Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practice that has been used for over 2,500 years. Acupuncture is based on the belief that life energy, or qi (pronounced “chee”), flows through the body and can become blocked. When this happens, it can lead to pain or illness. Acupuncture is thought to help unblock the qi and restore balance to the body by placing fine needles along the body’s various meridians aka energy pathways.
Acupuncture stimulates specific points on the body by gently inserting thin needles through the skin. Needle administration is very comfortable and placed along strategic channels that correlate the various body systems. Patients rarely feel the needles because of the swift technique and fine gauge.
How does acupuncture work?
There are several theories about how it works. One theory is that stimulating specific points throughout the body triggers the release of certain chemicals in our bodies that promote healing and block pain signals from being sent to the brain. Another theory suggests that by stimulating these points, one can improve blood flow which results in an increased supply of fresh oxygen and nutrients where they are most needed (in areas with poor blood flow). Improved function at the cellular level may also occur as a result of this procedure, leading to better overall health.
At Cross-Up Chiropractic in Libertyville, Dr. Peyton Habenicht is a certified acupuncture practitioner who has formed various protocols that have been effective for both physical and internal medicine; for example, she utilizes acupuncture for common conditions including anxiety, infertility, pain, abdominal discomfort, and other systemic disorders.
Acupuncture: what you need to know
Acupuncture has been a form of traditional Chinese medicine for more than 2000 years. This natural healing procedure emerged from China where it is believed that Qi is the raw energy that flows through the body.
They also held the belief that as long as it flowed unhindered, the body remained in optimum form. Meaning, that illnesses result from hindered Qi, and acupuncture is the treatment to release Qi.
All these begs the question, “what is acupuncture, If it works, and how to enjoy this ancient knowledge?”
Acupuncture is an annexation of two words, acus, and puncture, where “acus” is a Latin word meaning needle, so acupuncture is needle-puncture literally.
Acupuncture treatment is the practice of manually injecting needles into specific points on the skin. This practice has, over the years, mothered variations of modern acupuncture.
But despite this, Chinese acupuncture remains an excellent and practical choice for practitioners.
Does Acupuncture really work?
Acupuncture uses simple tools, majorly the famous needles. Sterilizing these needles with heat or mild electrical current makes them clean for insertion into acupuncture points or acupoints on the skin.
The needles must penetrate the skin’s surface and go through the epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous tissues, and muscles below the skin to contact the acupoints.
These points can trigger the release of chemicals into the brain, spinal cord, and muscles by inciting the central nervous system (CNS) into a reaction. Some theories believe that acupoints link with organs and systems. And because of this, acupuncture therapy flourishes.
According to a study in the Journal of Integrative Medicine, the cost of acupuncture relies on timing. Seven hundred and twenty-three clinics selected across 41 metropolitan areas were a case study.
What does Acupuncture treat?
Acupuncturists treat various illnesses, and acupuncture’s connection with the central nervous system makes it a suitable solution to many diseases.
The World Health Organization symposium in 1979 produced a list of treatable conditions, and the areas they affect are listed here:
- Earaches
- Laryngitis
- Rhinitis
- Sinusitis
- Toothaches
- Respiratory illnesses include asthma, allergies, bronchitis, emphysema, flu, and the common cold
- Blood circulation disruptions lead to arteriosclerosis, angina pectoris, hypertension, and high cholesterol
- Urogenital problems such as cystitis, stress incontinence, neurogenic bladder, prostatitis, prostatic hypertrophy
- Gastrointestinal compartment disorders include colitis, constipation, diarrhea, food allergies, indigestion, nausea, and ulcers
- Gynecological disorders, endometriosis, infertility, menopausal syndrome, menstrual irregularity, PMS, and pregnancy discomfort
- Neurological and Psycho-Emotional disorders include anxiety, dizziness, headache, insomnia, intercostal neuralgia, migraine, post-stroke paralysis, trigeminal neuralgia, and tinnitus
- Musculoskeletal system irregularities such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, frozen shoulder, low back pain, sciatica, tennis elbow, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction
The benefits of Acupuncture
Acupuncture has quite the advantage, starting with the fact that it cures ailments. Let’s take a look at other acupuncture benefits:
- Acupuncture works, ailments listed by the WHO have undergone clinical trials to test acupuncture efficacy
- Acupuncture increases energy levels making people more productive
- Acupuncture also helps people with insomnia get better sleep
- It hastens the body’s healing process when combined with modern medicine
- It strengthens the body’s immune system to combat diseases
- Acupuncture points are easily located by professional acupuncturist, making treatment quick and direct
- It serves as a stress reliever, therefore improving the precision of the mental faculty
- It reduces preventable drug use since there is acupuncture for headaches, pains and stress relief
- The branch of cosmetic acupuncture enhances beauty without the expensive surgery
- Acupuncture relieves pregnancy discomfort without putting the child at any risk
- Unlike modern medicine, it uses simple tools, like acupuncture needles
Achieve your optimal health with Acupuncture at Cross-Up Chiropractic
Acupuncture, with all its benefits, provides you with the best state of mind and body you could have. It all requires your readiness and acupuncturists who desire optimal health.
At Cross-Up Chiro, we are all about your health, which is our goal. Our customizable experience approach, innovative treatments, and gifted acupuncturist combine to provide you with care and complete wholesomeness.
We have an acupuncturist ready to prove their expertise in all types of acupuncture. The following are the variations of acupuncture services we offer to date.
Traditional Chinese Acupuncture
This type of acupuncture utilizes all the acupoints to target a particular ailment.
Electroacupuncture
Electroacupuncture is a more modern form of acupuncture. Electricity is allowed to pass through two needle points using small clips. The charge from this reaction causes the body to produce pain relievers, which are very useful for people suffering from chronic pain.
Scalp Acupuncture
The acupoints on the head are portals to the rejuvenation of brain cells, and sticking needles in those points on the scalp initiates healing responses.
Auricular Acupuncture
This type of acupuncture focuses on a particular part of the body. The auricular acupuncture focal point is the ear. The ear serves as a gateway to reaching and affecting other areas of the body.
Amazing Results for Many Ailments
So many great benefits have emerged from acupuncture studies conducted over many decades. These five are just a few examples of this important therapy that have stood up to scientific scrutiny:
Meet Our Acupuncturist
Acupuncturist Dr. Peyton Habenicht
Chiropractor, Acupuncturist, NET, FMT, Webster Certified
At just 14 years old, Dr. Habenicht developed a passion for Chiropractic Medicine and decided this field was her future. As a committed soccer player, Dr. Habenicht was always searching for real health solutions instead of medication for her injuries. In high school, she sought out Chiropractic Care for a severe ankle sprain. As a result she experienced full resolution of ankle pain and weakness, and due to the comprehensive nature of the practice she also had relief of hip pain and a reduction of GERD symptoms and debilitating migraines. This inspired her to pursue both Chiropractic and Functional Medicine to use natural remedies to heal chronic conditions and know more about it.
Prior to Chiropractor school, Dr. Habenicht attended Montreat College in North Carolina on a Soccer Scholarship, where she also received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Pre-Medical Studies and a double minor in Chemistry and Environmental Studies. Her other interests include: hiking with her dog Hunter, playing soccer, learning how to golf, and reading.
Reviews about our Acupucturist
Why People Choose our Acupunturist
Trusted & Honest Specialists
Innovative Acupuncture Treatments
Personalized Care
What is acupuncture good for?
It’s Good for Functional Health and Family Care
Our Acupuncture Techniques
We use several techniques at Cross-up Chiro, depending on our patient’s needs. One or more techniques may be used to provide the best results for you.
Traditional Chinese Acupuncture
As stated above, this is creating harmony within the body and uses fine needles to stimulate meridians (energy pathways) to restore the movement or the flow of Qi (life energy) through the body.
Auricular Acupuncture
This uses the ear to treat other areas of the body and create harmony of energy. Dr. Peyton often sends patients home with what are called “ear seeds” that are small beads in adhesive that allow you to continue acupuncture stimulation at home. This helps tremendously for chronic issues.
Acupressure Stimulation
This technique is used for children because it does not require the use of needles. Dr. Peyton uses a pen device that delivers small currents to the acupuncture points. A great way to access the benefits of Acupuncture for children and elderly.
Electro-Acupuncture
This form of acupuncture uses electrical stimulation of the needles to more thoroughly stimulate the particular point and energy channel. This has also been shown to be a great treatment for pain relief because the electrical stimulation can target affected areas to release pain relieving hormones and directly reduce pain sensor signaling.
Popular acupuncture points
Facial acupuncture
Acupuncture needles are often applied to the face to treat headaches, migraines and sinus pain.
Hand acupuncture
Opens the nerve canal that connects the hand to the forearm. Procedure can cure hand and wrist pain without surgery.
Acupuncture ear points
Auricular acupuncture – placing acupuncture needles in points around the ear. These points normalize body dysfunctions.
Back pain acupuncture
Treats chronic and acute back pain. Usually after 2-3 procedures recovery occurs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What to wear to acupuncture?
You will need to wear light and comfortable clothing for your acupuncture session. There should be easy access to the knees, elbows and neck.
How much does acupuncture cost?
The cost of acupuncture depends on the extent of care and time of services. Most of the services we offer are covered by your insurance. Check with us for details about your plan. Prices for some services are shown in the table below.
| Libertyville | Price,$ |
|---|---|
| Initial Assessment & Treatment | 125 |
| Follow up treatment | 60-120 |
Does acupuncture hurt?
No. Most people don’t feel any pain. Some feel a mild pinch when inserting acupuncture needles.
What are the risks of acupuncture?
We use washable acupuncture needles for each patient. Soreness and minor bleeding are the only side effects of our procedure.
Patients with pacemakers are excluded from this time of treatment due to the rare but potential alteration of machine rhythm.
How long does acupuncture take?
Follow up appointments are approximately 30-45 minutes in length of 1-on-1 treatment. Each treatment will vary by individual and per condition. It is not uncommon that a patient begins to feel relief after the first visit.
Treatment response times are variable by individual and condition severity. Many patients feel immediate benefit and others require multiple treatment.
Does insurance cover acupuncture ?
Yes – We accept the following PPO Insurance Plans:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Aetna
Cash visits are subject to appropriate time of service discount.
When to consider acupuncture ?
If you have health problems of any kind, this is considered the first line of treatment in many cultures: anxiety, depression, headache, back pain, migraine and many other diseases and ailments – acupuncture will ease this discomfort and help you.
Covid-19 information
We care about the safety of our patients. And we are taking all the necessary measures for this covid.
“Our focus is on finding and fixing the underlying problem – not just masking it.”
Additional services we offer
It is our goal to provide you with the highest quality of care and a successful experience. Our family taking care of yours!
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We value trust and honesty at Cross-Up Chiropractic and strive to provide all of our patients with the best health care experience. Please feel free to ask us any questions, so that we may comfort your mind and accommodate your needs.