Acupuncture Specialist

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture promotes healing and pain relief by inserting a slender acupuncture needle into precise points on your body. These points, called acupoints, correspond to pathways of natural energy that flow throughout your body. Different pathways are associated with specific body systems and organs.

Traditional Chinese medicine teaches that illness occurs when your body’s natural energy, called qi, is blocked. Inserting acupuncture needles opens a blocked pathway and restores the flow of energy, which in turn enhances your body’s natural healing ability.

Medical researchers have also discovered that acupuncture activates your central nervous system. As a result, your brain releases a variety of biochemicals such as endorphins and neurotransmitters that relieve pain.

What health conditions are treated with acupuncture?

The World Health Organization supports acupuncture for treating many health conditions. Dr. Alexander often uses acupuncture to treat:

• Arthritis
• Acute and chronic pain
• Migraines and tension headaches
• Muscle spasms
• Abdominal distension
• Sinus allergies
• Eating disorders
• Anxiety

Acupuncture is especially beneficial for treating musculoskeletal pain. In addition to relaxing muscles and triggering the release of pain-relieving endorphins, acupuncture may also improve nerve communication in areas of the brain that regulate pain.

What should I expect during an acupuncture session?

Dr. Alexander performs a thorough assessment before starting acupuncture. He evaluates your symptoms and determines which organ systems are involved so he can precisely plan your acupuncture treatment.

When it’s time for your acupuncture session, you’ll lie on an examination table while Dr. Alexander inserts the needles. Acupuncture needles are different from those used to inject medicine. The needles used for acupuncture are very thin, flexible, and tapered, a design that allows them to glide through your skin with ease.

You may not feel the needle as it’s inserted, or you might feel a slight, momentary pinch. After the needle is in place, you may feel sensations such as tingling, but you should not feel pain or discomfort.

After the needles are inserted, you simply relax while they stay in place for about 10-20 minutes. During this time, Dr. Alexander may twirl the needle or send a mild electrical current through it to enhance the therapeutic effect.

If you’re interested in acupuncture or you have questions, call Legacy Pain and Regenerative Medicine or book an appointment online.