Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a branch of traditional Chinese Medicine that utilizes fine needles, electricity and other methods to stimulate points on the body.  Acupuncture is based on the belief that an energy, or 'life force', flows through the body in channels called meridians. This life force is known as Qi (pronounced 'chee').  By balancing the energy in these meridians cells and tissues of the body can repair themselves or replace themselves with healthy tissue, reducing symptoms and diseases.  Today, electromagnetic research has confirmed the locations of acupuncture points,providing scientific explanations that acupuncture needles stimulate the release of chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord and brain. These natural chemicals can change pain sensations and activate other chemical and hormonal releases that help regulate healthy body functions. 
 

 The meridian system can be treated in a variety of ways. Needle insertion is the method that has achieved the most notoriety but other methods of stimulation including application of pressure, electric current and laser light have proven to be equally effective.  Most patients report hardly noticing the insertion of the needles, which are laser-cut, single-use, solid-filament needles.  At Totty Chiropractic & Acupuncture, we offer needle and non-needle techniques to accommodate all patients.  

 According to the World Health Organization here is a list of diseases, symptoms or conditions for which acupuncture has been proven through controlled trials-to be an effective treatment:

• Adverse reactions to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy
• Allergic rhinitis (including hay fever)
• Biliary colic
• Depression (including depressive neurosis and depression following stroke)
• Dysentery, acute bacillary
• Dysmenorrhoea, primary
• Epigastralgia, acute (in peptic ulcer, acute and chronic gastritis, and gastrospasm)
• Facial pain (including craniomandibular disorders)
• Headache
• Hypertension, essential
• Hypotension, primary
• Induction of labour
• Knee pain
• Leukopenia
• Low back pain
• Malposition of fetus, correction of
• Morning sickness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Neck pain
• Pain in dentistry (including dental pain and temporomandibular dysfunction)
• Periarthritis of shoulder
• Postoperative pain
• Renal colic
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Sciatica
• Sprain
• Stroke
• Tennis elbow

This is just a small sampling of the conditions successfully treated through acupuncture.  There is continued research being done on various other conditions to be able to prove acupuncture efficacy. 

  I started getting acupuncture when I couldn't turn my head far enough to see the stage at the opera. Since then, not only has Dr. Liz helped me with my neck pain and stiffness but I have such a great sense of well being when I get acupuncture! I have referred several of my friends and family members to Dr. Liz and they all love acupuncture too!
​                                                                                              -Betty B.
Dr. Liz started treating me for my migraines with acupuncture and allowed me to finally have a handle on them!  Now, I have tried it for my lower back and hand pain that I've had chronically for years.  I can play golf, do my yard work and have the quality of life that I have wanted for so long!                            
                                                                                              -June W.