What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese-based approach to treating a variety of health conditions. It works by triggering different points on the skin with small, one-time use, stainless steel micro-filament needles. It is based on the idea that a blockage, or disturbance, in the body’s flow of Qi (pronounced as “chee”) can cause heath issues.
Dr. Chester Dickerson, Superior Spine Care’s Licensed Acupuncturist, Therapist, inserts thin needles at specific points to help with pain relief and restore proper energy flow.
Auricular Acupuncture
Auricular (auricle/ear) acupuncture is considered modern Chines acupuncture compared to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture. Auricular acupuncture stimulates points on the outer ear, as opposed to those on the body. In 1957, Paul Nogier, the father of auricular acupuncture, mapped out the entire body using the surface of the outer ear. In 1980, the World Health Organization and the Republic of China accepted the mapped out ear as standard auricular therapy. It is believed tha being close to the nervous system (brain), the effects are quicker and longer lasting.
Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA)
BFA was designed by the United States Air Force specifically to treat phantom pain. After conducting a large study, the conclusion was that this protocol can treat any form of pain. It is the gold standard of treatment used in VA hospitals across the country and is taught in every military hospital for pain management. This helps reduce the need for pain medications, such as opioids. Patients receiving this modality will generally have a significant decrease in pain at their first visit. The protocol is known for increasing the body’s natural pain endorphins which help relieve pain. The needles used are very small and are left in the ear for a few days for ongoing effect.
