Acupuncture
Modern Application of an Ancient Healing Therapy
During acupuncture treatment, an acupuncturist inserts very fine, sterile needles into specific points of the body to unblock the flow of energy through the body. The practice began more than 2,500 years ago in China. Today, it is one of the most common medical procedures in the world.
Affinity Health System offers acupuncture treatment in Northeast Wisconsin through the Mary Kimball Anhaltzer Center for Integrative Medicine in Oshkosh, and Affinity Medical Group clinics at Mercy Oakwood and Greenville.
Uses for Acupuncture
Acupuncture is used to treat several health concerns, including:
- Chronic pain such as:
- Neck and back pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Osteoarthritis
- Tendonitis
- Fibromyalgia
- Carpal tunnel
- Neuropathy
- Dental pain
- Vertigo
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Hot flashes
- Acute injuries
- Chronic fatigue
- Stress and anxiety
- Stroke rehabilitation
- Asthma and allergies
- Irritable bowel syndrome
Complements Conventional Medicine
In many health systems today, including Affinity, acupuncture complements conventional therapies. For example, doctors may combine acupuncture and analgesic drugs to control surgery-related pain. Some doctors have found that acupuncture lowers the need for conventional pain-relieving drugs, reducing the risk of side effects.
What Can I Expect During My Visit?
Getting to know the patient and understand the many life factors (work and life stresses, environment, illnesses, physical or emotional distress) that may influence your well being are an integral part of the treatment process. The practitioner will ask you questions to get to know more about you. He or she may take pulses from around your body to gauge imbalances in energy flow.
The experience of being “needled” varies tremendously, but it's nothing to be afraid of. You may not feel the needles going in at all, or you may have a sensation like a very small electric charge upon insertion. Adverse side effects are rare and less bothersome than those of conventional treatments
Skilled Providers
Jennifer Norden, MD, medical director for Affinity's Integrative Medicine program, performs acupuncture at the Mary Kimball Anhaltzer Center for Integrative Medicine in Oshkosh.
Elizabeth Kimbrough, MD, board-certified internal medicine physician, performs acupuncture at the Mary Kimball Anhaltzer Center for Integrative Medicine in Oshkosh.
Corrine Rathbun, L.Ac., licensed acupuncturist, performs acupuncture at Affinity Medical Group clinics in Greenville and Oshkosh - Mercy Oakwood.
Cost
The cost of acupuncture treatment varies. Currently, many insurance companies do not cover acupuncture, so it’s important to check with your health insurance company before treatment. Network Health Plan covers acupuncture for headaches, migraines, chronic neck and back pain, chemotherapy-associated nausea, and post-operative nausea. Medicare, Medicare supplements, and Medicaid do not cover acupuncture.
