Medical Acupuncture – Asheville, NC
Fast Relief Backed by Science
You’ve likely heard of acupuncture before, a technique in traditional Chinese medicine that involves placing extremely thin needles into certain parts of the body to stop pain and stimulate healing. Dr. Pinkstonis able to combine this ancient method with modern knowledge and training to offer medical acupuncture, a treatment that aims to provide fast relief for those dealing with chronic pain or an acute injury. Used alone, or in conjunction with other treatments, it can be a valuable tool for patients seeking a comfortable healing process. Could it be what you need to stop your aching back or constant headaches? You can learn more at a consultation, so contact us today to learn more about your options for medical acupuncture in Asheville, NC.
Why Choose Asheville Non-Surgical Orthopedics
for Medical Acupuncture?
-
Doctor of Osteopathic
Medicine Specializing
in Neuromusculoskeletal
Anatomy -
Our Practice
Focuses on a
Whole-Body Approach
to Care -
Trained in
Acupuncture
by the
Helms Medical Institute
What Is
Medical Acupuncture?
Medical acupuncture shares a lot of similarities with traditional acupuncture, in that the strategic placement of needles into the skin is used to stimulate specific areas of the body and promote healing. Medical acupuncture combines this technique with a more modern-day understanding of the body, and in addition to the acupuncture being used as a stand-alone approach, it is can be combined with other procedures to deliver a more thorough treatment.
What Are the Benefits of
Medical Acupuncture?
For patients in need of immediate pain relief, or those who will require a lengthy recovery, medical acupuncture seeks to help lessen or stop ongoing discomfort while a more robust treatment addresses the underlying cause of the problem if needed. We want our patients to remain comfortable throughout their treatment process without having to rely on medication that could have unwanted side effects. After an acupuncture appointment, it is not uncommon for us to hear that a patient feels like their normal self again (if not more relaxed) and is able to resume their regular daily activities.
Why Should I Visit an Osteopathic Physician for Medical Acupuncture?
The biggest difference between traditional and modern medical acupuncture largely comes down to the person providing it. At many clinics, acupuncture is done by someone with little-to-no formal medical training, but here, patients are treated by an osteopathic doctor who has graduated from medical school and completed a rigorous residency specialization in treatments such as these. Dr. Pinkston blends the best of what’s old and what’s new when it comes to medicine and can use acupuncture as part of an overall treatment plan rather than a single strategy, plus he’s also able to take a patient’s entire body into account, not just their specific symptoms. Together, we believe this leads to better, longer-lasting results.
Medical Acupuncture FAQs
Acupuncture has helped countless people throughout hundreds of generations — and it might be able to help you as well! Before you book a consultation, though, we understand if you want to gather more information about this approach to treatment. Below, you will find succinct answers to some important FAQs. If your particular points of interest are not included here, call our Asheville office. Our team will be happy to speak with you!
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Some people are a bit uncomfortable around needles, so the prospect of having dozens of them inserted into your body might seem intimidating! However, you can rest assured that the overall experience of medical acupuncture is surprisingly comfortable. You might feel a little pinch as the needles are inserted, but some patients do not feel anything at all. Some very mild side effects, such as light cramping, might also occur. However, these are usually quite easy to tolerate.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Patient safety is extremely important to us, so we take every precaution to reduce the risk of infections. For example, we only use packaged, pre-sterilized, disposable needles. The chances that unwanted bacteria will sneak into your body and cause problems are next to nothing.
The acupuncture treatment itself is also considered very safe. Compared to many pharmaceutical treatments, the side effects are minimal. In fact, medical acupuncture is generally regarded as a truly conservative, holistic form of treatment.
How Does Acupuncture Provide Pain Relief?
According to traditional practitioners of Chinese medicine, acupuncture works because of an invisible force that runs through the body. This force, known as Qi, can get out of balance and cause various symptoms. Acupuncture helps to correct the flow of Qi.
That might sound a bit unscientific, and thankfully, modern research has clarified how acupuncture actually works. Many experts agree that the needles used in therapy stimulate parts of the brain, which leads to a reduction in pain and an increase in relaxation throughout the body. Some studies even indicate that medical acupuncture can help to manage depression, migraines, and numerous other conditions.
How Often Will I Need to Attend Acupuncture Sessions?
Acupuncture treatment plans are customized to each patient. Some people notice significant benefits after a single session, while others need to visit us multiple times before they start to experience results.
After your initial course of acupuncture, the frequency of your sessions may decrease. However, we often recommend periodic visits to help patients maintain their good results.
How Long Does an Acupuncture Session Last?
The length of acupuncture treatment sessions varies. Usually, the first session is the longest because we set aside extra time to answer questions, learn about your symptoms, and more. Thereafter, sessions may last anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes.