acupuncture

Acupuncturist, Chapel Hill, NC

Many people ask ‘Why Do People Get Acupuncture’ about acupuncture treatment, a 2500-year-old healing art that was brought to the United States a relatively short time ago in the 1970s. Since that time in the US, however, millions of people have discovered the healing benefits available in the acupuncturist’s office. From stress relief to relief from back pain and other body aches and pains, to sleep and fertility improvement, as well as helping patients stop addictive behaviors such as drugs and alcohol, and weight loss, acupuncture helps people feel better in many ways. Acupuncture Facelift, available in some locations such as Acupuncture at Eastowne, can also help improve one’s appearance.

Used extensively in China, Japan, and many other Asian countries worldwide to extend and improve life, acupuncture treatment can improve many aspects of a person’s life without the side effects of drugs and surgery. People like the relaxation they get when they rest on the acupuncturist’s table; they like that the acupuncturist asks them questions about their lives, feelings, and other symptoms to understand the whole person before beginning treatment. These questions help the acupuncturist develop an understanding of the person before them and where imbalances exist. Patients like getting a massage before therapy because it allows them to relax and get more in touch with their body and what it is feeling.

Acupuncture treatment involves the acupuncturist placing thin, sterile needles into small acupoints in the skin. Each acupoint represents an area of energy that the needle will activate. Sometimes, the energetic point has stagnation, where energy (or chi qi ki) is stuck. Such a point may feel hard, knotty, sore, or tender. Other times, the point represents a crossroads where energy is deficient, vacant, and in need of stimulation. Upon needle insertion, the patient may feel a unique, generally pleasant sensation at the needle site.

People get acupuncture for many reasons; each treatment is as individual as the person receiving it. Acupuncture at Eastowne, LLC and Acupractic Natural Healing Center are the premier acupuncture and chiropractic offices of Dr. Lisa Oskardmay in Chapel Hill, NC. Serving the Triangle Community since 1995 with quality alternative, complementary medicine, our patients enjoy the hands-on, holistic treatments they receive. Our offices are here whether you are interested in acupuncture, chiropractic, or solely chiropractic. Call 919-929-1400 or email schedule@acudocnc.com today to schedule your healthcare appointment. You can also visit us on the web anytime to learn more and schedule an online appointment: acudocnc.com. Our friendly front desk staff will reach out to you to answer any questions and help you use any insurance you would like us to consider.

Acupuncturist Chapel Hill, NC

Dr. Kulus, an acupuncturist at the Henry Ford Center, explains neuropathy in this way:

“Peripheral neuropathy can affect different nerves, from the sensory nerves responsible for registering sensations (like hot, cold, painful, and soft) to the motor nerves that govern how you move. It can even impact the autonomic nerves that control your body temperature, heart rate, and digestion.”

“Peripheral neuropathy can result from traumatic injuries, infections, vitamin deficiencies or over-supplementation, autoimmune diseases, metabolic problems, and exposure to toxins (such as chemotherapy drugs). But one of the most common causes is diabetes.”

Symptoms vary from person to person, depending on which nerves are affected. You might feel a gradual numbness and tingling in your feet or hands, which spreads into your limbs. You might experience sharp pain and sensitivity to touch, muscle weakness and paralysis, or bladder problems and incontinence.

Acupuncture is an ancient holistic therapy that helps patients suffering from neuropathy. Acupuncturists stimulate a healing response by inserting tiny sterile needles at particular acupoints. Thousands of patients benefit each year from this nondrug, nonsurgical neuropathy treatment approach to healthcare. Although acupuncturists and Western medical doctors may have different explanations for the treatment, acupuncture therapy is a widely used, highly effective neuropathy treatment option for many.

One medical doctor explains how acupuncture helps neuropathy in the following manner:

“Yes, acupuncture uses the gate control theory of pain and the summative effect of our body’s analgesic chemicals in response to a minor stimulus. Studies have shown that acupuncture is effective in peripheral neuropathies such as diabetic neuropathy, Bell’s Palsy, and carpel tunnel syndrome (CTS). Acupuncture also helps in nerve regeneration and preservation.”

Another explained how acupuncture works in a somewhat different way:

“Acupuncture is a therapy that involves inserting thin needles into various points on the body to relieve chronic pain and stimulate blood flow. It is an effective treatment for peripheral neuropathy, with fewer side effects than medications. Acupuncture might require multiple sessions to see improvement.”
Still, another explanation states:

“Acupuncture can help manage neuropathy by stimulating specific body points to enhance the body’s natural healing mechanisms. It boosts endorphin production, improves blood flow, and modulates the nervous system to alleviate neuropathy symptoms. Recent studies have shown promising results for acupuncture as a treatment for neuropathy.”

The acupuncturist mentioned above Dr. Kulus describes how acupuncture helps neuropathy in the following manner:

“According to traditional Chinese medicine, peripheral neuropathy happens when there’s a blockage of energy (called qi) and blood in the body. If qi and blood don’t flow freely, our cells and tissues don’t receive the necessary nourishment.”

Acupuncture is good at restoring blood flow and stimulating the body’s nerve pathways. It can also help with nerve regeneration and preservation. If there has been nerve damage or diminished sensation, we target treatment in these areas to re-stimulate those nerve fibers.”

“With local needling around the fingertips, for example, we’re able to stimulate blood flow to the capillaries, which, in turn, makes the nerves work better,” While medications can help manage symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, they do not stall the course of the disease — and some have nasty side effects. Anyone with peripheral neuropathy should try acupuncture to get relief, mainly if medications and other strategies haven’t worked.”

Whereas different people may have to alter explanations as to how acupuncture treats neuropathy, ranging from blood flow enhancement to boosting endorphin production to modulating the nervous system, everything points to helping patients effectively reduce neuropathy symptoms using natural means.

Call the Acupractic Natural Healing Center today at (919) 929-1400 to see how acupuncture can help reduce pain and help you feel better naturally. Dr. Lisa Oskardmay, licensed acupuncturist and doctor of chiropractic, has served the Triangle since 1995 with quality alternative and complementary healthcare. Visit online at acudocnc.com to learn more and schedule online 24 hours a day.

Acupuncturist, Chapel Hill, NC

Acupuncture helps patients with arthritis in vital ways. Numerous studies show the effectiveness of acupuncture care in treating joint pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. Licensed acupuncturists such as Dr. Lisa Oskardmay identify blockages in qi flow using Chinese medicine diagnosis methods, including body palpation and tongue and pulse evaluation, to determine where to place tiny sterile acupuncture needles.

Acupuncture for Arthritis

Frequently located along pathways and around pain and inflammation, stimulation of acupoints enhances the body’s natural healing response in affected areas, bringing natural relief. Endorphins and other chemical signaling agents bring relaxation, while improved blood and lymph flow helps to remove toxins and other irritants. Acupuncture reduces inflammation by influencing the immune system, resulting in less joint swelling and stiffness. Whereas arthritis is a chronic and harmful inflammation, acupuncture needle stimulation causes a minor acute inflammation response that helps resolve arthritis symptoms. Pain and chronic inflammation reduction help improve overall joint function for most patients.

Another way that acupuncture therapy helps people with arthritis is by reducing overall body stress. Dr. Oskardmay always incorporates massage and other mindfulness activities into treatment at our office. Massage of the body’s muscles and ligaments increases self-awareness while at the same time promoting an aspect of calm and relaxation. Our private rooms, surrounded by nature, filled with soft spa music, and warmed with nonelectric devices, are smooth and comfortable. Dr. Oskardmay takes her time with each patient, and each person enjoys a healing, non-rushed atmosphere. We provide this healing atmosphere because we know it helps patients get better faster when they can relax.

As part of our holistic approach to care, Dr. Oskardmay provides patient education regarding exercises and nutrition that influence arthritis. Sometimes, patients stop exercising because it hurts, they do the wrong exercise, or they do the proper exercise too much or too little. She inquires about various activities of daily living to help people make small changes that can have a lasting impact. Sometimes, she also refers to local physical therapists or trainers.

Additionally, we recognize that sleep patterns influence joint pain and arthritis in many ways. While sometimes overlooked, sleep issues matter; again, small changes can have a lasting impact.

What a person eats significantly affects their pain and inflammation levels. Therefore, Dr. Oskardmay inquires about food intake, allergies, and other digestion-related aspects. Getting annual bloodwork to know one’s ‘numbers’ is helpful. Dr. Oskardmay helps patients understand how blood sugar, A1C, blood pressure, Vitamin D, C-reactive protein, magnesium levels, RF, and ANA affect arthritis. Eating a good, balanced diet can help resolve many arthritic symptoms.

Lastly, as a chiropractor and a licensed acupuncturist, Dr. Oskardmay can provide joint adjustments where needed. The option of chiropractic care at our office is another reason to call today. 919-260-0330. acudocnc.com

Acupuncturist Chapel Hill, NC

Acupuncture benefits digestion in several vital ways. At Acupractic Natural Healing Center, the acupuncture and chiropractic offices of Lisa Oskardmay DC, Lac in Chapel Hill, we strive to help people achieve good digestion naturally. We understand digestion is a natural process and believe a healthy body can digest food safely and well. We help patients improve many aspects of digestion to get healthier and stay healthier. Read more to learn about how acupuncture helps digestive health.

What is Digestion?

Digestion is the breakdown of large insoluble food compounds into small water-soluble components to be absorbed into the blood plasma. These smaller food substances are absorbed through the small intestine into the bloodstream. When digestion suffers, the entire body and mind suffer.

Digestion involves assimilating food into our bodies to assist our muscles, brain, skin, and other tissues. Mechanical digestion involves the physical breakdown of food in the mouth by chewing larger pieces of food into smaller pieces, and digestive enzymes break down further in chemical digestion.

How Does Acupuncture Help Digestion?

Applied to the channels affecting the jaw and face, acupuncture and acupuncture massage help reduce pain, making chewing less problematic and painful. Acupuncture along the channels impacting the stomach helps this crucial organ break down and change food more thoroughly. Through its impact on the fire channel, acupuncture helps the small intestine organize and process nutrients that pass through this organ. Acupuncture applied to the metal channel supports holding onto beneficial nutrients while releasing waste through the large intestine.

We see the function of the water channel affecting digestion in its role of nervous system control and in the role of water itself. Through its impact on the water element, acupuncture involves the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, the breakdown and building up aspects of the system, and influencing the balance of stress and relaxation in digestion. Significantly, through the wood channel pathways, acupuncture can help propel food through the system via the muscles of the body and impact the immune system via the wood element itself.

Digestion is a multifaceted process that affects one’s entire being. When a patient uses acid reducers to allay the symptoms of acid reflux or antibiotics to kill harmful bacteria, there are side effects on the whole person. When a person experiences stress that causes gastritis or stomach upset, there are ways to manage the symptoms that are not harmful to the person.

Acupuncture can help improve digestion by helping heal the whole person naturally with less emphasis on drugs or surgery.

At Acupractic Natural Healing Center, we’ve helped people resolve digestive disorders since 1995 using a variety of acupuncture and other hands-on holistic treatments. Call today at (919) 929-1400, M-F 8:30-5:30, to learn more about how acupuncture helps digestive health and to  see how acupuncture can help you return to a healthier you. Visit us on the web at acudocnc.com to schedule online 24 hours a day. We look forward to helping you.

Acupuncturist Chapel Hill, NC

Acupuncture, a time-honored healing remedy, is not just a local practice but a globally recognized treatment. Endorsed by the World Health Organization as an effective remedy for various conditions, including back pain, headaches, depression, hypertension, and others, acupuncture has gained significant traction in recent decades. The widespread recognition of this treatment should instill confidence in its potential benefits, but it’s crucial to consider some essential aspects. What are the pros and cons of acupuncture? Read on to learn more.

One crucial consideration in acupuncture treatment is the practitioner. Most states mandate the licensure of acupuncturists, ensuring they possess in-depth knowledge of Chinese medicine principles, anatomy and physiology, sanitation, and other safety concerns. Licensed Acupuncturists, designated LAc., adhere to the ‘Clean Needle Technique’ to safeguard themselves and their patients—this comprehensive training guides LAcs in skin preparation, point selection and location, safe needle insertion, and removal. Unlicensed practitioners without this training may still practice some forms of needle insertion and refer to it as ‘acupuncture .’ To ensure the best, safest care, consumers are advised to inquire about licensure status.

Risks surrounding acupuncture treatment involve bruising and puncture of nerves, arteries, and even organs. Infection is also a risk. Point selection, skin preparation, and patient education while under care influence outcomes. The importance of practitioner selection must be recognized in mitigating these risks.

Acupuncture treatment is associated with minimal adverse side effects. Unlike many surgical procedures and medications, Acupuncture and acupuncture massage do not pose additional health risks. This aspect underscores the safety of acupuncture, making it a viable first choice for individuals seeking healthcare options.

Another consideration is cost. While insurance coverage exists for acupuncture treatment, providers may be hard to find, and the rules surrounding what insurance will cover may be hard to understand. Another option is to use one’s HSA or FSA account. The cost of care may vary from one office to another. Ask to know about this crucial point and avoid unexpected expenses. Some practices may have a self-pay or pay-at-the-time-of-service fee, so inquire about that. Many offices accept payment by cash, credit card, or check.

Many wonder if acupuncture treatment is worth their time—does it work? In answer, we look at millions worldwide who have used this time-tested natural healing treatment. Acupuncture has been shown to help people feel better and achieve better health outcomes for a wide variety of health conditions, from back pain to hypertension, headaches to fibromyalgia, insomnia to carpel tunnel syndrome. Treatment times range from 45 to 90 minutes.

Some patients express concern that acupuncture is against their religion, and they resist trying this type of natural medicine for that reason. Acupuncturists view patients in a holistic’ whole person’ way, incorporating physical and mental concerns in their treatment regimen, which may feel relaxing and comforting, but it is not religion. Practitioners discuss natural elements, wood, fire, earth, metal, and water, as they relate to the inside and outside of the body. Still, diagnosis and treatment are sensible and logical, and they work.

Call (919) 929-1400 or visit our office online at acudocnc.com to schedule an appointment and learn more about the pros and cons of acupuncture. Serving the Triangle since 1995, Dr. Lisa Oskardmay and Acupractic Natural Healing Center are here for you.

Acupuncturist Chapel Hill, NC

Studies show that electroacupuncture is a safe and beneficial treatment for knee pain following knee replacement surgery. At Acupractic Natural Healing Center, the acupuncture and chiropractic clinics of Dr. Lisa Oskardmay in Chapel Hill, we provide this beneficial therapy. The combination of acupuncture with electrostimulation is very healing for patients with knee pain whether they have had knee replacement therapy or not. Learn more about electroacupuncture for knee replacement pain.

The main reason patients get knee replacement surgery is osteoarthritis characterized by joint cartilage breakdown which limits movement and causes pain. Over time, surrounding muscles and ligaments suffer as well. Acupuncture treatment applied along channels affecting the knee and hips and other related areas of the body brings healing qi or energy to damaged areas. The use of electrostimulation assists the process of healing, resolving blockages to qi flow, helping cartilage repair.

Some questions patients ask about Electroacupuncture include:

Does acupuncture with electrostimulation hurt? How long does it take? Can I exercise after treatment? How long will it take to get results? Can I get chiropractic treatment with electrostimulation acupuncture? How does electroacupuncture work?

In answer, electroacupuncture does not typically hurt; most patients report feeling a small sensation at the needle site during part of the treatment, but the goal is not to inflict pain. Treatments generally take 40-60″ depending on various factors. Patients are advised to avoid extreme exercise, heavy eating or other activities for several hours after treatment. We do not guarantee results nor a timeframe for results; most people see some results in two weeks or less. Patients can receive chiropractic care on the same day as acupuncture or electroacupuncture. Many of our patients benefit from the fact that Dr. Oskardmay is licensed in both acupuncture and chiropractic medicine and has extensive training in electroacupuncture therapy.

Electroacupuncture works by stimulating areas of the body to induce a natural healing response at the site of injury, as well as to calm the mind. Inherent to our bodies is a variety of healing responses, ranging from increased blood flow, changes in muscle contractions, stem cell delivery, and others. Acupuncture and electroacupuncture help to improve the automatic healing response.

Natural care at our office helps patients to heal better more quickly from injuries and surgeries, pain and body aches. Call us today at (919) 929-1400, email us at schedule@acudocnc.com or schedule online at acudocnc.com anytime to learn more and to schedule an appointment. We participate with most major insurance plans for both acupuncture as well as chiropractic. We look forward to helping you feel better soon!

Acupuncturist Chapel Hill, NC

Ear Acupuncture, also known as auriculotherapy, is a type of acupuncture therapy wherein Licensed acupuncturist Dr. Lisa Oskardmay places tiny sterile acupuncture needles in specific areas of the outer ear or auricle to stimulate a healing response in the body and mind. Acupuncture is based on the theory that health depends on a balanced flow of qi or energy in the body. Like the blood flow or nerve impulses, qi flow travels along meridians or channels throughout the body, delivering healing energy. The ears are critical to acupuncture treatment because all body areas have points on the auricles, and qi flowing from these points balances qi elsewhere. Auriculotherapy has many beneficial applications, and patients at our acupuncture clinic in Chapel Hill appreciate how treatment helps them.

How Ear Acupuncture Can Help

Ear acupuncture works on the premise that ear points relate to various areas of the body; stimulation of these areas sends messages to the brain to deliver healing energy or qi to the body area. For instance, a point called Ear Shen men corresponds with the hip and pelvic region, whereas other points nearby relate to other body areas. Dr. Oskardmay uses auriculotherapy with other therapies to support health and relieve body pain and other conditions. Headaches and migraines, fibromyalgia, stress, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), neck, shoulder, hip, and back aches benefit from care, as do other conditions. One added benefit of ear acupuncture is that it is very relaxing, and treatment need not be performed at a painful site but rather on the ear, distal to the site of pain.

Traditional Chinese medicine ear acupuncture has other potential benefits. People use auriculotherapy to help resolve a wide range of health concerns, including insomnia, depression, allergies, and anxiety, and to resolve the effects of chemotherapy and cancer pain. Additionally, treatments exist to help people quit smoking and other addictive behaviors, lose weight, and resolve digestive disorders. Many people report improved quality of life, less pain and better energy after auriculotherapy treatment.

After an initial exam at our clinic, Dr. Oskardmay inserts the needles and patients rest comfortably for 15-20″ before she removes the needles. Treatment is not painful, although some people feel a small sting at some points. Sometimes, Dr. Oskardmay places an ear magnet in the ear for patients to press between visits to stimulate certain points. Most patients return for follow-up care, and some come in for a series of treatments.

If you are looking for ear acupuncture near you to help with pain, stress, or emotional distress, call us at 919-929-1400 or visit us online at acudocnc.com today to schedule an appointment. Serving the Chapel Hill community since 1995, the acupuncture and chiropractic offices of Dr. Lisa Oskardmay is here to help you feel better.

Acupuncturist Chapel Hill, NC

People recognize the strength of acupuncture treatment to reduce body pain, headaches, insomnia and stress, nausea, and even enhance fertility. But many people need to be aware that this aspect of Chinese medicine can also improve facial appearance, lessen wrinkles, and lift sagging skin. Also known as cosmetic acupuncture or acupuncture facelift, Facial rejuvenation acupuncture is a safer alternative to surgery or Botox that improves overall skin health while addressing the signs of aging. Users say it helps the skin look younger, healthier, and naturally smother without toxic injections or costly surgical procedures. As a licensed acupuncturist trained in Facial Rejuvenation acupuncture, Dr. Lisa Oskardmay in Chapel Hill enjoys helping clients naturally regain a more youthful appearance.

Acupuncture is a popular, safe body and mind treatment used worldwide. Dr. Lisa Oskardmay follows strict guidelines to maintain her client’s safety. Before starting facial acupuncture sessions, the client and doctor review past medical history via a health history intake form and physical review. Dr. Oskardmay performs a pulse assessment and examines the skin and other areas to determine overall body health and areas of qi stagnation. She believes fully in the ability of acupuncture and other natural treatments to improve overall body health, a requisite to looking and feeling better.

Facial Rejuvenation Treatment

Each facial rejuvenation treatment begins with massage and aromatherapy. Using tiny, thin acupuncture needles, she insets into specific regions and points; Dr. Oskardmay helps to stimulate qi flow in the face and surrounding areas. Following gentle point stimulation, clients rest comfortably on the treatment table with calming spa music, warm ambiance, soothing scents, and breathing instructions designed to awaken the body’s inner healer.

While most treatment points are in the face, Dr. Oskardmay also chooses several body points along specific meridians or channels to support qi flow in particular areas. All elements- wood, fire, earth, metal, and water- exist in the face as much as they live in the limbs and other body areas; imbalance in any of these areas is portrayed in the face, and acupuncture generally helps to resolve the imbalance.

For instance, the eyes are the opening of the wood channel. Stagnation of wood qi may impede qi flow to the organs of vision and reflect in areas surrounding the eyes. The tongue and blood reflect fire qi, and too much or too little fire element may show in the face as pale and sallowness. Earth qi manifests in the muscles and the mouth area. Wrinkles around the mouth and worry lines suggest earth element imbalance. The nose region reflects the metal element. Pore size, the sense of smell, and other aspects show balance in the metal element. Lastly, one sees the water element in the eyes, surrounding creases, and musculature.

Facial rejuvenation acupuncture is a safe, helpful method to improve overall facial and body appearance. Dr. Oskardmay loves helping patients look and feel better naturally using this acupuncture subspeciality. Call today at 919-929-1400 to learn more about how acupuncture can help you. Serving the Durham, Chapel Hill, and wider Triangle region, Acupractic Natural Healing Center in Chapel Hill is here for you. Or visit us online at acudocnc.com anytime to learn more and to schedule an appointment. Open Monday through Friday, we hope to see you soon!