SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – Acupuncture was developed over 2,500 years ago to treat illness, pain, and prevent disease. The practitioner inserts thin, sterile, disposable needles in designated points in the body to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. By needling the acupuncture points, the nervous system is stimulated into releasing chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals, called endorphins, can reduce pain and influence your body’s immune system to restore balance. Acupuncture also increases the blood flow to the problem area to help with healing.
While most U.S. acupuncturists treat patients on tables in individual treatment rooms, here at Black River Acupuncture, patients are treated while relaxing in recliners in a large comfortable room. We practice a style of acupuncture which mostly uses points in the hands, feet, and head to treat problems anywhere in the body – meaning we will probably treat pain in your back by placing tiny needles in your hand.
Acupuncture is not like getting a shot. Unlike the hypodermic needle used in a medical office, which is large and hollow, acupuncture needles are solid and hair thin. They are inserted to much more shallow levels than hypodermic needles, usually no more than a half inch. Many patients describe the sensation as unfamiliar, but not painful or uncomfortable.
Each patient reacts to acupuncture in their own way. Some patients respond to acupuncture more quickly than others. Some patients experience a significant reduction in their symptoms after two to three treatments, and some conditions that have been around for years may take longer.
Kerri Casey, the practitioner, is licensed by the Vermont Board of Medical Practice. In addition, she has completed a three-year master’s program, passed the national board exam for certification in acupuncture, and has been practicing for 19 years.
Our goal is to provide high-quality acupuncture treatments at an affordable rate, and remove money as an obstacle to feeling better. We do this by have a sliding-fee scale where the patients decide how much to pay. Please check our website for the rates and more details, www.blackriverac.com. We are located at 368 River Street, Suite 140, in Springfield, Vt.
Submitted by Black River Acupuncture.