight), and ingestion of 500 mg/kg is potentially lethal. And in chronic over use a lower level of aspirin in the body can result in serious illness.

These medications, if up for FDA approval today, would have much more severe restrictions. But Traditional Eastern Medicine has been offering safe and easily absorbed pain medication for centuries with no danger of organ or tissue damage. There are many different patented formulas, each designed for a specific type and location of pain. So if you have a migraine you would take a different TCM Formula than you would if you have lower back pain. There are specific ingredients that send the anti-inflammatories to the exact location you need the relief!

One of my favorite formulas to prescribe for PMS and painful cramping is Xiao Yao San. Xiao Yan San has been around for thousands of years and contains ingredients to relieve abdominal distention and pain, gas, tightness in the chest, depression, irritability, irregular periods, and breast tenderness.

Mend keeps many other formulas in stock for common ailments such as migraines, back pain, sciatic pain, arthritis, sinus pressure, etc…… So call us today for a an Herbal Formula to compliment your Acupuncture Treatment. Used together, these two modes of Traditional Eastern Medicine are quite powerful and effective with no negative side effects.