Acupuncture

Integrative whole-person healing

Considered part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture can be used to treat a wide variety of chronic and acute conditions. It can serve as a complement to Western medical treatments as well as an alternative treatment.

What is acupuncture?
During an acupuncture treatment, very thin needles are inserted into the skin to stimulate specific points on the body. This stimulation triggers a physiological response that encourages the body to heal itself. Acupuncture can be used on its own or in conjunction with electric stimulation. Electric stimulation involves a machine that sends a low electrical current through the needles into the local area. Lifestyle recommendations will also be given to complement your treatment.

What is acupuncture used to treat?
The World Health Organization (WHO), the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and clinical experience have found that acupuncture is useful in treating the following conditions:

• Chronic and acute pain: injuries, headaches, neck and back pain, tendonitis, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia and golf/tennis elbow
• Neurological disorders: post-stroke recovery, Bell’s palsy and trigeminal neuralgia
• Upper respiratory disorders: asthma, allergies, bronchitis, sinusitis, sore throat and laryngitis
• Digestive disorders: IBS, colitis, constipation, diarrhea, gastritis, heartburn and ulcers
• Urinary and reproductive disorders: cystitis, menstrual cramps, irregular or heavy periods, fertility, menopausal symptoms and bladder infections
• Immune disorders: colds and flu, recurrent infections, chronic fatigue and supportive treatment for cancer or AIDS
• Women’s health: menopausal symptoms, painful periods, irregular or heavy periods, fibroids and infertility
• Overcoming addictions: nicotine, alcohol and drugs
• Eye and ear disorders: tinnitus, Meniere’s disease, macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa
• Emotional and physiological disorders: depression, anxiety and insomnia
• Other conditions: weight loss, stress, chemotherapy/radiation side effects and general wellness

St. Luke’s does not require a referral for this service. To see if your insurance company requires one, call the number on your card.

To schedule an appointment, call St. Luke’s Interventional Pain Management at 218.249.7860.