Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese method of healing. It was first recorded approximately 2000 years ago and it is still used in China today. Acupuncture encourages the body to promote healing and improve its function. The Chinese explanation behind acupuncture is that qi (pronounced chi), or energy, runs through channels, or meridians, in one's body to nourish tissues. An obstruction of this energy flow is like a dam that prohibits proper energy flow. Acupuncture needles unblock this obstruction and promotes proper energy flow. The modern scientific explanation is that the acupuncture needles stimulate the nervous system to release chemicals into the brain, spinal cord and muscles. The chemicals are then believed to either alter the feeling of pain or stimulate the body's own internal regulating system.

Acupuncture has been shown to control and/or alleviate a multitude of diseases and disorders recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). The following is a list of diseases, symptoms, and conditions for which acupuncture has been proven through controlled clinical trials to be an effective treatment: Adverse Reactions to Chemotherapy (nausea, fatigue, etc.) · Allergic Rhinitis (allergy induced runny nose) · Dysmenorrhea, Primary (painful periods) · Facial Pain · Knee Pain · Low Back Pain · Nausea and Vomiting · Neck Pain · Pain in Dentistry (dental pain and temporomandibular pain) · Periarthritis of Shoulder · Postoperative Pain · Sciatica · Tennis elbow · and More. WHO research for the effectiveness of acupuncture has just recently begun. There are still many other symptoms and conditions, like smoking addiction and weight gain, that have been controlled with acupuncture, but have yet to be completely proven with clinical trials.

All patients experience acupuncture needling differently, but the procedure is essentially painless. The needles are very thin and are inserted quickly into the appropriate areas of the body. The point of these needles is solid and smooth, unlike the hollow needles used for blood sampling. Occasionally, a slight pinch is felt when the needle is inserted, however, no pain is felt when the needles are in place. Some patients feel the qi, or energy, arise at the needles once they are inserted, which can be described as an itchy or tingling sensation.

Some insurance companies do cover acupuncture and that is to be determined after our review of your insurance policy. If acupuncture is not covered by your insurance, we offer a reasonable price for each 30 minute treatment session, which can be paid by debit, credit, check, or cash.

The doctor will evaluate your condition and create an acupuncture treatment plan designed specifically for you. For complex conditions, 1 or 2 treatments per week for several months may be recommended. For acute conditions, usually fewer visits are required. Each acupuncture treatment session will run about 25-30 minutes. The actual time that a patient must have the needles in them is approximately 20 minutes.