How Can Acupuncture Help Treat Your Health Problems?

Boca Grande Health Clinic patients looking for non-pharmaceutical relief of chronic pain, such as arthritis or low back pain, hoping to speed recovery from an injury – or simply wanting to improve their overall health are benefitting from acupuncture.

The ancient Chinese art of acupuncture involves placing extremely fine needles into the skin and is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world. Acupuncture, according to the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMA) is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning.

Clinic physician Dr. Bret Kueber, who is licensed and certified in acupuncture services, says the Chinese theory of acupuncture centers around making sure that the body’s energy, or Qi (pronounced “chee”) flows through the body’s medians, or energy channels. The placement of small, light needles in specific areas help get energy flowing, and deeper needles are supposed to draw energy up and down through the body. Doctors then use heat lamps or low-frequency electricity to get the energy flowing. According to the AAMA, modern science supports that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.

Dr. Kueber combines acupuncture with a variety of Western and alternative treatments for a more “integrated” approach to medicine. “For example, if a patient is seen for a sprained ankle, in addition to prescribing rest, ice and elevation, I’ll also offer acupuncture to help start the healing process and ease the pain,” he said. “I’ll combine it with conventional treatments to offer the patients the best solution I can provide.”

Acupuncture is widely used for sinusitis, migraines, headaches, digestive issues, tendinitis and several other pain-inducing conditions. Those interested can schedule an appointment with Dr. Kueber by calling the Boca Grande Health Clinic at 941-964-2276.