Acupuncture

Wendy Swanson is a NCCAOM board certified diplomat in acupuncture and licensed acupuncturist in the states of South Carolina and North Carolina.  She graduated with honors from Tri-State College of Acupuncture (TSCA), one of the oldest schools of acupuncture in the United States.  At TSCA, she studied with some of the finest master practitioners involved with influencing the development of acupuncture in America, including Kiiko Matsumoto and Mark Seem.

In addition, she studied at the Beijing Traditional Medicine Training Center of the World Federation of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Societies (WFAS) in Beijing, China.

Wendy also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

With her unique training, she utilizes different styles of acupuncture, including classical Chinese and Japanese (Kiiko Matsumoto's style) acupuncture combined with the modern myofascial release trigger points.  These different approaches offer individualized treatments tailored to each patient's specific needs.

• Classical Chinese Acupuncture
• Japanese Acupuncture
• Trigger Point Acupuncture
• Tui Na
• Gua Sha
• Cupping
• Nutritional Counseling 

What is Acupuncture? Very basically, Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine, pre-sterilized needles on the body's surface, in order to influence physiological functioning of the body.Acupuncture, and the classical theories on which it is based, is part of a centuries-old system of medicine. This system, originating in China more than two thousand years ago, has its own style of diagnosis, its own language for describing the human body and a host of unique and powerful tools for bringing about and maintaining wellness. Best known in the U.S. as a safe and effective treatment for pain, acupuncture can also address many other medical complaints, from the common cold to chronic illness, often while reducing or eliminating the need for prescription drugs.

How does Acupuncture work? The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up in others. The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians. The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system. The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.   All without using drugs!

Does Acupuncture hurt? Most patients are delighted to find that acupuncture treatments are comfortable and enjoyable. The thin, stainless, sterile needles rarely cause discomfort, and generally result in a feeling of peacefulness and relaxation. Some people may feel energized after the treatment, while others may wish to rest. Many notice both symptoms and energy improving in the days following treatment. Some patients may experience a heavy, achy or tingling sensation near the needled site or along the associated meridian pathway.  In Oriental medicine, such sensations are known as “De Qi” and are an indication that the body’s healing powers have been stimulated. 

Is Acupuncture safe? Yes. The needles are sterile and disposed of after the treatment.  There is nothing injected into your body. Your safety is assured in the hands of your comprehensively trained, licensed and board certified acupuncturist, Wendy Swanson.

What is a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac)? Licensed acupuncturists are independent practitioners. Patients, in North and South Carolina, are not required to obtain a referral from another medical practitioner.  It is recommended, though, that you see your primary care physician on an annual basis.  To be a licensed acupuncturist in North and South Carolina a practitioner must meet the following requirements: Attendance to a three year postgraduate program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM).  (Wendy Swanson obtained a Masters degree in Acupuncture from Tri-State College of Acupuncture after having completed a 3 year graduate program which was comprised of didactic and clinical skills training totaling over 3000 hours of study). Passage of an examination administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and thus entitled to the designation 'Diplomate in Acupuncture' [Dipl.Ac. (NCCAOM)]. This examination includes written and practical components. Completion of the Clean Needle Technique course administered by the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CCAOM).

What does Acupuncture Treat? The World Health Organization recognizes over 43 common conditions that Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine has success in treating:

Pain conditions
Headaches / migraines
Facial pain (TMJ. Bell's Palsy)
Tooth pain
Neck pain
Upper back pain
Low back pain (Sciatica / Piriformis syndrome)
Shoulder pain
Lower extremity pain
Repetitive strain injury
Tennis Elbow / Carpal Tunnel
Osteoarthritis

Gastro-intestinal conditions
Constipation / Diarrhea
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Reflux Esophagitis

Gynecological conditions
Amenorrhea (lack of menses)
Dysmenorrhea (painful menses)
Infertility
Post partum depression
Irregular menses
Menopausal symptoms

Respiratory conditions
Allergies
Sinusitis / Rhinitis
Asthma
Bronchitis
Common Cold

Miscellaneous conditions
Anxiety / Stress / Depression
Fibromyalgia
Chronic Fatigue
General Well Being
Weight Loss
High / Low Blood Pressure
Post Stroke
Substance abuse
Smoking cessation
Tinnitus
Vertigo
Urinary dysfunction

Does Acupuncture really work?

Yes. In the past 2,000 years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined. Today acupuncture is practiced widely in Asia, the Soviet Union, and in Europe. It is now being used more and more in the United States. Acupuncture treatments can be given at the same time other techniques are being used, such as conventional Western medicine, osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments, and homeopathic or naturopathic prescriptions. It is important that your acupuncturist know everything that you are doing, so she can help you get the most benefit from all your treatments.

Do I have to believe in Acupuncture for it to work?

No. Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses and other animals. These animal patients do not understand or believe in the process that helps them get better. A positive attitude toward wellness may reinforce the effects of the treatment received, just as a negative attitude may hinder the effects of acupuncture or any other treatment. A neutral attitude ("I don't know if I really believe in this.") will not block the treatment results.

How many treatments will I need?The number of treatments needed differs from person to person. For complex or long-standing conditions, one or two treatments a week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required.  For general well-being one treatment per season is recommended. 

What to expect from a treatment? On the day of your initial visit, you will complete a comprehensive intake form.  You will want to fill this form out as thoroughly as possible, as all of the questions being asked are important in a holistic/ Chinese Medicine diagnostic model. After we have reviewed this form, you will change into loose, comfortable clothing such as shorts and a tank top. I will then examine your tongue and pulse and then I may palpate both the abdomen and areas of tenderness along meridian channels which may correlate to your complaints. Then, depending on the assessment, you may be asked to lay face up or face down, and needles will be inserted according to your unique findings. Many people, at this point, enter a deep state of relaxation.  You will be left to rest anywhere between 15 to 20 minutes; occasionally the amount of time will vary.  At this time you might fall asleep, enter even deeper into a tranquil state, or have emotions wax and wane. All or none of this is fine; your experience will be uniquely yours.

The needles will be removed and you will then begin your journey into further feeling and noticing slight or significant differences within your mind, body and/or spirit. The time between sessions is when the healing really begins. Your nervous system will now begin to adjust and you will be learning to function on a higher level of energetic vibrations.

Other treatments might also be incorporated into the acupuncture session. These modalities include: Gua Sha: a form of rubbing the skin with a dull edge to eliminate toxic residues from the underlying tissue that has built up through repetitive chronic inflammation. Cupping: the attachment of a glass or plastic cup through suction onto the skin to function in warming and promoting the free flow of Qi and Blood within the meridians thus dispelling congestion, swelling and pain. Moxibustion: the application of burning Artemesia Vulgaris, a type of Chrysanthemum, on or above the selected acupoints in order to produce warmth along the skin, muscle and channel, to induce the smooth flow of Qi and Blood and to prevent further disharmony or disease. Focusing: this is used when emotional issues creep up during a session in which I will help you connect with your "felt senses". This is perfected by practicing Wu Wei... "Do, by not doing". Allowing your body and emotions freedom from constraint is the key to health and well being. Your initial visit will take approximately 75 minutes.  You will need to arrive about 20 minutes prior to your appointment to fill out paperwork.  So you can expect to be in the office for about 1 ½ hours. Follow-up visits take approximately 45 to 60 minutes. 

Are there any “Do’s and Don’ts” for me on the day of the treatment?Yes. To enhance the value of a treatment, the following guidelines are important:

 

• Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your treatment.   
• Eat a light meal prior to treatment.  
• Do not over-exercise, engage in sexual activity, or consume alcoholic beverages within 6 hours before or after the treatment.  
• Plan your activities so that after the treatment you can get some rest, or at least not have to be working at top performance. This is especially important for the first few visits.
• Continue to take any prescription medicines as directed by your doctor. Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol) especially in the week prior to treatment will seriously interfere with the effectiveness of acupuncture treatments.

What about insurance? We can provide you with a “super bill”, which you can then submit to your insurance company.  You are responsible for submitting your own claim form and responsible for finding out what your insurance company will accept.  Another great option is a Flexible Medical Spending Account. This account allows you to deposit part of your paycheck before taxes, and apply it to basically any health expense you might have, such as acupuncture. 

 

Fees: Initial Visit: $75

 

Follow-up Visit: $60

 

Office Hours:

 

(By appointment only)

Monday: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm

Thursday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm

 

Saturday morning: By appointment