By Cindy Reuter ND, MSOM, LAc, MPH, Medical Director of Integrative Medicine
I have a lot of tools in my tool kit to help people, but one of my favorites is Acupuncture. Acupuncture is only one small part of Chinese and Asian medical systems, but I use it every day in the Integrated Medicine clinic at Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital.
The list of conditions we can treat with acupuncture is long, but here are five at the top today, all of which can be chronic pain issues:
- Low back pain
- Shoulder pain
- Foot and ankle pain
- Headaches
- Neck pain
To help people get the most healing possible from acupuncture, I usually combine strategies, adding in cupping, supplements, and topical or internal herbs when needed.
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Since healing is a team effort, people leave the clinic with homework to help the acupuncture work its best. This can include exercise, managing stress, eating differently, improving posture while driving and working, and improving sleep quality. I may also ask people to get a massage (now that’s hard homework!), see a physical therapist or chiropractor, or work with a fitness professional who can help them with physical conditioning and being safe during activity.
I enjoy helping people with chronic pain because there are so many things we can do to help them feel better. If you are interested in trying acupuncture for a chronic pain problem, make an appointment today.