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.
Other Health Conditions We Treat At Inner Sanctuary Wellness
Services We Offer To Help You Heal
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Can gentle bodywork be combined with acupuncture or herbs?Yes. We often recommend combining bodywork with acupuncture, cupping, or herbal medicine for a well-rounded approach to wellness.
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Will I feel sore after getting gentle bodywork done?Most clients feel relaxed or lighter. Some feel emotional or tired, which is part of the body's integration process. There is typically no soreness.
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Is gentle bodywork like a massage?It’s different in technique and intent. While massage works on muscle tissue with pressure, gentle bodywork focuses on the fascia, breath, and nervous system.
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Do I need to undress for the gentle bodywork session?No. Gentle bodywork is typically done fully clothed. Wear something comfortable and flexible.
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Do I need multiple sessions?That depends on your goals. For acute issues, one or two sessions may be enough. For chronic patterns, regular treatments yield the best results.
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Can I exercise afterward having cupping?It's best to rest or do light movement after your session to allow your body to process the effects. Avoid intense workouts for 24 hours.
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How long do the cupping marks last?Typically 3 to 7 days. The darker the mark, the more stagnation was present in that area.
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Is cupping painful?Most people find it deeply relaxing. A slight pulling or tightness is normal, but discomfort is rare and adjusted immediately.
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Can I wear makeup after getting Gua Sha treatment?After facial Gua Sha, it's best to let your skin breathe for a few hours. We apply a nourishing serum post-treatment to soothe and hydrate.
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Will Gua Sha leave bruises?Not exactly. The marks (known as sha) are different from bruises and indicate stagnant blood or fluids moving toward the surface. They are not painful and fade quickly.
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How many Gua Sha sessions will I need?Some clients feel results after one session, while others benefit from a series. For facial Gua Sha, weekly treatments for a month may offer the best cosmetic benefits.
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Does Gua Sha hurt?Gua Sha is usually gentle and relaxing. On tight or stagnant areas, you may feel a slight pulling sensation, but discomfort is minimal and always adjustable.
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Is this like Western herbalism?There is overlap, but Chinese herbal medicine is more diagnostically precise and formula-driven. More like prescription care than casual supplement use.
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Do the herbs taste bad?Some do, some don’t! But we’ll work with your preferences, capsules and tinctures are great options for sensitive taste buds.
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Are there side effects taking Herbal medicine?Side effects are rare and usually mild (such as temporary digestive changes). We monitor you closely and make formula changes as needed.
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Can I take herbs with my medications?In most cases, yes but we always check for contraindications first. Safety first.
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Can I combine acupuncture with other treatments?Absolutely. Acupuncture works beautifully alongside physical therapy, counseling, massage, and more.
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Is acupuncture safe?Yes. We use sterile, single-use needles and follow strict hygiene protocols.
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Is Acupuncture painful?Most people feel little to no pain, just a tiny pinch or pressure that quickly fades.
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Will insurance cover it?I am in-network with the following insurance companies: Blue Cross/Regence Aetna CareOregon Triwest (Veteran's Affairs) United PacificSource Moda (effective 2/25) Kaiser foundation health plan of the northwest (Intel) I am not in-network with the rest of Kaiser, which includes Kaiser OHP.
Contact Us
Let us know how we can help you
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