Why Acupuncture?
Introduction to Acupuncture
Acupuncture is part of the ancient practice of Traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believe the human body has more than 2,000 acupuncture points connected by pathways or meridians. These pathways create an energy flow (Qi, pronounced "chee";) through the body that is responsible for overall health. Disruption of the energy flow can cause disease. By applying acupuncture to certain points, it is thought to improve the flow of Qi, thereby improving health.
How Does Acupuncture Affect the Body?
Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system. This, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system. This, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.
What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?
Acupuncture is done by inserting hair-thin needles on one or more of those 2000 acupuncture points. Most people report feeling minimal pain as the needle is inserted. Some people report acupuncture makes them feel energized. Others say they feel so relaxed, they feel like taking a nap during the procedure. Treatment times average 20 minutes for most treatments.
What Conditions Does Dr. Anderson Treat Using Acupuncture?
Studies have shown that acupuncture is effective for a variety of conditions. Dr. Anderson utilizes
acupuncture when necessary to help with the following conditions:
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Musculoskeletal:
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Back and neck pain resistant to chiropractic care
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Sciatica
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Arthritis
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Fibromyalgia
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Digestive:
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Nausea
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Gastritis
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Hemorrhoids
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Emotional:
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Nervousness
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How Is Dry Needling Different Than Acupuncture?
​Acupuncture uses specific acupuncture points on well-established meridians to regulate endorphins and benefit a wide variety of conditions in the body.
Dry needling is a more recent development and is largely used by physical therapists and chiropractors who needle directly into the body of tense muscles to release tension and relieve pain.
While Dr. Anderson may use either acupuncture and/or dry needling for tough musculoskeletal conditions, he relies more on acupuncture for treatment of digestive and emotional conditions.
The Original Stress Reliever
How Eleanor beat her stress to finish her project on time
Eleanor came home from work feeling overworked and overwhelmed, she had a big project deadline coming up and the stress was finally getting to her. The tension in her neck from the stress and constant computer use definitely wasn't helping either.
As soon as she flopped onto the couch her husband rushed into the room and asked her a series of questions about where things were or about plans for the weekend. Overwhelmed, Eleanor began to cry.
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Her husband asked what was wrong, and she mentioned how the stress was finally too much. She didn't know what to do, and she didn't have a desire to do her usual stress relieving techniques.
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"You know, one of my buddies just started getting acupuncture when his stress levels got too high, maybe you can try that too," her husband suggested.
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"'You know, one of my buddies just started getting acupuncture when his stress levels got too high, maybe you can try that too.'"
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Eleanor also had some friends who swore by acupuncture to relieve stress and help with pain, so she decided it was worth a shot. She needed the relief to get through the project finish line.
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She found a walk-in chiropractor who practiced acupuncture near her work and stopped by after work. She told the doctor about the stress in her neck and the constant feeling of overwhelm and stress.
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The chiropractor had Eleanor lay on his table and he inserted a few shallow needles in different meridians mainly in her head, feet, knees, and wrists. She thought it might hurt more but was pleasantly surprised by how painless the needles felt.
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After 20 minutes the treatment was over, and Eleanor found herself napping. The doctor removed the needles and sent Eleanor on her way.
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Eleanor was surprised at how calm she felt, it had probably been months since she didn't feel overwhelmed. She got through the rest of her day without getting frustrated or upset and slept like a baby.
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"She got through the rest of her day without getting frustrated or upset and slept like a baby."
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When she got to work the next day she couldn't believe how focused and sharp she felt without the constant feeling of overwhelm. Eleanor started going in for weekly acupuncture appointments to maintain her new state of calm, and they even finished their project early.
I have upper back and neck problems, which lead to chronic headaches. I had been to many other places and never got relief, but Dr. Anderson got me on the impulse instrument and acupuncture, and I have been headache free for years. And when I do have a little kink, he heads it off.
