The technique of acupuncture dates back over 2000 years in Chinese literature. It has gained worldwide use over the past decade and is now a commonly used medical procedure in the United States. Neurologic acupuncture combines traditionally Eastern and Western practices to treat a neurologic illness or syndrome.
Acupuncture at Valley Neurology involves the stimulation of anatomical points in both the head and body with sterile, solid penetrating needles. Arousal of anatomic points along a body meridian can stimulate the nervous system to release chemicals in the brain, spinal cord, connective tissue and muscles. The reaction will trigger the internal regulating system to respond to amplify the natural healing abilities contained within the body.
Patients with the following neurologic disorders may benefit from medical acupuncture:
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Headaches / migraines
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Motor tics
- Chronic fatigue
- Encephalopathy / inattention
Acupuncture is a very safe modality of treatment. Side effects or morbidities are rarely experienced. There is some discomfort as the needles are inserted, and minimal bruising may occur on the initial treatment. Some patients may experience a deep relaxation to the point of transient disorientation following the first one to three treatments. These are self-limited and do not persist beyond a few minutes.