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ACUPUNCTURE

What is the Function of Acupuncture?
While one of the effects of acupuncture maybe symptom relief, it is far more than this. Acupuncture has served over the centuries to intercede in disease and “re-attune” a person to their environment. Those who receive acupuncture heal physically, and also experience new and profound states of peace, clarity and harmony through treatment which often has long lasting impact. |top|

How Effective is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is highly effective not only as a preventative medicine, but as a drug free treatment of signs and symptoms. It facilitates homestasis; the body's ability to balance itself.

Studies indicate that acupuncture influences the central and peripheral nervous system. Evidence shows it stimulates the release of endorphins from the brain which make acupuncture particularly effective in pain control.

Among a host of factors, acupuncture affects sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in the blood, the functioning of the gastrointestinal system and the activity of the endocrine system. It is highly effective in reproductive system disorders, including infertility.

Acupuncture works with the body, strengthening and balancing energy. It improves circulation and allows the body to heal itself more quickly and more completely. It puts the patient’s inner-environment in balance with itself and with the outside environment. |top|

Is Western Medicine Incorporating Acupuncture Into Its System?
Western medical doctors have developed great interest in incorporating acupuncture, particularly as they have noticed its impact and success with addictions, AIDS, sports injuries, trauma, and pain relief. |top|

How Does Acupuncture Work?
As a system of medicine it uses natural laws and energetic principles to guide with the application of needles, energy, and pressure to specific points on the body. Each point provides a specific function in the body in regulating the free flow of vital energy for health and wellbeing. Acupuncture accesses the source of life itself.

Dr. Bonnie opens or closes specific “gates” or points grouped along certain pathways of energy flow called channels, which go deep into the body. Disease, for example, is prevented or treated by stimulating or reducing the flow of vital energy or “Qi” (pronounced chi) through specific points in the body. Vital energy then is strengthened or sedated, monitored, and balanced to achieve the desired result.

Western doctors are discovering medications which can suppress or stimulate electrical impulses within the body but they cannot regulate or manipulate it in the way in which acupuncture can. |top|

Oriental Diagnosis and Examination
Dr. Bonnie uses a highly developed system of understandingfrom both energetic and biomedical disciplines to diagnose, treat, and test the immediate success of treatment.

On your first visit, Dr. Bonnie will listen carefully to you in an extensive interview which provides vital clues to an overall pattern of health or disease. Dr. Bonnie will feel the subtle variations in the pulses in the wrist to determine a wealth of information about how the body is functioning. Sound of voice, the condition of the tongue, smell, overall appearance of face and skin, emotions…all are important indicators of your condition. |top|

How Does Dr. Bonnie use Acupuncture?

Dr. Bonnie may use her refined skills with utilizing a number of techniques to administer effective treatment. The principal techniques and their functions are described below:

• ACUPUNCTURE as described above. Only one time disposable needles are used.
• ELECTRICAL STIMULATION through the needles can add to pain relief.
• ACUPRESSURE (the use of finger instead needling the point)
• MOXIBUSTION (the burning of moxa ,the herb, mugwort, over the point) help to promote circulation and relax muscle spasm.
• ORIENTAL HERBS provide material for healing and treating symptoms.
• NUTRITION programs also provide raw materials within the body.
• EXERCISE, such as Qi Gong or Tai Ji (which Dr. Bonnie may demonstrate) strengthens and circulates vital energy. This affects both your strength and motivation during activity.

Most people receive acupuncture treatment lying down, although a seated position is sometimes used. Dr. Bonnie will guide you and help you relax and receive the most benefit from treatment. |top|

What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?

What Can I Expect With Acupuncture?
Most people are surprised at the depth of relaxation, the intensity of energy which occurs, and sense of well-being and healing which occurs from the rebalancing of energy.

Relief from symptoms may be felt immediately or gradually in the following days (or weeks) depending on the severity of symptoms. You will find you will look forward to treatment for the many benefits that are received from acupuncture.

Many who have lived with their condition for so many years believe they will just have to make do. Others live with pain thinking that “someday” it will go away. Acupuncture has succeeded in many cases where other treatments have not. You can optimize your health. |top|

Why Should I Consider Acupuncture?
Acupuncture should definitely be considered if you have already been everywhere & done everything else to relieve your condition. If you haven't tried acupuncture, then you haven't done everything! However, it probably makes more sense to try acupuncture not as a last resort, but as a first line of defense as soon as you notice your health going out of balance. It's much easier to resolve a condition at its onset than to fix it after it's settled in and lots of other therapies, medications, surgeries, etc have been done. Often times our initial treatments have to be directed at undoing the damage of previous treatments before we can address the original problem.

If your pain or problem is from a recent accident or injury, or involves high fever, sever pain, uncontrollable vomiting, severe cuts or bleeding or similar symptoms, you should be evaluated at a medical facility before trying acupuncture. DO NOT expect acupuncture to replace competent medical care if that is the care you need. Even the best acupuncturist cannot set a broken bone or stitch up a gaping wound. |top|

What if I am Healthy?
Can Acupuncture Help Prevent Future Problems or Enhance Health?
Yes. Acupuncture has traditionally been used as a preventive medicine. Research has verified that acupuncture stimulates immune functions which increases your resistance to bacterial and viral infections. Acupuncture can dramatically increase overall vitality and energy. It can effect profound changes in peoples’ lives on the emotional level as well. Many people find that an occasional acupuncture tune-up is the best medicine to feel “in sync” and insure continuing health. |top|

Is Acupuncture Safe?
Yes. Because acupuncture treatment is drug-free, you avoid the risk of drugs which can cause many side-effects or dependency. During each acupuncture session Dr. Bonnie will adjust the treatment according to your symptoms so that you receive constant monitoring of any changes.
Dr. Bonnie has received extensive training and is licensed and certified by strict state and national regulatory boards. Dr. Bonnie works closely with medical doctors in local communities who regularly find that the integration of treatments is very effective and beneficial for the patient. |top|

Is Acupuncture Recommended for Emergency Situations or Acute Medical Problems?
It is strongly recommended that you first seek immediate medical attention at a nearby hospital for such conditions as difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath; dizziness, fainting or feeling faint; pain or pressure in the chest or upper abdomen, sudden weakness or severe pain; sudden bleeding; injuries, falls, and when surgery, tests, x-rays and life support equipment may be needed. |top|

Are There Any Other Conditions for which Acupuncture is not Recommended?
Yes. Acupuncture is generally not recommended for the primary treatment of severe infection, cancer, and heart failure. However, acupuncture has been found useful for easing the effects of chemotherapy and relieving pain in advanced cancer patients. |top|

Who Should I See First? An MD or an Acupuncturist?
This is at your discretion. Does your condition fall within the general guidelines mentioned in the list included in this brochure for acupuncture? Wellspring offers a “no charge” consultation, either over the phone or in person. Get a feel for Dr. Bonnie’s approach to care and understanding of acupuncture. You will be given some direction as to how to best proceed. Dr. Bonnie can also tell you if referral is required to a western medical doctor who understands integrative medicine. |top|

Can Acupuncture Improve Athletic Performance or Treat Sports or Work-Out Injuries?
Absolutely yes. Acupuncture can speed healing and eliminate the discomfort of most sports injuries. Dr. Bonnie can also direct you in the proper way to prepare for an event and what is important after events to maintain your health. |top|

Can I Continue Taking My Regular Medication While Receiving Acupuncture?
Yes. In most cases, acupuncture treatment may be used along with other medical care to great advantage. It has also been used for pain control after other medical or dental procedures, for improving healing, and to lessen the side-effects of some drugs. If you are taking medications “as needed”, you may notice you need them less; but always check with your medical doctor before discontinuing any prescription medications. Dr. Bonnie will not recommend you stop any medications presecribed by a licensed MD, but you may communicate with your doctor to discuss weaning off any medications no longer needed.  |top|

Can Acupuncture be Used with Infants or Children?
Yes. Treatment without needles is primarily used for young children. Studies have shown that it is useful for treating jaundice in newborns. Infants and babies can also be successfully treated for colic, earache, cerebral palsy, myopia, and bed-wetting. Many parents have found that by introducing their children to acupuncture, many childhood diseases are avoided. In the Orient, parents are encouraged to have their children treated every month as a preventive measure. |top|

Can Acupuncture Help Senior Citizens?
Yes. Acupuncture is for people of all ages, but the elderly can often experience great benefits from enhanced circulation and energy. It can assist with insomnia. It can increase mental clarity and regulate blood pressure. In the Orient it is recommended for stroke patients as soon as possible after their diagnosis because it is helpful in eliminating or decreasing related paralysis. |top|

Can Acupuncture Be Effective When Other Treatments Have Failed?
Yes. Often each system of medicine has its own areas in which it has its greatest effectiveness. Acupuncture’s advantage is that its diagnostic and treatment system has a broad and deep understanding of our energetic nature, as well as the impact of energy in healing. It is not limited by western medicine’s assumption that disease is based in biochemistry. Acupuncture is powerful medicine which works, despite belief or unknown factors. Acupuncture is effective in treatment of animals and coma patients, who are unaffected by the placebo effect. |top|

Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Most people are surprised (and relieved!) to learn that acupuncture needles are very thin… not like hypodermic needles which are big and hollow. Acupuncturists can attain a high level of skill in gently placing these tiny needles and often the insertion is barely perceptible. Dr. Bonnie will help you to relax and receive the most value from treatment. After the needle is inserted you may feel nothing or sometimes a vague numbness, “heaviness” or slight tingling. The treatment is effective whether this is sensed or not. After treatment, many experience a euphoric feeling and often profound peace. |top|

How Will Dr. Bonnies Treatment Be Different From Other Types of Therapy?
Dr. Bonnie’s approach, based on Classical Chinese Medicine, is to treat “the person first”, not just the symptoms. The root cause of the disease is treated as the result. Dr. Bonnie will question you extensively regarding your history and life patterns during the initial examination. Dr. Bonnie is trained to observe very subtle signs and symptoms which are thought of as insignificant or often overlooked by Western medical practitioners.

In addition to western medical diagnostic tests, Dr. Bonnie uses the oriental diagnostic system. This takes into account many factors to determine the correct points or gateways along the vital energy pathways of the body, called channels. These points are used to regulate the vital energy in the body thereby quickening healing, enhancing health and the feeling of well-being.

Dr. Bonnie will talk with you about the types of therapies she can use to treat you. This may include acupuncture, acupressure, herbal medicines, moxibustion, nutrition, exercises, tai ji, chiropractic, breathing exercises, etc. she may recommend further treatment based on the type, severity and duration of the condition, and your physical state at the time of treatment. For best therapeutic results, she will talk with you about home care recommendations so you can optimize your progress and total health! |top|

What If My Regular Doctor Isn’t Familiar with the Benefits of Acupuncture?
With your written permission we can speak and work with your MD personally. Acupuncture and oriental medicine has stood the test of time for well over 3,000 - 6,500 years! The far-reaching impact of this ancient cost effective medical system for healing, wellness, and transformation could well herald the medicine of the future. We encourage you to proceed with confidence into new possibilities for health and well-being. |top|

CHIROPRACTIC

What chiropractic techniques do you use?
Activator Method, National Diversified, and Craniosacral technique. Two of these are gentle but effective, non “pop” techniques.

Do you require x-rays?
 X rays, just like other comparably invasive diagnostic procedures, are only ordered when clinically justified, if the case warrants it. Dr Walker maintains privileges to order such diagnostic tests at Watauga Medical Center in Boone. If you have had xrays taken recently, we can usually use those if you bring them with you.

 Do you require a long series of chiropractic treatments?
Every case is unique and the course of treatment is determined based on your needs. However, our integrative approach, combining structural (chiropractic) corrections with acupuncture, nutrition, and home exercises usually results in quicker and more complete resolution of your problem.  |top|

FEES

How much will it cost?
The fee for the initial visit includes the cost of the exam plus any treatment done that day. A treatment plan will be designed for you in order to address your particular condition, but the average number of treatments required to stabilize most conditions is ten to twenty treatments. The price range in the US for acupuncture treatments runs $85 to $120, and our fees are well below that average.|top|

 Does my insurance pay for acupuncture?
Many insurance carriers still exclude reimbursement for acupuncture but some will consider it if it is prescribed by a physician. Our insurance specialist will help you to find out what your plan will cover. |top|

 Do you accept insurance?
The question should be, does insurance accept us? But if you mean do we accept insurance assignment, the answer is no. This would be the same as our extending credit to multibillion corporations. Payment is expected at time of service.|top|

Do you file insurance?
Yes, we will print the appropriate forms and file them for you, and follow up to be sure the claim is processed in a timely fashion. The reimbursement will come directly to you. |top|