What is Acupuncture?

Accupuncture An Overview

Acupuncture is one of the oldest healing therapies in the world. For thousands of years, acupuncture has been an integral part of TraditionalChinese Medicine and other Asian medicine. The term acupuncture encompasses a group of treatments involving the stimulation of anatomical points along meridians, or energy pathways, of the body. There are a variety of acupuncture techniques including needle acupuncture, needle-free acupuncture, auricular acupuncture and laser acupuncture.

At Atlanta Functional Medicine, acupuncture is used to correct imbalances which affect multiple systems — digestive, respiratory, neurological, and emotional, among others. The restoration of  proper flow throughout the systems is the goal of acupuncture and can play a large part in alleviating illness. Acupuncture has been scientifically proven to treat chronic pain and depression among other ailments. Dr. Board has had particular success with acupuncture and related therapies in non-narcotic Pain Management.

What Does Acupuncture Treat?

Acupuncture can be used to treat a wide range of conditions and diseases. Some examples include:

  • Digestive diseases such as: gastritis, spastic colon, constipation, diarrhea
  • Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, recurrent chest infections, muscle tightness
  • Neurological and muscular disorders: headaches, facial tics, neck pain, rib neuritis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, low back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis
  • Urinary, menstrual, and reproductive disorders
  • Chronic Pain
  • Depression
  • Fibromyalgia

Learn more about our Acupuncture Services Here.

Dr. Board explains everything in depth, and is very knowledgeable. She takes all symptoms into account, so she can gather a complete picture of any and all health issues. I had been seen at the Mayo Clinic where they conducted 8 days of testing - still no answers. However, with…Within 10 Days, I Started to Feel Like Myself Again!
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I am very pleased with the treatment prescribed by Dr. Elizabeth Board for my osteoporosis! I went to Dr. Board with osteoporosis in the hip (I was 63), hoping that a more holistic approach would build my health as well as my bones. Within 18 months my condition was reversed!…My Osteoporosis was Reversed within 18 months!
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Accupuncture What to Expect

Traditional Chinese Medicine includes acupuncture as well as other therapies such as herbal remedies, moxibustion, cupping, massage, mind-body therapy and dietary therapy.

Needle Acupuncture

Acupuncture uses fine needles; about the width of a hair. When properly inserted by a qualified acupuncturist, they do not hurt. Patients respond differently to acupuncture therapy, some feel relaxed while others feel energized. An acupuncture needle is inserted into acupuncture points near the surface of the skin. The depth of the insertion depends on the individual and the condition being treated, but ranges from 1/4 inch to 1 inch in depth.

Electroacupuncture

This technique is similar to traditional needle acupuncture, however, it uses an electrical current passed between two needles. Electoacupuncure is useful for treating a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, fatigue and depression.

Auriculotherapy

Auriculotherapy or auricular acupuncture, also known as ear acupuncture, is based on the principle that the ear is a microsystem for the entire body. This technique dates back to the 16th century.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion is a therapy that involves heating moxa (mugwort herb) near an acupuncture point to stimulate circulation and promote energy.

Corona Virus (COVID-19) Notice

If you think you have been exposed to COVID‑19 and develop a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, we ask our patients to watch Dr. Elizabeth Board's "PSA about COVID-19" video. For more information aout COVID-19, please follow the link.