Scoliosis is a problematic curvature of the spine. The curve usually takes the shape of a "C" or "S" and can cause the person to stand and walk off-balance and have uneven shoulders and hips. A birth defect, tumor or another disease might cause the spine to have a curve that isn’t temporary. People with mild scoliosis might only need checkups to see if the curve is getting worse. From the Western medical perspective, others might need to wear a brace long-term or have surgery.

As far as the day-to-day impact of this condition, when the spine’s curve is incorrect, it can cause a great deal of pain. Fortunately, acupuncture can help dramatically with the pain for scoliosis sufferers, and it the right circumstances can help the body restore the spine’s natural curvature, eliminating the problem altogether.

From an TCM perspective, congestion in energy and blood flow is often the culprit for scoliosis sufferers. When acupuncture opens up that congestion - those "blocks" along the spine - allowing for efficient blood flow throughout the body, it relieves the pain tremendously. The body’s metabolism regulates, and the body finally has an opportunity to really heal.

Acupuncture is so powerful in relieving scoliosis pain that many of the patients I’ve treated relax more deeply than they have in years … sometimes even falling asleep during treatment. And as the body starts getting long-sought nourishment, tight areas and muscles continue to relax more and more, expanding the relief and release.

We are capable of putting up with so much pain and adapting so completely to medical conditions that when we’re actually finally comfortable, the physical and emotional relief is enormous. One of my greatest joys as an acupuncturist is helping people be comfortable while rediscovering how great they can physically feel when they have a little support in their healing process.