Chronic pain can include back pain, arthritis, muscle strain, carpel tunnel syndrome, and



pain from chronic illnesses such as fibromyalgia, diabetes, Rheumatoid arthritis,

osteoarthritis, multiple sclerosis, and lupus. Acute pain can be caused by injury from

sports (such as sprained ankles) or trauma from accidents.

More and more research has shown that inflammation is usually a component of pain.

The signs of inflammation are swelling, pain, warmth, and redness in the affected area.

I find an increase of success rate in the treatment and management of both chronic and

acute pain by using a combination of acupuncture and systemic proteolytic enzyme

therapy.

In Chinese medicine, pain is considered to be caused by blocked energy channels. When

channels are blocked, the energy cannot flow and pain is the result. Acupuncture

stimulates the natural flow of energy by unblocking these channels to decrease pain and

restore balance in the body.

The use of systemic enzyme therapy with both acute and chronic pain has also proved to

be successful in my practice. The use of specific enzymes can break down proteins in the

body that can cause scar tissue and inflammation. These enzymes are made of a

combination of plant-derived proteolytic enzymes that are effective in reducing swelling

and inflammation, thus reducing pain.

Systemic enzyme therapy is a healthier alternative to drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen

and prescribed medications. Because enzymes are natural substances that are used to

promote chemical reactions in the body, the body processes them naturally. Non-steroidal

anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen are known to have ill effects on the

liver, kidneys, stomach, and intestines.

A crucial component to the effectiveness of enzyme therapy is the timing of the

medication. Because the desired effect of the enzyme is systemic and not digestive, the

enzyme must not be taken with food. The medication must be taken one hour before or

after eating to obtain its full systemic effectiveness to reduce inflammation and pain.

A note of caution: blood thinners such as coumadin are contraindicated with the use of

systemic enzyme therapy. That is why it is always important to keep your health care

providers informed of all medications and dietary supplements you are taking. (See my

article on "Herbal Remedies: What Every Consumer Should Know.")

Systemic enzyme therapy can be obtained only from a licensed medical practitioner and

the patient should be monitored and assessed regularly for changes in appropriate dosage.