Dr. Etter is a fellow of the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture, and has ten years of experience doing acupuncture for clients in Lenexa, Olathe and Overland Park, Kansas, KS. Dr. Etter's practice includes both traditional needle-based and electronic acupuncture. The goal of this Eastern medicine treatment is to promote natural healing and well being by balancing the body's natural energy.
 
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture works by stimulating a combination of Accupoints on the body to re-balance the body's vital energy and promote healing naturally. Acupuncture is based on the principle that the organs andsystems of the body have a two way communication with hundreds of Accupoints located near the surface of the skin. Accupoints were mapped on the surface of the skin over thousands of years via trial and error by Chinese acupuncture practitioners.
  
What is involved in acupuncture treatment?
Acupuncture treatment involves stimulation of the Accupoints specific to a patient's complaints. Stimulation of Accupoints can be by needle, electrical stimulation or both. Typically, 20-40 Accupoints are treated per session with most of the points occurring on the arms, legs, back and ears. Needle acupuncture is the most famous form of acupuncture therapy. Needles are packaged sterile, used only once,
and then properly disposed of. The accupuncture needle is usually inserted less the ¼" into the surface of the skin. The needles are of such a fine gauge that five will fit into the core of a hypodermic needle. For most Accupoints, the patient will feel nothing or possibly a sensation similar to a mosquito bite. Electronic stimulation of Accupoints is a good alternative for patients with an aversion to needles. Electronic stimulation utilizes a tool that passes a light current through the targeted Accupoints. This generally feels like a light tickle or a tapping sensation.
Ear acupuncture
The ear has more than one hundred Accupoints which relate to the various organ systems and parts of the body, and is an effective method of treatment for many conditions. During fetal development the first structures to develop are the brain and spinal cord. What later becomes the external ear develops at about the same time. Accordingly, there is a very strong relationship between the external ear and the central nervous system. The ancient Chinese viewed the ear as resembling an upside down fetus with all the body parts proportionately arranged on the ear. Ear acupuncture may use needles, electrical stimulation, or a combination of both. In relation to the ear, electrical acupuncture is the most comfortable and least invasive method of acupuncture for those apprehensive about needles.
  
Cost and session information
The cost for a full acupuncture treatment is $39. The first session generally lasts up to 45 minutes with subsequent visits lasting about 30-35 minutes. Patients are encouraged to bring or wear clothing that allows access to the maximum number of acupuncture points, a pair of jogging shorts for men, and a tank top or sports bra and shorts for female patients.
How many treatments are needed?
The number of treatments varies with different conditions and patients. Chronic problems generally require more treatments than acute problems. Chronic problems often require 5-10 treatments, where acute problems may be treated in five or less visits. Some patients may notice immediate improvement. However, some may not feel improvement until seven to ten visits. A certain number of patients may even show maximum improvement three months post treatment.
For More Acupuncture, Alternative Medicine Information
We've compliled a list of websites pertaining to acupuncture, Oriental, Chinese, alternative medicine, herbs, and even veterinary applications of acupuncture. You can read all about it here, but don't forget to call the number at the top and make your appointment with us first.
Acupuncture and Alternative Medicine Information
|
|
Dr. Etter Acupuncturist
acupuncture needles
acupuncture points
and meridians
|
