- Holistic Alternativesat Essentials Day Spa
34302 US Hwy 19 N
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
Pain
Acupuncture for Pain Relief
Looking for a drug free option in pain relief?
Acupuncture may be a good option for you. It has been shown to have pain relieving effects and can be used to treat both chronic and acute pain. Some pain suffers find that acupuncture can reduce dependence on pain reliving drugs.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient healing technique, practiced for thousands of years. The theory behind acupuncture can be explained in both traditional and modern terms.
In traditional Chinese medicine terms, the body is believed to have energy called “qi,” which flows along “meridians” in the body. By stimulating specific locations on the body (“acupoints”) the flow of qi is released. By redirecting your qi, acupuncture aims to address various health ailments.
The modern scientific theory behind acupuncture is that by stimulating nerves, your body releases chemicals that help reduce the perception of pain. Acupuncture may also lower inflammation in the body, which in turn helps manage pain. Some even theorize that the acupuncture process changes the structure of the connective tissue around the acupoint, providing lasting pain management benefits.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
The hair-thin needles used in acupuncture are painless. However, needles are not the only way to stimulate acupoints. Acupoint stimulation can be accomplished several ways including through laser and electric stimulation. There is also acupressure, which stimulates acupoints with deep pressure applied by hand.
What kinds of pain can acupuncture address?
Acupuncture can be part of an effective plan to address chronic neck and back pain. Acupuncture can also be part of treatment for acute sources of pain, including menstrual cramps and headaches.
Acupuncture can even be used to address the underlying conditions that cause pain, such as inflammation. For instance, it is used in the treatment of arthritis.
The effectiveness of acupuncture to address these conditions has been studied. The National Institute of Health has conducted several studies that show that acupuncture can be effective in addressing chronic pain of the neck and back. In at least one study, participants who had been taking opioids reported using those drugs less when receiving acupuncture treatment.
Research has even shown that acupuncture’s long-lasting effects can persist for months, even after you have ended a course of treatment. The Journal of Pain conducted a meta-analysis and concluded that acupuncture had clinically relevant effects on pain, and those affects appeared to persist for over 12 months after treatment.
You Deserve Drug-Free Pain Relief
If you think that a long lasting, drug free pain management system might be a good fit for you, Holistic Alternatives can help. We offer a variety of acupuncture techniques allowing you to get your qi flowing with minimal anxiety and maximum relaxation.
Robert Lutz
L.Ac., LMT, Diplomate of Oriental Medicine
Contact Robert to schedule an appointment:
Texts welcome (727) 266-3000.
TCM practitioner for over 20 yrs:
- Licensed Acupuncturist
- Licensed Massage Therapist
- Diplomate of Oriental Medicine
- Reiki Master
- Ordained Interfaith Minister
- Optavia Coach
“I offer alternatives to harsh drugs & invasive procedures when practical & safe to do so. I believe in supporting the healing qualities & wisdom of your body. Clients receive quality care with uninterrupted attention for 60 minutes or longer per session.”
Acupuncture Happy Hour May 2019
Acupuncture Happy Hour
Free ear treatments for stress reduction / cravings.
Friday, May 10 & 17, 2019
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Stressed? Back Pain? Headaches? Who knew the answer was in your ears!
Auricular therapy is the stimulation of pressure points on the ear.
Often described as reflexology for the ear, there’s hundreds of points on the ear believed to represent a micro-system of the whole body, with points for areas both physical and emotional.
This can be accomplished with acupuncture, acupressure, and laser stimulation.
During our Acupuncture Happy Hour, try out one or all of our services:
- Free mini treatments
- Hospitality & Kombucha tasting
- AcuGraph scans
- Full body massage chairs
Holistic Alternatives “Feel Better Naturally”
380 Park Avenue Palm Harbor, NY 11743
Please call / email Robert Lutz for more info.
(727) 266-3000 | robert@holistic-alternatives.us
Electroacupuncture for Chronic Pain
Acupuncture is a modality used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in which a practitioner inserts hair-thin, solid, stainless steel needles into the body, under the skin along energetic pathways. These energetic pathways, or meridians, are invisible lines that run throughout the body. These meridians allow energy or Qi (pronounced “chee”) to flow throughout the body, keeping the body in balance and alignment. For optimal health to be achieved, Qi must flow freely without any blockages. Blocked or stagnant energy can result in disease or decreased vitality.
A study published in Anesthesiology: The Journal of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, Inc., tested electroacupuncture for its effectiveness in treating persistent pain.
The studies showed that electroacupuncture can greatly decrease several types of pain, including neuropathic, inflammatory, cancer-related, and visceral pain.
They showed solid evidence that electroacupuncture can be used for analgesia in patients that are suffering from chronic pain, regardless of the type of pain.
Electroacupuncture is a variation on acupuncture. Electroacupuncture works the same way as regular acupuncture, but it uses the needles as conduits that administer small jolts of electricity that invigorate the skin and muscles of the body. Electricity increases the effects of acupuncture. This can lead to increased energy, pain relief, and much, much more. The electrical charges encourage additional physiological processes that go beyond the mere stimulation of Qi. Acupuncture coupled with electricity, encourages the body to release neurotransmitters that can act as natural painkillers. Because of this, electroacupuncture is becoming more common in the treatment of pain.
Electroacupuncture is especially useful for conditions in which there is an accumulation of Qi, such as chronic pain. This type of acupuncture can be used as a pain reliever for muscle spasms, neurological disorders and possibly even heart disease. There is evidence that electrical stimulation of acupressure points can activate the endorphin system. This can actually lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of heart disease.
Electroacupuncture produces a rhythmic, non-painful muscle twitch just below the needle through the use of a very small milliamp current. This stimulation triggers perfusion of blood flow locally. This blood flow carries essential nutrients that promote muscle regeneration. The use of electroacupuncture can break pain cycles, while smoothing the way for a person’s own pain-relieving mechanisms. Electroacupuncture also relaxes muscles.
Electroacupuncture does come with risks and it is not appropriate for everybody. Anybody who has a history of seizures, epilepsy or stroke, would not be an ideal candidate for the use of electroacupuncture. Also, it is not recommended for people who have pacemakers, as it can interfere with the electrical current of the devices. Before trying electroacupuncture, the practitioner should verify that you are not at risk. If they do not, it is vital for the patient to bring this up to avoid any complications.
7 Reasons to Seek Out Acupuncture
Do you ever feel your life’s a ride that won’t ever stop? How many nights do you wait for Mr. Sandman to magically appear? How often do you truly take time for yourself? Do you have aches and pains almost daily? Are over-the-counter or prescription medications controlling your life? When was the last time you actually felt at peace? If any of these questions resonate with you, then it might be time to look at Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture for an answer. People in Asian countries have known the magnificence of acupuncture for thousands of years. Traditional Chinese Medicine is growing in popularity in the United States and here are some reasons why you might want to consider utilizing it also. continue reading
What is a Massage Therapist and what do they do?
A massage therapist is in one of the fast-growing healthcare professions. For many years, massage therapy was virtually an unknown practice, even considered therapy for spiritual healing. In recent years, public interest has grown. Many healthcare services have started to recognize the benefits of skilled practitioners. Consumer interest has led to more practicing therapists, more formal accreditation programs, and therapy specialties services.
Massage therapists treat clients by using touch to manipulate the soft-tissue muscles of the body. With their touch, therapists relieve pain & stress, rehabilitate injuries, increase relaxation, and aid in the general wellness of clients.
Massage therapy is an effective form of health care that has evolved into a complete and holistic treatment for many ailments.
