Chronic Pain & Inflammation

What’s Actually Going On (And What You Can Do About It)

Hi friends,

Let’s talk about something I see in clinic all the time: chronic pain and inflammation.

If you’re someone who’s been dealing with pain that just won’t quit this is especially for you! Whether it’s in your back, neck, joints, gut, or somewhere sneakier like your jaw or pelvic floor, I want you to know two things:

  1. It’s not “all in your head.”

  2. You’re not broken.

Chronic inflammation and pain are real, and while they can feel overwhelming (and frankly, like a never-ending game of symptom whack-a-mole), they are addressable. There’s a reason your body is sounding the alarm and with the right approach, we can figure out what’s setting it off and begin to calm things down.

So What Is Inflammation, Really?

Inflammation is your body’s natural response to injury or irritation. It’s a good thing in the short term. Think of it as your body's internal fire department rushing in to clean up and protect you.

But when that fire alarm gets stuck on whether due to stress, diet, hidden infections, old injuries, hormonal imbalances, or unresolved trauma, that’s when the problems begin.

Chronic inflammation can lead to:

  • Ongoing pain (that changes location just to keep things interesting)

  • Digestive issues

  • Fatigue that sleep doesn’t fix

  • Brain fog

  • Mood swings or anxiety

  • And a general feeling of “I’m just not myself”

Sound familiar?

What Can Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine Do?

A lot. Really.

Acupuncture is like a reset button for your nervous system. It reduces inflammation, improves blood flow, releases stuck fascia, and helps the brain stop looping pain signals that no longer serve a purpose.

At the same time, we can support your system with:

  • Chinese herbal medicine (to calm inflammation and regulate the immune system)

  • Gentle cupping or gua sha (to move stagnation and release tension)

  • Lifestyle tweaks (small changes that don’t involve overhauling your life)

  • Nutritional guidance (because yes, what we eat can either fuel or cool the fire)

My job isn’t just to treat the pain, it’s to help you understand why it’s happening and walk with you as we peel back the layers. You don’t have to do it alone.

A Note from Me to You

If you’re living with chronic pain, I want you to know: you’re not being dramatic. You’re not making it up. And it doesn’t have to stay this way.

I’ve been on the other side of this (ask me sometime about my years of mystery symptoms and concussions) and I know how frustrating and lonely it can feel. But I’ve also seen what happens when the right support shows up.

And if you’re reading this? That support may be closer than you think.

With heart,
Dr. Izabel
Founder, Integrative Doctor & Licensed Acupuncturist
East West Acupuncture and Integrative Health
Bee Cave, TX

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