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Reducing Inflammation, Easing Pain, and Promoting Healing Naturally

Pain—whether acute or chronic—can limit movement, drain energy, and affect quality of life. At HOKU Acupuncture, pain is addressed through a combination of acupuncture and Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) to calm inflammation, increase circulation, and activate the body’s innate healing response.

How Acupuncture Helps Relieve Pain

Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system, releasing endorphins and regulating pain signals in the brain and spinal cord. It improves blood flow, reduces inflammation, and supports tissue recovery.

System Target Mechanism Benefit

Nervous System Modulates pain perception Decreases pain intensity

and endorphin release. and frequency.

Circulation Enhances microvascular flow Delivers oxygen and nutrients

for faster healing.

Muscle & Joint Tissue Reduces local inflammation Improves flexibility/relaxation

Stress Response Balances sympathetic and Eases tension and improves

parasympathetic activity well-being

How Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) Supports Healing

LLLT (also called photobiomodulation) uses red and infrared light to stimulate cellular repair and reduce inflammation.

By increasing ATP production in mitochondria, tissues heal faster and pain signals are reduced.

System Target Mechanism Pain Relief Benefit

Cellular Energy Infrared light enhances ATP synthesis Accelerates tissue repair

Inflammation Pathways Modulates cytokine activity Reduces swelling and pain

Circulation Nitric oxide release increases Promotes oxygen and

blood flow nutrient delivery

Neural Response Calms nerve sensitivity Eases chronic/neuropathic pain

Devices Used at HOKU Acupuncture

PowerMedic Pro

  • Wavelength: 808 nm (infrared)

  • Depth: Up to 5 cm

  • Use: Deep tissue, joint, and muscular pain

Celluma Pro

  • Wavelengths: 640 nm (red) and 880 nm (infrared)

  • Depth: 1–3 cm

  • Use: Surface or mid-level inflammation and nerve-related pain

Integrative Treatment Approach

At HOKU Acupuncture, acupuncture and LLLT are often used together to address pain from both the surface and cellular levels.

Typical session includes:

  • Acupuncture to regulate pain pathways and promote circulation

  • LLLT over affected areas

  • Relaxation phase to support nervous system balance

Conditions Commonly Treated

  • Neck, back, and shoulder pain

  • Tendonitis and joint inflammation

  • Neuropathy and nerve pain

  • Post-injury and post-surgical recovery

Clinical Outcomes

  • Reduced inflammation and swelling

  • Improved range of motion

  • Shorter healing times

  • Sustained relief from chronic pain

💡 At HOKU Acupuncture, pain relief is achieved through gentle, evidence-informed therapies that restore balance, reduce inflammation, and empower long-term healing.

References

Chow, R. T., et al. (2020). Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in pain management: A systematic review. Pain Physician, 23(2), 105–128.
Huang, Y. Y., et al. (2011). Photobiomodulation reduces inflammation and pain. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 30(4), 241–246.
Vickers, A. J., et al. (2018). Acupuncture for chronic pain: Update of individual patient data meta-analysis. Journal of Pain, 19(5), 455–474.