Acupuncture for Pain Relief: A Guide for Patients in Eugene, Oregon
Pain affects nearly every aspect of daily life — how we move, sleep, focus, and interact with others. For many people in Eugene, Oregon, acupuncture offers an effective and natural way to manage pain without relying solely on medication.
At Alive Integrative Medicine, we use acupuncture to help patients address the root causes of pain while supporting the body’s ability to heal itself. This guide explains how acupuncture works, what research says about its effectiveness, and what to expect during treatment.
How Acupuncture Works
Acupuncture is a therapeutic practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), developed thousands of years ago to restore balance and promote healing. It involves the placement of very fine, sterile needles at specific points on the body that correspond to pathways of energy, or meridians.
In modern scientific terms, acupuncture appears to influence the body’s nervous, circulatory, and immune systems. Research shows that it can:
- Stimulate endorphin release: These are the body’s natural pain-relieving and mood-boosting chemicals.
- Improve circulation: Increased blood flow brings oxygen and nutrients to tissues that are inflamed or injured.
- Modulate the nervous system: Acupuncture can calm overactive pain pathways and help the body shift into a restorative state.
- Reduce inflammation: Certain acupuncture points have been shown to decrease inflammatory markers associated with chronic pain.
Rather than simply masking pain, acupuncture encourages the body to regulate itself more effectively — addressing the underlying imbalances that contribute to discomfort.
Types of Pain Acupuncture Can Help
Acupuncture is used to treat a wide range of pain conditions, both acute and chronic. Common examples include:
- Musculoskeletal pain: neck and shoulder tension, low back pain, hip or knee pain, tendonitis, and repetitive strain injuries.
- Headaches and migraines: acupuncture can reduce frequency and intensity by improving circulation and relaxing muscle tension.
- Joint pain and arthritis: studies show acupuncture may decrease inflammation and improve joint mobility.
- Post-injury or post-surgical recovery: acupuncture supports tissue repair and may reduce the need for pain medication.
- Nerve pain: conditions such as sciatica or neuropathy often respond well to acupuncture’s nerve-calming effects.
- Menstrual and pelvic pain: acupuncture can regulate hormonal and circulatory patterns that contribute to cramping or chronic pelvic discomfort.
Pain is complex and personal — so acupuncture treatment is always tailored to the individual, taking into account not only the symptoms but also sleep, digestion, mood, and lifestyle.
What to Expect During a Session
A typical acupuncture session at Alive Integrative Medicine begins with a detailed intake to understand your health history, pain patterns, and overall wellbeing.
Once a treatment plan is discussed, your acupuncturist will insert hair-thin, single-use needles at carefully chosen points on the body. Most people experience little to no discomfort — sensations range from a mild tingling or warmth to a deep sense of calm.
You’ll then rest comfortably for about 20–30 minutes. Many patients find this part deeply relaxing, and some even fall asleep. After the session, you may feel lighter, more grounded, or notice subtle shifts in pain or tension. Relief often builds gradually over several treatments as the body adjusts and inflammation decreases.
How Many Treatments Are Needed?
The number of acupuncture sessions depends on several factors, including:
- The cause and duration of pain
- Your overall health and stress levels
- How your body responds to treatment
For acute pain (like a recent strain or tension headache), a few sessions close together may bring noticeable relief. Chronic pain (such as arthritis or long-term back pain) often requires a series of weekly visits before transitioning to a maintenance schedule.
Acupuncture’s effects are cumulative — each session reinforces the body’s healing response and strengthens its ability to maintain balance over time.
The Evidence Behind Acupuncture and Pain Relief
Over the past two decades, acupuncture has gained wide recognition in Western medicine for its role in pain management. The World Health Organization (WHO) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) both acknowledge acupuncture as an effective treatment for conditions such as:
- Chronic back and neck pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Headaches and migraines
- Postoperative and dental pain
Clinical studies show that acupuncture can outperform placebo treatments and, in many cases, work as well as or better than conventional care — especially when combined with physical therapy, nutrition, or lifestyle changes.
Meet Our Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Team
We’re proud to bring together a diverse team of skilled practitioners — each with unique strengths and specialties — so you can find the approach that best fits your needs.
- Dr. Isaac Hendler, DAc, MAc, LAc – An acupuncture‑physician with extensive training in pain management, injury rehabilitation, autoimmune conditions and gynecology. Whether you’re dealing with longstanding pain or complex health conditions, Dr. Hendler brings a depth of experience and an integrative medical background.
- Jeff Pufnock, MSOM PhD L.Ac. – With a background in research and Chinese herbal medicine, Jeff works deeply with clients who are navigating digestive issues, sleep disturbances, anxiety, or complex health challenges. His approach weaves together energetic work, herbal formulas, and acupuncture for whole‑body healing.
- Dusty Bodeen, L.Ac., LMT, MAcOM – A practitioner with roots in bodywork, massage and Chinese medicine. Dusty is especially skilled in addressing musculoskeletal tension, acute pain issues, and helping people move through physical and emotional blockages. He brings an eclectic, art‑infused style to healing.
How to Choose the Right Acupuncturist for You
Here are a few questions you can ask (and thoughts to keep in mind) to help you select the right practitioner from our team:
- What is your primary concern?
If your main issue is pain from injury, tension, or structural strain, a practitioner with strong bodywork/massage experience (like Dusty) may be a good fit. If you have systemic issues (autoimmune, digestive, hormonal), Jeff or Dr. Hendler might align well. - What kind of experience do you feel comfortable with?
Do you prefer someone with a more clinical, medical‑style background, or someone who incorporates hands‑on touch, bodywork and energetic approaches? Choose based on your comfort and the tone you want. - What’s your long‑term vs short‑term goal?
If you’re looking for relief of acute pain or tension, you may lean toward a practitioner who excels in musculoskeletal work. If you’re aiming for deeper transformation, hormonal balance or long‑term systemic change, you might prioritize someone with herbal/integrative expertise. - How does the practitioner communicate?
Book an initial session or consultation and see how you feel in their presence. Listen to how they explain things, how much they ask about you, and whether their approach resonates with you. - Availability & scheduling fit.
Practicalities matter too — check their schedule, whether you prefer early/late hours, and how soon you would like to be seen as some of our practitioners are booked a month-two months out.
Why This Matters
Choosing the right practitioner isn’t just about credentials — it’s about connection, comfort and approach. When you feel seen, heard and aligned with how someone works, you’ll be far more likely to stick with treatment, follow recommendations, and see meaningful results.
At Alive Integrative Medicine, we’re committed not only to delivering skilled acupuncture & Chinese medicine, but to ensuring you feel empowered and supported throughout your healing journey.
