What exactly is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one of the three branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Although ancient Chinese medicine is complex and foreign to many of us, its principles and methods can be easily understood. Acupuncture needles are used to stimulate points along the energy channels in our bodies. These specific channels or meridians as they are commonly referred to were discovered several thousand years ago by Chinese medical practitioners. When there is a deficiency of energy in our channels, an excess of energy in our channels, or a blockage of energy in our channels, we experience pain and/or poor health. Stimulating acupuncture points along these channels helps to bring the energy back into balance and thus provides a relief of symptoms.

Needles?! Is Acupuncture painful?

The acupuncture needles are very fine and flexible, about the same width as human hair or a piece of thread. We only use sterile, disposable needles. Upon insertion into the acupuncture point, the needle produces little to no sensation at all. Once the needle is inserted the patient will typically feel a tingling or a sensation of pressure which means that the needle is working. The process is not painful; in fact, most people find acupuncture to be extremely relaxing.

How do you know where to put the needles?

A thorough evaluation will be done on your initial visit including an examination, comprehensive medical review and discussion of your current complaints. Acupuncture diagnostic procedures also include pulse and tongue diagnoses to determine which channels need attention. All of this information will be combined and utilized to formulate a custom treatment plan including acupuncture, lifestyle/diet recommendations, and herbal medicine or vitamin supplementation as needed.

How long will my treatment last?

Once the needles have been inserted, you will lie comfortably for 25 minutes. Please allow 90 minutes for your first appointment and 60 minutes for follow-up visits. This will ensure enough time for your doctor to review your progress, make any adjustments to your treatment plan, and to answer any questions you may have.

Can Acupuncture help me?

Because acupuncture works to bring the body back into balance, it is successful at treating hundreds of symptoms and conditions. Some of the more commonly treated conditions are:

  • Acid reflux
  • Addictions
  • Allergies
  • Arthritis
  • Asthma
  • ADD/ADHD/Autism
  • Bed Wetting
  • Blood Pressure: high or low
  • Bursitis
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Circulation
  • Colds/Flu
  • Constipation
  • Cough- chronic
  • Cramps- legs and feet
  • Depression/Anxiety
  • Diarrhea
  • Disc problems
  • Dizziness/Vertigo
  • Eczema
  • Emphysema
  • Fatigue- chronic
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Gall Bladder dysfunction
  • Gynecological dysfunction
  • Hay Fever
  • Headaches
  • Heart Problems
  • Heart Burn
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Indigestion
  • Infertility
  • Insomnia
  • Kidney Disease
  • Liver Disease
  • Migraines
  • Pain: neck, back, hips, shoulders, knees, ankles
  • PMS
  • Prostate problems
  • Psoriasis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Sciatica
  • Shingles
  • Sinus Issues
  • Tennis Elbow
  • Thyroid Conditions
  • Ulcers
  • Urinary Issues
  • Whiplash

 

Testimonials

  • I came to Dr. Fodel when I was about 6.5 months pregnant. I had a host of issues from heartburn, to recent sugar cravings, tiredness, and a general concern about having a healthy pregnancy. I had an unplanned c-section (a large difference from the planned natural childbirth I’d envisioned) with my first child and wanted to do anything that I could to promote my health and well-being in order to have a successful VBAC. Dr. Fodel created a plan for me that included nutritional supplements and acupuncture, and soon I was feeling much better. Later in my pregnancy as my back began to ache, she used cupping to help ease the back pain. It was absolutely the only thing that worked to help my back. I think I was probably the only 8-9 months pregnant woman who consistently had almost no back pain! While, all of this is amazing, the most wonderful thing about Dr. Fodel is her dedication to her patients. I know she has spent countless hours on my “case,” educating me, answering my questions in great detail, and trying to solve the things that were a little more resistant to improving. She went far beyond what I would expect and exhibited a level of care and dedication to me as her patient that I have never experienced from any care provider before.

    Emily
  • Drs. Fodel & Roland have---in all seriousness---changed my life. I have had (well, HAD!) chronic back and neck pain since 2004 when I was in a car accident. Over the years I had visited 3 different chiropractors before finding Synergy, all who were very nice and who helped my back to feel better, but it was always dependent on me continuing to have weekly adjustments. I'm so thankful I found Synergy because they have a more holistic vision of health and wellness. They incorporate physical therapy by giving you at-home exercises that target the muscle areas that need strengthening, which helps to keep the pain from returning. Brilliant! You'd think all chiropractors would do this. The bottom line is that these docs are actually interested in you getting BETTER, not just in taking your hard-earned cash! : ) Dr. Roland is extremely knowledgeable about exercise and has me do short workouts---in office---that target areas I need to work on. This is great because I need all the motivation I can get & it's hard to slack when a doctor is telling you what to do ; ) They also incorporate (if you're interested) nutritional counseling. This, in particular, has really made a HUGE difference in my energy levels and general well-being; we all know that when we have more energy, we feel better overall. Dr. Fodel really takes the time to understand your overall health, or lack thereof, and can really make a difference! As you can see, I have nothing but great things to say about this place! It's such a relief to find doctors who are still interested and invested in their patients health and well-being.

    Kristen
  • I  went to see Dr. Fodel for acupuncture because several friends had recommended acupuncture for stress, allergies, digestion and general aches & pains.   She spent much more time with me, reviewing information regarding my health, than any of my doctors had.  I had been on prescribed medications for GERD and allergies for 10 years with no improvement.   Two months after getting acupuncture and taking the recommended vitamins and supplements from Dr. Fodel, my symptoms had greatly improved and I  no longer needed the prescription medications. I enjoy my visits with Dr. Fodel.   She is professional, caring, never in a hurry, I know that she will take  time to discuss any issues that I am having, and I always feel  better after my acupuncture treatments.   I have recommended Synergy Chiropractic & Acupuncture to many of my friends and family.  I know that I am now on a better road to enjoying my health in my middle-age years.

    Emily
  • I had been suffering from lower back pain for the better part of 2010 and as the New Year 2011 rang in the pain went from bad to worse.  I was at a loss regarding what to do.  I had already committed myself to NOT having back surgery and taking pain medication everyday was not an option for me either.  I was desperate.  One day while reviewing my insurance plan and what alternative medicine options where available, I came across  Synergy Chiropractic & Acupuncture,I immediately called and made an appointment with Dr. Fodel.  When I first walked (if you can call it that) into the office each step was slow and arduous and racked with pain.  I was very near tears.  Dr. Fodel did a through assessment of me from my medical and family history to my range of motion to even my DIET!  She suggested dietary changes (I never knew that there were inflammatory foods that affect arthritis) and slowly began therapeutic treatment.  Each time I came back for treatment my condition improved.  Now a little over a month later I am pain free and I haven’t taken any medications in weeks!!!  My diet has changed and under Dr. Fodel’s care I am building up my core muscles.  Most importantly I feel WONDERFUL and I am walking just fine!  Dr. Fodel is a patient and caring physician who always offers encouraging words.  I am so grateful that I discovered Dr. Fodel and Synergy Chiropractic & Acupuncture.  

    Gina
  • After many years of stomach pains and discomfort, I am overcoming this uncomfortable feeling. To me, it is incredible that after years of struggling, in three short weeks I was able to notice a huge difference in how I feel. This short time of dedication altered my way of thinking and eating for a lifetime. I feel better because of what I am eating and I know which foods now trigger those stomach pains. I am more educated on how to best take care of myself to continue in this new lifestyle I have chosen.  

    Leann

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