Acupuncture In
Elk River MN

Are you looking for Acupuncture in Elk River MN? The theory and history of acupuncture goes back literally thousands of years and was thought to be initially developed in China. The primary needles that existed at the time were sewing needles likely for use with the thin fine strands found in silk. It is thought by some that the first use of an actual needle may have come from a seamstress in China who may have had the achiness and tightness associated with that trade due to the long hours of being hunched over and overusing the arms and shoulders. Some theorize that she may have been trying to simply put pressure on the muscles that were ailing her and may have inadvertently at first pressed on the points with the needle still in her hand and thus realized that it actually did not hurt and had a surprisingly positive effect on her pains. Again, this is just a popular theory but very plausible in all respects.

What is Acupuncture in Elk River MN?

Acupuncture in general, utilizes 12 main meridians which are basically energy channels in the body that have been developed and mapped over thousands of years. These channels are divided into two basic types, Yin and Yang meridians. Half of the channels are Yin channels and half are Yang channels. These channels regulate the body's natural energy flow or "Chi" ("Chee"). A simplistic way to look at the basic theory of these channels is to think of them as being like the poles of a car battery. In order for the battery to function properly and be of any use there must be a relative balance between the positive and negative poles. If not, the battery will likely not hold a charge and will short out. In other words, it will not function properly. Our bodies can be viewed in a similar manner in that if we do not have the proper balance of energy flow in our bodies, we too will not function well and thus will be susceptible to disease. Therefore, in order to address the body's energy flow and balance we look at the disease or condition a patient is presenting with and determine what meridians are affected and out of balance and then develop a treatment plan which will help to restore and correct the body's meridian balance.

The 12 meridians basically correspond to the 12 months of the year and the 365 points most commonly used correspond to the 365 days of the year. The acupuncture points are related to the meridians and form a sort of "connect the dots" pattern through the course of each meridian.

What are the needles like?

The modern acupuncture needles used in the United States today are stainless steel for the most part and are all individually packed and sterilized for one-time use only and then disposed of after use. Many people have a big misconception about the needles utilized and patients can rest assured that many of the needles used are only somewhat larger in diameter than the average human hair. It is NOT in any way like the needles used when you get a shot.

Conditions Treated

The truth of the matter is that because acupuncture has been used for thousands of years and is still the mainstay choice of medical treatment in many Eastern countries throughout the world, there is literally a treatment protocol or regimen for anything one can think of. However, at Schomaker Chiropractic, we focus our acupuncture practice on musculoskeletal complaints primarily and also offer the popular smoking cessation programs and weight loss aid programs along with the very effective treatment of aches and pains associated with late pregnancy for women. Dr. Schomaker also utilizes acupuncture as an effective adjunct to the treatment plans he designs for his patients being treated with chiropractic care as well. A brief yet informative list of some of the problems we routinely treat with acupuncture is listed below. Please note that this is an abbreviated summary and not meant to be an all-inclusive list of the conditions which can be treated with acupuncture by Dr. Schomaker.

• Tension Headaches and Migraine Headaches
• Low back pain and Neck pain
• Shoulder pain and Rotator Cuff Syndrome
• Scoliosis and Fibromyalgia
• Back pain related to Late Pregnancy
• Nausea associated with Early Pregnancy
• Smoking Cessation and Weight loss aid
• Plantar Fascitis and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Whiplash
• Arthritis and General Chronic Pain Syndromes
• TMJ and Tennis Elbow
• Knee pain and Hip pain
• Herniated Disc Syndromes

Should you have any questions about any issues you may be experiencing and want to know if acupuncture can help you, please give our office a call to make an appointment to discuss your condition with Dr. Schomaker.