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Acupuncture Not Just Ancient Medicine

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By SUZANNE M. SCHMIDT

In The Loop

Published: January 18, 2009

LUTZ - Some people might think sticking small needles into various points on the body to eliminate pain is a crazy idea, but chiropractors Carrie Oleston and Cindy Perkins swear by it.

Oleston, a chiropractor at Back In Health Wellness Center in Lutz, has been certified to do acupuncture from the Northwestern Health Sciences University in Minneapolis since 2004. She said she has been able to help with infertility, headaches, pain, injuries, anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues, menopausal symptoms, asthma, allergies and even sinus problems.

"Acupuncture can treat anything," Oleston said. "It works by making a person's natural ability to heal stronger. It helps to strengthen the immune and the nervous system by sticking pins in accupoints located on Meridian or energy channels throughout the body. By stimulating these points, we can balance a person's natural energy. It can either stop the flow, stimulate the flow or slow down the flow of energy."

Kirsten Dovin of Odessa is now only weeks away from having her third child. Physician Stephen Welden conducted an in-vitro fertilization procedure on her while she also was getting acupuncture from Oleston.

"I did research first and discovered that there is a 50 percent chance having acupuncture will help a woman carry to term," Dovin said. "I started getting the acupuncture once a week even though I was really afraid of needles. I sucked it up and did it because I knew it would help. Once I did it a couple times, I didn't hurt. It actually relaxes me and has helped me to sleep better."

Since the center opened in October 2007, Perkins said she is amazed by how many people come in for acupuncture treatments. As a result, she has been studying to get her certification from the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture.

"There are a lot of different points on the body that can be used for different conditions," Perkins said. "We have to do a complete examination in order to assess where to stick the pins. Most people are surprised to learn we don't usually stick the needles where the pain is."

Many people might shy away from acupuncture just because they are scared of needles, but Perkins said there are alternatives.

Both Perkins and Oleston said they use a full approach when treating their patients, which includes chiropractic care, nutrition, massage and physiotherapy. Back in Health Wellness Center is located at 18942 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Suite 102, Lutz in the Sun Lake Professional Center.

For information, call (813) 909-0961 or visit backinhealthwellness.com.

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