HealthBeat This month’s feature topics are
Acupuncture & Foot Health
HealthBeat April: Acupuncture & Foot Health; World Health Day April 7th
How to choose an acupuncture provider Holistic medicine has been around for thousands of years and among its chief practitioners are acupuncturists. Using tiny needles to stimulate nerves beneath the surface of the skin has proven benefits and thousand of people take advantage of this ancient Chinese art every day. And although the practice has become more widely known and accepted, the practice of any medical care in the wrong hands can be dangerous so it pays to educate yourself before you go looking. The Eastern medicine practice goes back as much as 5,000 years and is defined as the natural healing force uniting the universe and the body in terms of two opposing forces, the “yin” and the “yang.” By inserting small, mostly painless needles into various pressure points, the body is brought back into its proper balance. But the value of acupuncture isn’t just an Eastern myth. For many years, Western
physicians have confirmed that acupuncture can help relieve chronic pain, migraine headaches, fibromyalgia and osteoarthritisrelated symptoms, among other stresses. Researchers also believe it’s valuable in the treatment of post-traumatic stress, depression and anxiety, as well as control the side effects of chemotherapy. In short, this once derided therapy now ranks among the top non-medical, nonpharmaceutical medical treatments with proven benefits.
How to Find a Skilled Acupuncturist
Increasingly, most medical doctors understand their patients desire to seek alternatives to traditional methods of treatment. It is now not uncommon for physicians to recommend acupuncture as either a primary or additional treatment when confronting pain in all its forms.
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You may want to check with your insurance provider as well, as many companies offer coverage for selected acupuncture services. Furthermore, if you have friends or family that have undergone the procedure, ask them about their experience and whether or not they would recommend the acupuncturist they went to. Certification is key in choosing the right acupuncturist. It indicates a practitioner’s level of training, skills and prior experience. A qualified acupuncturist will have all this information readily available. A licensed practitioner may also offer other valuable health services, such as herbal medicine and cupping. These treatments are sometimes used in conjunction with acupuncture.
Key points to consider
Acupuncturists practicing in the United States must use sterile, one-time-use needles, and work in a safe and clean environment. Ask to see the rooms were sessions take place and make sure standard medical cleanliness practices are adhered to, such as clean hands, covered tables and properly disposed needles. Don’t be afraid to request a consultation, just as you would with any healthcare provider. Acupuncture specialists should
DID YOU KNOW?
What are flat feet, and is there cause for concern?
Parents want to be sure that their children are healthy from top to bottom. When parents see that their children may have fallen arches, sometimes referred to as “flat feet,” or discover it from a pediatrician, they may wonder if this is something to be concerned about. Flat feet are quite common. A 2006 study of the condition published in the journal Pediatrics found that the prevalence of flat feet in a studied group of children between the ages of three and six was 44 percent. Whereas the prevalence of flat feet can decrease with age, it is a widely seen condition that will generally stay with a child into adulthood unless there is medical intervention. The Mayo Clinic says that flat feet occur when the arches don’t develop during childhood. Flat feet also can occur after an injury or through wear and tear with age. Flat feet is generally a painless condition, but for some, fallen arches can contribute to problems in the ankles and
knees because the condition can impact the alignment of the legs. Also, some others may find their feet tire easily when walking. Unless there is pain, no treatment is usually advised. Doctors may refer some patients with flat feet to a foot specialist. He or she may advise use of shoe insoles to support the feet better and also explain which types of shoes to wear for utmost comfort. The NHS, the United Kingdom’s biggest health website and a world-leading health information service, says that surgery is rarely needed for flat feet. However, it might be recommended if there’s a problem with the bones, tissues or muscles in the feet and other treatments haven’t worked. Fallen arches are quite common and normally not something to worry about. Toddlers may grow out of the condition. However, even if flat feet are a permanent fixture, they should not affect a person’s ability to lead a fully active life.
understand the concerns of prospective clients and should be willing to discuss your options ahead of time. Any questions you may have should be answered before booking an appointment. Your acupuncturist should be able to explain the benefits and risks of treatment. Make sure you understand what their methods are and how often you will need to come in for treatment sessions. Look for an acupuncturist who asks you questions as well. Traditional Chinese medicine takes into account all aspects of one’s life in order to determine the right treatment, and a skilled practitioner will ask you all manner of questions, from diet to family history to daily activities. Some of the questions may even seem odd or invasive, but they are necessary. The acupuncturist who doesn’t make any inquiries about your health, mental well-being and personal surroundings might not be the best choice. Acupuncture in itself may be beneficial to many because when performed properly it is safe, has few if any side effects and can be effectively combined with traditional medicine. As the ancient Chinese might advise, choose wisely and with all these questions in mind and you may find yourself surprised at its benefits.
A Family Chiropractic Clinic helping Spearfish for over 40 Years. www.nelsonchiroclinic.com Schedule Your Appointment Today!
605-642-5196
Nelson Chiropractic Clinic uses acupuncture in their daily practice. Dr. Devon Nelson treats all different kinds of ailments with acupuncture - neuropathy (example: diabetics, or peripheral carpal tunnel), chronic pains, frozen shoulder syndrome, general health maintenance, emotional wellbeing, etc. The top acupuncture treatment at Nelson Chiropractic is typically for degenerative low back pain. Acupuncture is a Chinese medical practice that involves a thin needle to poke into the tissue of the body at the site of strategic points or trigger points - alleviating pain, assisting in mental health, and general health care.
1930 North Avenue, Spearfish, SD
Hours: Mon. - Wed. 9am - 5pm Thurs. & Fri. 9-3 • Sat. 9am - Noon