
Chronic Pain Care in Portland
When you’re in pain most days, everything feels harder. It affects how you move, sleep, think, and relate to others. Sometimes it’s loud, sometimes it just lingers in the background. Either way, it’s exhausting.
At Inner Sanctuary Wellness in Portland, we see pain as more than just a physical issue. Our acupuncture and hands-on care are grounded in compassion and centered around your whole experience body, mind, and nervous system.
Whether your pain comes from an old injury, long-term stress, or something you still don’t have answers for, we’re here to help make space for ease again.


How Eastern Medicine Understands Pain
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), pain often points to something stuck in tight tissues, poor circulation, unprocessed tension, or internal imbalances. Instead of masking symptoms, we aim to get things moving again.
Acupuncture helps by:
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Easing inflammation in the body
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Stimulating your brain’s natural pain-relief chemicals
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Loosening areas where energy or blood feel blocked
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Calming the nervous system so your body can rest and repair
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Supporting emotional steadiness when pain has taken a toll
It’s not about pushing through. It’s about helping your body remember what comfort feels like.
What We Work With
Some people come in with clear diagnoses. Others have been told “we can’t find anything wrong” but the pain is still there. We regularly work with:
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Ongoing neck or back discomfort
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Headaches and migraines
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Joint pain in knees, hips, or shoulders
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Jaw tension or TMJ
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Fibromyalgia and widespread pain
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Post-surgical pain
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Muscle tightness from old injuries
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Pain that doesn’t seem to have a clear cause
You don’t need to “prove” anything to be cared for here. If it hurts, we take it seriously.


What Your Plan Might Look Like
The first session is mostly about listening. We talk about your health history, what your days feel like, and what you’ve already tried. From there, we shape a plan that makes sense for you.
It might include:
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Acupuncture targeted at pain areas and nervous system regulation
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Cupping to release muscle tension or stagnation
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Hands-on bodywork to ease tight fascia and help you feel grounded
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Herbal remedies for inflammation, circulation, or sleep
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Simple movement tips or self-care tools if they feel helpful
Everything is trauma-informed, paced with care, and done by licensed acupuncturists who are trained to listen closely.
Is Acupuncture a Safe Option for Chronic Pain?
It is. In fact, it’s one of the most studied natural approaches for long-term pain.
The side effects tend to be small, maybe some soreness where needles went in, or a bit of tiredness after your first few sessions. For many people, that tradeoff is worth it for the kind of calm, real relief that builds over time.
If you’re working with other health providers, we’ll gladly coordinate or adapt your plan as needed.


Will Insurance Help Cover It?
There’s a good chance. Many plans now include acupuncture for chronic pain, especially if it’s affecting your sleep or movement.
We can help you find out what your coverage looks like or offer what you need for reimbursement.
Ready for Relief That Actually Lasts?
You shouldn’t have to settle for just getting through the day. There’s a way to feel more like yourself, less tense, more mobile, more at ease.
If you’re ready to try something different, we’re here. Book a consultation, ask your questions, or just come in and talk.
Your care starts where you are.

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