Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a form of health care that involves the insertion of very fine needles on the body's surface with the intent of influencing certain physiological functions of the body.  

HISTORY

Acupuncture is time proven, in fact, the first record of Acupuncture dates back to around 300 BC, in a book called the "Huang Di Nei Jing", translated: Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine.  The theories presented in this book were passed down from Shen Nung, who is considered the 'father of Chinese Medicine'.  He documented theories about circulation, pulse, and the heart well over 4,000 years before Western European medicine discovered the specific inner workings of the body.  Acupuncture is practiced around the world, and is growing in popularity in the western world given positive results combined with the extremely minimal nature of adverse reactions.

THEORY

At the heart of Acupuncture lies the concept of "Qi", pronounced "Ch-ee".  Qi is considered an energy force which runs through the body which in essence, makes the body go.  When Qi is in balance, the person is in good health.  When Qi becomes imbalanced or is deficient, the person's health is adversely affected and symptoms occur.  Qi runs through meridians, which are special pathways that have been mapped out on the body.  It is on special points on these meridians that the needles themselves are inserted into.  By utilizing certain points and needling a certain way, one can influence the flow of Qi and restore balance to the body, thus improving health.  

As the popularity of Acupuncture has risen in the West, many researches have studied it in clinical trials.  Repeated studies have shown its effectiveness treating various ailments and thus everybody wants to know, How does it work?  In a perfect world, we would have one non-debated answer as to how it works.  Researches, practitioners, and scholars alike studying and dissecting Acupuncture all have their own ideas on how it works, and here are a following of the common theories:

The Augmentation of Immunity Theory

Acupuncture raises levels of triglycerides, specific hormones, prostaglandins, white blood counts, gamma globulins, opsonins, and overall anti-body levels. 

The "Endorphin" Theory

Acupuncture stimulates the secretion of endorphins in the body (specifically Enkaphalins).  These are long and short term painkillers that the body will normally produce in certain situations. 

The "Neurotransmitter" Theory

Acupuncture affects certain neurotransmitter levels (such as Seratonin and Noradrenaline) which in turn affect the entire body in terms of mood and physiological function

The "Circulatory Theory"

Acupuncture affects blood vessels by causing constriction or dilation.  It is thought Acupuncture causes vasodilaters such as Histamine to be released.

The "Gate Control" Theory

It is thought there is a "gate", or an area of the spinal cord that controls what impulses get transmitted to the brain.  It is thought Acupuncture affects the gate by closing the gate and thereby inhibiting painful responses to the brain. 

COMMON CONDITIONS

We use Acupuncture in our facility to treat a vast array of complaints.  Of course, the most common complaint is pain.  Below is a list of complaints our patients commonly seek Acupuncture treatment for:

• Neck pain
• Back pain
• Shoulder pain
• Hip pain
• Arm / Leg pain
• Interstitial cystitis
  
• Disc degeneration / bulge / rupture
• Post surgery syndrome (post disc surgery,fusion,etc)
• Arthritis
• Headaches
• Stress
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Infertility

If your specific complaint or symptoms is not listed here, do not worry, chances are we have seen people with your type of presentation or with something similar. 

INFERTILITY

Acupuncture has been a very effective therapy in treating fertility problems.  There have been several very good studies done on this and we have seen similar results in our clinic.  Research has shown that the use of acupuncture can increase blood flow to the uterus, which provides a thick, rich uterine wall lining.  This nourishing environment increases the chances of conception.  Acupuncture has also been shown to reduce stress, which can be an extremely important factor when dealing with such an emotional issue is trying to conceive a child.  There are also ideas centering around the effect of acupuncture on the ovarian cycle. 

We use this therapy as a stand alone therapy as well as in addition to many medical treatments including: in Vitro fertilization, intrauterine insemination, and ovulation induction.  

FACIAL REJUVENATION

Dr. Tricia is the only individual in South Dakota certified in constitutional facial rejuvenation.  This procedure involves the use of very small acupuncture needles to tighten the skin.  This non-surgical and virtually pain free procedure is used often in our clinic to reverse signs of the aging process.  This is often combined with a facial massage / heat pack treatment and is very good for relaxation as well.  Treatment programs typically consist of once per week for 3-4 months, then once per month for 3-4 months for maintenance, and then as needed.  Results are not as expedient or dramatic as with surgical procedures or drugs, but the results are 'natural' and without any side effects.  

RESEARCH

The following is several study summaries involving acupuncture, which include links that can take you to a website detailing the entire study.  Also, you can click here to see our testimonial page and see what others have to say about their experience here using acupuncture.

• Summary: Following electrical acupuncture, blood flow was increased in the uterine arteries.  Successful embryo implantation demands optimal endometrial receptivity, thus increased blood flow to the uterus would be significantly enhance chances of pregnancy.  (for full article, click here

• Summary: Luteal-phase acupuncture has a positive effect on the outcome of  IVF/ICSI.  (for full article, click here)

• Summary: Acupuncture seems to be a useful tool for improving pregnancy rate after ART- assisted reproductive therapy. (for full article, click here
  
• Summary: Meta-Analysis suggest acupuncture may boost IVF success rate (for full article, click here)