Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been practiced in China and other Asian countries for thousands of years. Acupuncture involves stimulating specific points on the body. This is most often done by inserting thin needles through the skin, to cause a change in the physiological functions of the body.
Research has shown that acupuncture reduces nausea and vomiting after surgery and chemotherapy. It can also relieve pain. Researchers don't fully understand how acupuncture works. It might aid the activity of your body's pain-killing chemicals. It also might affect how you release chemicals that regulate blood pressure and flow.
NIH: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Dr. Kourtu received training in this traditional Chinese art through the Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China. He now has thirteen years experience in this ancient form of western medicine.
Clinical research studies have supported acupuncture treatment for the following conditions:
• Low back Pain
• Neck Pain
• Headache/Migraine
• Pain in the Shoulder, Elbow, Knee, Hip, and other joints
• Stress
DOES ACUPUNCTURE REALLY WORK?
Yes. Over the past 3,000 years, acupuncture has been used to successfully treat more people than all other medical treatments combined.
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
Sixteenth century Chinese doctors believed that illness was due to an imbalance of energy in the body. In acupuncture, disposable, stainless steel needles are used to stimulate the body's 14 major meridians, or energy-carrying channels, to resist or overcome illnesses and conditions by correcting these imbalances.
Acupuncture is also thought to decrease pain by increasing the release of chemicals that block pain, called endorphins. The release of endorphins (morphine-like chemicals produced in our own bodies along with other neurotransmitters (body chemicals that modify nerve impulses), block the message of pain from being delivered up to the brain.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
The number and frequency of treatments is individualized to each patient. For chronic pain conditions, one or two treatments per week for several weeks may be recommended. During your initial consultation, Dr. Kourtu will individualize a treatment plan for you.
IS ACUPUNCTURE COVERED BY HEALTH INSURANCE?
Because each insurance provider has different restrictions, it is best to consult with your provider to determine if your acupuncture treatment will be covered. Many of our current patients are covered by insurance at this time.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT?
The acupuncturist, will swab each acu-point area with alcohol before tapping a hair-thin, metal needle into the site. The number of needles used during treatment can vary and are placed at various depths. They are placed under the skin in carefully determined points on the body. After the needles have been inserted, they stay in place for several minutes to an hour. In a treatment series, the acupuncturist will use different combinations of points, different needling techniques, or both. These combinations help stimulate new sources of healing as the person's response to treatment is observed. Most people feel no pain or minimal discomfort as the needles are inserted. The number and placement of the needles is dependent on the problem being treated. We believe that that learning ways to conquer pain, without addictive pain medication, is not only possible but desirable and Acupuncture is an important ally in obtaining that goal.
