Looking for another way to get well? Acupuncture could be an answer to relieve nearly everything from back pain to fatigue. Ally Karsyn talked with Dr. Marc Obbink at Manley & Obbink Chiropractic and Acupuncture about the finer points of the practice.
1. What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an alternative form of health care that focuses on the energy, known as chi, and the balancing of that energy to treat and prevent problems from within the body.
2. How does it work?
It works by using very fine needles, eight to 10 on average, to stimulate specific points in the body to correct energy imbalances in the body.
3. Does it hurt?
It is mostly pain-free. Most people feel little to no pain sensations when having acupuncture performed to them.
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4. Is it safe?
It has been shown to be very safe when performed by a practitioner that has been properly trained to take the proper precautions.
5. What conditions is acupuncture used to treat?
Acupuncture has been shown to be very effective in treating numerous conditions ranging from pain symptoms to hot flashes to infertility to side effects of chemotherapy in cancer patients.
6. Why did you want to practice acupuncture?
I wanted to start practicing acupuncture to offer an alternative treatment for people who have tried many other treatments without getting the results they were looking for and being able to do that in a very healthy, non-invasive way.
7. How did you get started?
I got started while I was in chiropractic school after talking to many patients that had been treated with acupuncture and had seen amazing results.
8. How long have you been practicing acupuncture?
I have been practicing acupuncture for 10 years.
9. How has acupuncture been received in Sioux City?
It has become increasingly more and more popular with each year that passes. Referrals are coming in from places that we never thought would be possible.
10. Is there a success story that stands out in your mind?
My favorite story is when I was approached by a young woman who was trying to get pregnant for months and months and using fertility drugs etc. and was not having any success. We treated her with acupuncture and after the first month she was pregnant.
11. What do you like about your job?
I love helping people. It is so rewarding to see someone at their absolute worst point in life, whether it is pain, infertility, headaches, etc., and helping them get through their problem and giving them their life back.
12. What can a patient expect to happen during their first visit?
During the first visit, the patient can expect a detailed history, examination of the body, and examination of the acupuncture channels. We use a system called Acugraph, which maps out all of the energy channels in the body and gives us more insight to what is happening with the body and how we can deliver the best possible treatment to them.
13. How should a patient prepare for a visit?
Preparations are very easy. They need to know details about their history and wear loose fitting clothing so we can access different parts of the body.
14. Are there any precautions to take after an acupuncture treatment?
There are no precautions to take after a treatment.
15. How many treatments does it take to feel relief?
It ranges for every patient. Some patients will see immediate results and some patient see a slower improvement over the course of four to eight visits.
16. How often do people need to come back?
People will come back based on improvement and how aggressive we need to be with the treatment based on their condition.
17. Are there any common side effects?
Most people do not have any side effects from the treatment. Occasional side effects include bruising and muscle stiffness
18. Should a patient consult with their primary care doctor before booking an acupuncture treatment?
A patient can consult with their primary care doctor before trying acupuncture, but it is not necessary.
19. Why should people try acupuncture?
People should try acupuncture because it has been very helpful for tons of different ailments. We often see patients who have given up hope that any treatment will help them and think there are not any other options available to them. Acupuncture is very easy and is a virtually pain-free alternative to standard medical treatment.
20. Is there anything else people should know about acupuncture?
Acupuncture can also be performed without needles. Techniques such as acupressure, cupping and stimulation through electrical stimulation devices are common treatments that are effective when using the same methods as acupuncture treatments with needles.
