Acupuncture is a healing art and science created by over four thousand years of practice, research and refinement. It really works! Acupuncture is based on the principle that there are many specific points of influence and control on the skin of the human body. When stimulated in a certain way, these points influence the healing and growth of the body on the inside as well as the muscles, bones, and joints.

Most people want to try the needle method so they can say they really DID acupuncture. Many people are completely afraid of needle acupuncture because they think it will hurt. Don’t be afraid! The acupuncture needles are thinner than a human hair. You don’t even feel them being used.

The term acupuncture refers to a principle, not the practice. The word refers to the science of meridian therapy, not how it is done. There are many ways to practice acupuncture. I have extensively studied and practiced many methods.

Immediately my patients think of STOP SMOKING or WEIGHT LOSS when they hear the word acupuncture. It is true that acupuncture has been proven highly effective in treating these conditions. As many of my patients know, I am very passionate about helping my patients stop their smoking habit, and I intend to use acupuncture as one of the tools to help. But know this: The STOP SMOKING PROGRAM is comprehensive. I will be using several tools in addition to acupuncture to help a patient. I do not use acupuncture alone for these people. Regarding weight loss-at this time, I choose not to go there. There are many very good programs on the market these days for people to reduce their weight. I choose to focus my efforts on other health challenges.

My patients seem surprised by my additional degrees as a licensed and certified acupuncturist. In fact, I have acquired degrees from two licensing bodies in acupuncture. I have earned fellowship in both the International Academy of Clinical Acupuncture and the Acupuncture Society of America.

When did I do this? I keep studying! I’ve been doing my homework! Doctors are required to go back to school constantly to keep up with current education and research. That’s what I’ve been doing. I’ve been fascinated by the science and methods of acupuncture since I was in high school. I’ve been studying this knowledge all through my pre-med and chiropractic college years. I participated in extensive acupuncture education in the 1990’s. I’ve had the good fortune of studying directly under masters of Chinese acupuncture: Drs. John Amaro and Richard Yennie. Both men have traveled extensively throughout China, Japan, Korea, and Cuba to learn this art form. I know these men personally and feel honored to have acquired this level of knowledge with them. Dr. John Amaro’s picture can be seen on another flyer in my office as he applies acupuncture on a Chinese lion cub.

What is acupuncture good for? The answer is-most everything. Acupuncture has been proven effective in over 2000 health care disorders of the human body. It affects the growth and function of muscles, bones, and joints. It also influences the healing and function of the internal organs. It can also influence the mind and emotions. I’m barely tapping the surface here in describing the potential uses of acupuncture. My goal is to focus its use on musculoskeletal disorders, complementing my chiropractic work. Think of acupuncture like another tool I can use to help my patients get better. A popular use for acupuncture is to tonify or give more strength and energy to a specific area of your body, or the whole body all at once. Another is to sedate or calm an area when inflamed or swollen. There are different acupoints we stimulate to create these changes.

Here’s how it’s done: I intend to use acupuncture as an additional tool. I will bring it out when I need it. Example: For those patients that are not improving at a rapid rate, like we are used to experiencing with chiropractic. There will be patients who seek the full body tonification (improvement) treatment. As my patient, you will be lead to a comfortable treatment room by me. We will review your health history and concerns regarding your body. Modern technology has produced a diagnostic tool that measures the exact energy level of all twelve meridians or energy channels. When an imbalance in QI flow (energy flow) is determined, we develop a treatment plan to restore you to proper health. The acupuncture treatment is relaxing and non-painful. We use several methods of meridian stimulation including heat packs, massage and finger pressure, tapping methods, qi-gong sound machine, micro-voltage electrical stimulation, and the traditional needle method. These techniques are combined and interchangeable, depending on the needs of the patient. The acupuncture treatment takes about 10-20 minutes to complete. You will usually feel calmed and relaxed following a treatment. We find the best results are obtained when a patient participates in a therapeutic trial-a series of 4-6 treatments, once per week. After this trial period, we squarely confront if we have helped the patient. Almost always, this is so. If so, we adjust the treatment schedule and follow through until the patient is fully well.

I became fascinated with acupuncture when I was a teenager. I began to study the science and technology of this Chinese system of healing and soon discovered it complemented my chiropractic work. Both systems of healthcare recognize the body’s inborn ability to heal itself if only the channels of flow and energy are open and functioning to the highest potential. Blockage creates dis-health. Nerve flow, blood flow, QI flow, energy flow-All these energy pathways must be open and free of obstruction for the body and mind to be well and healthy.

I invite you to experience the health enhancing effects of the science of acupuncture. All you need to do is let Carol or myself know you want to participate in an acupuncture program. We will introduce you to another culture of healing and knowledge. I am sure you will be pleased with your new discovery and the improvements you are bound to make as you enhance your healing experience.

Best of health!