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Acupuncture

Five Benefits of Consistent Acupuncture Treatments

Five Benefits of Consistent Acupuncture Treatments

In a nutshell, traditional acupuncture, also known as Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM, works under the belief that the body is controlled by a flow of energy called qi traveling through pathways in the body that are called meridians. Acupuncturists believe that when these pathways become blocked and the energy can’t flow freely, various health problems begin to appear.  continue reading »

Cancer Treatment Side Effects? Acupuncture to the Rescue

Cancer Treatment Side Effects? Acupuncture to the Rescue

Cancer treatments can cause a variety of other side effects that also need to be addressed. More and more research is showing acupuncture as a viable option for additional pain management for those receiving chemotherapy or surgery and for the common side effects those treatments can bring. These side effects can include neuropathy, dry mouth, constipation, anxiety, and nausea. continue reading »

Acupuncture & Skin Conditions

Acupuncture & Skin Conditions

Got Acne, Eczema or Psoriasis? Acupuncture Can Help

Our skin is our most visible organ and can often be the first thing people notice about us. If you suffer from a severe case of acne, eczema, or psoriasis, your skin care is the most important thing you think about. Over-the-counter medicine is a common first line of defense, but often the side effects are worse than the issue they are supposed to treat.  continue reading »

Acupuncture for Weight Loss

Acupuncture for Weight Loss

Most of us have those pesky few pounds that just won’t release their grip on us. We might try the latest diet or exercise trend but that weight just won’t come off. Or maybe you have more than just a little weight to lose. Rather than jump on the latest fad diet that sounds too good to be true, have you thought about trying acupuncture to lose weight? It just might be the ticket to not only losing those extra pounds but also to getting your overall health back on track. continue reading »

Treating Sciatica Pain with Acupuncture

Treating Sciatica Pain with Acupuncture

Anyone who has suffered from sciatic nerve pain can tell you it can be a very debilitating condition. It is typically caused by an impingement of the sciatic nerve in the lower back but the pain is actually felt radiating down the leg and in the buttock. There are several potential causes of sciatic pain including:

  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Lumbar spinal stenosis
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Pregnancy
  • Herniated lumbar disc (also known as a slipped disc)

Acupuncture is one of the most gentle and effective treatment options. Traditional medicine may prescribe medication to deal with the pain caused by sciatica but acupuncture is a drug-free option that treats the issue and not just the symptom.

Types of Sciatic Pain

Those suffering from sciatic pain often describe it as impacting just one side of the body and causing pain in the leg or buttocks that worsens when sitting; burning, tingling, or sometimes searing pain down the leg; weakness or numbness with difficulty moving the leg or the foot; or shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand. 

What Acupuncture Does

If you are struggling with sciatica, Carleton will insert needles into specific points on your body to trigger a response from your nervous system which tells your body to release those helpful endorphins, increase blood flow to the impacted area, and relax surrounding muscles. 

Relieving the Pain

Carleton also might suggest massaging specific acupressure points at home that can help to alleviate the pressure on that nerve. By applying gentle and circular pressure to the points, we can achieve relaxation of the muscles and an easing of the pain. 

Common acupressure points that might be addressed are UB23, also known as kidney tonifying point for lower back pain, which reduces muscle tension. Gallbladder 30 also helps to treat lower back pain and release tension throughout the hips and legs (which is often where the pain is most acute) and it can help boost overall circulation. Acupressure point UB40 addresses all major pain sensations along the spine. This point is also useful in treating stiffness, muscle spasms, knee stiffness, and arthritis. And finally UB62 can help to release lumbar tension and ease anxiety associated with sciatic nerve pain. 

Acupuncture is safe and effective option to help manage the pain by increasing blood flow to the area and relaxing the lumbar muscles. Research also points to acupuncture being an effective pain management option for sciatica. 

Carleton also has advanced training in in Chinese herbal medicine and he might prescribe specific herbs for addressing your sciatic pain, along with needling. Each patient is different so no two treatments will be the same and we will work with you to determine the best number of total treatments as well as frequency. Don’t spend another day with sciatic pain. Call us and make an appointment today. 

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– Alpine Acupuncture

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