Acupuncture has been practiced in China for more than 5000 years. Acupuncture is a safe means of therapy used to relieve pain or affect a body part. Acupuncture is performed by inserting fine needles at specific points on the surface of the body. The needles alter the energy flow in the body to assist in the natural process of healing from within. There are also certain conditions that may require acupuncture to certain points of the outer ear as well as the addition of electrical stimulation to the needles. Chiropractic manipulation is often used at the same time we are treating the patient with acupuncture and we have found this is very effective in helping the patient. The World Health Organization has cited acupuncture as a form of treatment for over 100 health conditions.

 

Acupuncture is principally used for relieving pain. There are two theories used to explain how acupuncture works. In the ancient Chinese theory, life-force energy called “chi” flows along specific acupuncture pathways called meridians. This energy must be in balance and move freely to maintain health. In this theory, the acupuncture treatment will increase or decrease the chi energy to bring balance to the vital energy flow. By correcting the balance of chi, a healing response is stimulated and this will help reduce the patients pain. The other popular theory is that the brain makes certain chemicals called endorphins and enkephalins. The acupuncture treatment will trigger the release of these pain-killing, healing chemicals at the local area where the needle is inserted.

 

Acupuncture textbooks list the following conditions that respond well to acupuncture:

 

Chronic and Acute Pain Relief

Migraine, headaches (tension, sinus and cluster), TMJ, Neck and shoulder pain, upper/mid/lower back pain, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, hip pain, knee pain, ankle/heel/foot pain, Arthritis, tendonitis, fibromyalgia, sports injury, pain after surgery or dental procedures

 

Other conditions:

 

Smoking addiction, drug addiction, weight control, sinusitis, rhinitis, tinnitus, stress, depression, anxiety, insomnia, chronic fatigue syndrome, lack of energy, hypertension, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, PMS, menstrual cramping, menopause syndrome, and others.

 

How safe is acupuncture? The needles are pre-sterilized, disposable and used only once then discarded.

 

Treatment time varies with different conditions and different individuals.  The number of treatments is based on medical necessity. It may be suggested that patient’s with severe or chronic conditions return for a booster treatment three to four times a year to prevent recurrences. 

 

 We do suggest that patients who are undergoing acupuncture treatment make attempts to improve the quality of their diet and usually we advise drinking 8 glasses of water per day at this time to help flush waste products and toxins from the body.

 

You will find that acupuncture therapy doesn’t hurt, often you will not feel the needle going in or you may feel a little sting like a mosquito bite.   The needle is not inserted very deep and it is extremely thin. Acupuncture has virtually no side effects. After the needle is in place, the patient may feel warmth or a slight tingling sensation that is not limited to the needle site but may radiate. A patient may bleed slightly when the needles are removed but this is not more than a drop or two and certainly does not happen on each treatment. The acupuncture treatment takes about 20 minutes once the needles have been inserted. If you are being treated with acupuncture on the ear, the ear may become temporarily red and tender. You must be able to remain still and not move about during the treatment.  It is common to feel relaxed and sleepy after the treatment and you may find you are sleeping better. It is advisable to relax for a few hours after each treatment so that you do not change what has been done during the visit.

 

Please let us know if you have the following conditions that may prevent you from getting this type of treatment:

 

Pregnancy, if you are on anti-coagulant medication, if you have a bleeding problems and tendencies, if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, if you have a cardiac pacemaker.

 

As you get comfortable with our office, please feel free to take literature on acupuncture to read at home. Also, ask any of our staff if you have any questions that we can help you with.

 

Dr. Nancy Elliott is a Chiropractic Physician licensed in Park Ridge, Illinois since 1982.

 

Acupuncture and Chiropractic appointments are available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7 am until 7 pm.