What We Treat

“Do More in 2024” for Your Health & Your Future

At last, the new year is upon us. Will we live our best lives and manifest our fullest potential? What we do with all that potential, is always up to us.

One way to hone in on our resolutions, our health and wellness goals is to try something new, like acupuncture. Although acupuncture is technically anything but “new” being over 3,000 year old system of medicine originating from China, it may be a new experience for you.

Acupuncture is truly an excellent treatment approach for many ailments for several reasons. First, there are no side effects to acupuncture like there are with medications or surgery. Second, it is actually a very pleasant experience for most people, as most patients fall asleep during their session, and it is considered non-invasive. Third, it can treat multiple health concerns at the same time. Many times a patient will come in for their chronic pain, for example, and also see lasting improvements with their lifelong anxiety or insomnia, digestive issues or migraines. It even helps couples get pregnant who are struggling to start a family, or help with menopausal concerns and reproductive health.

Anything you would consider taking a pill for, you could try acupuncture.

With the New Year, many folks even use acupuncture to quit smoking, or use acupuncture to lose weight.

At Cloud 9 Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine, we take an integrative approach looking at many ways to naturally support your health and wellness, utilizing acupuncture, electro-stim, ATP Resonance BioTherapyTM, O3 Regenerative TherapyTM, and custom nutritional support.

While we specialize in complex, chronic conditions that are difficult to treat such as neuropathy, autoimmune conditions, infertility, migraines, and women’s health, we do treat many other conditions (and all ages) as well.

Interested in seeing what acupuncture can do for you?

Call 410-847-4766 to begin with a consultation with Dr. Laura Parks, our medical director who has over 13 years experience using acupuncture to change lives.

Acupuncture for Neuropathy: A Natural Approach to Pain Relief

What is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that damages the nerves. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness. Neuropathy can be caused by a number of things, including diabetes, chemotherapy, alcohol abuse, and certain medications.

How Can Acupuncture Help with Neuropathy?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine treatment that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. It is believed that acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural healing process and can help to relieve pain and inflammation.

A growing body of research suggests that acupuncture may be an effective treatment for neuropathy. One study found that acupuncture was more effective than sham acupuncture at reducing pain and improving nerve function in people with diabetic neuropathy. Another study found that acupuncture was effective at reducing pain and improving quality of life in people with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

How Does Acupuncture Work for Neuropathy?

Acupuncture is thought to work for neuropathy in a number of ways. It may help to:

Reduce pain and inflammation
Improve nerve function
Promote blood flow to the nerves
Stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers

What to Expect During an Acupuncture Treatment

During an acupuncture treatment, you will lie on a comfortable table. The acupuncturist will then insert thin needles into specific points on your body. The needles are usually inserted very shallowly and should not cause much pain.

Once the needles are in place, you will relax for 20-30 minutes. The acupuncturist may gently manipulate the needles during this time. After the treatment, the needles will be removed.

How Many Acupuncture Treatments Do I Need?

The number of acupuncture treatments you need will vary depending on the severity of your neuropathy and your individual response to treatment. Most people start with 2-3 treatments per week and then reduce the frequency of treatments as their symptoms improve.

If you are considering acupuncture for neuropathy, be sure to start with a consultation.

Additional Tips for Managing Neuropathy

In addition to acupuncture, there are a number of other things you can do to manage neuropathy symptoms, such as:

Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight can put additional pressure on the nerves.
Exercise regularly. Exercise can help to improve nerve function and blood flow.
Eat a healthy diet. Eating a balanced diet can help to provide the nutrients your nerves need to function properly.
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can damage the nerves.
Manage any underlying medical conditions. If your neuropathy is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes, it is important to manage that condition carefully.

Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for neuropathy. It can help to reduce pain, improve nerve function, and promote blood flow to the nerves. If you are considering acupuncture for neuropathy, be sure to begin with a consult.

Acupuncture for Spinal Stenosis: A Natural Way to Find Relief

Spinal stenosis is a condition that causes the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This can lead to pain, numbness, weakness, and tingling in the legs and feet. Spinal stenosis can be caused by a number of factors, including aging, arthritis, and injury.

While there is no cure for spinal stenosis, there are a number of treatments that can help to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. One such treatment is acupuncture.

Acupuncture can help to relieve pain, inflammation, and other symptoms.

How acupuncture can help with spinal stenosis

Acupuncture can help with spinal stenosis in a number of ways. First, it can help to reduce pain and inflammation. Acupuncture releases endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain relievers. It also helps to reduce inflammation by increasing blood flow to the affected area.

Second, acupuncture can help to improve nerve function. Acupuncture needles stimulate the nerves in the spine, which can help to improve nerve conduction and reduce nerve pain.

Third, acupuncture can help to improve range of motion and flexibility. Acupuncture helps to relax muscles and reduce stiffness, which can make it easier to move and exercise.

Research on acupuncture for spinal stenosis

A number of studies have shown that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for spinal stenosis. For example, a 2019 study found that acupuncture was more effective than sham acupuncture at reducing pain and improving function in people with spinal stenosis.

Another study, published in 2020, found that acupuncture was effective at reducing pain and improving quality of life in people with spinal stenosis who were not responding to other treatments.

Once you have found a qualified acupuncturist, they will develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs. Treatment typically involves weekly acupuncture sessions for several weeks or months, depending on the severity of your condition.

Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for spinal stenosis. It can help to reduce pain, inflammation, and nerve pain. It can also help to improve range of motion and flexibility. If you are considering acupuncture for spinal stenosis, be sure to start with a consultation with our doctor.

Microneedling: A Non-Invasive Treatment for Younger-Looking Skin

Microneedling is a minimally invasive new cosmetic procedure that reverses wrinkles using tiny needles to create micro-channels in the skin. These channels allow for the delivery of serums and other treatments to the deeper layers of the skin, where they can work more effectively in reducing wrinkles.

Microneedling is a popular treatment for a variety of skin concerns, including:

Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Acne scars
Stretch marks
Sun damage
Hyperpigmentation
Melasma

Microneedling is also a good option for people who want to improve the overall appearance of their skin. It can help to reduce the appearance of pores, improve skin texture, and give the skin a more youthful glow.

The microneedling procedure is right here in our office. The patient will be numbed with a topical anesthetic, and then the needles will be used to create the micro-channels in the skin. The procedure usually takes about 30-45 minutes to complete.

After the procedure, the patient’s skin may be red and swollen. This is normal and should subside within a few days. The patient may also experience some bruising.

Most people see results from microneedling within 4 weeks of the procedure.

Microneedling is a safe and effective treatment for a variety of skin concerns. It is a good option for people who are looking for a non-invasive way to improve the appearance of their skin.

To learn more about microneedling or to schedule a consultation, please contact our office today by calling 410-847-4766.

Can Acupuncture Help Torn Rotator Cuff Pain?

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help stabilize the shoulder joint. When these tissues are injured, it can cause pain, weakness, and decreased range of motion. A torn rotator cuff is a common injury that can be caused by overuse, repetitive movements, or a fall.

There are many different treatments for a torn rotator cuff, including surgery, physical therapy, and medication. Acupuncture is a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy that has been shown to be effective in relieving pain and improving function in people with rotator cuff injuries.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. These points are believed to be connected to channels of energy, or qi, that flow through the body. When the needles are inserted, they stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural pain relievers. Acupuncture can also help to reduce inflammation and improve blood flow to the injured area.

A study published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that acupuncture was effective in reducing pain and improving function in people with rotator cuff injuries. The study participants received 12 acupuncture treatments over the course of 6 weeks. The results showed that the acupuncture group had significantly less pain and improved function than the control group, which received sham acupuncture.

Another study, published in the journal The American Journal of Sports Medicine, found that acupuncture was effective in reducing pain and improving function in people with rotator cuff tears. The study participants received 10 acupuncture treatments over the course of 4 weeks. The results showed that the acupuncture group had significantly less pain and improved function than the control group, which received physical therapy.

If you are suffering from a torn rotator cuff, acupuncture may be a helpful complementary treatment option. Talk to your doctor about whether acupuncture is right for you.

Here are some of the benefits of using acupuncture for rotator cuff pain:

It can help to relieve pain and inflammation.
It can improve range of motion.
It can help to reduce muscle spasms.
It can promote healing of the injured tissues.
It is a safe and effective treatment.

If you are considering acupuncture for rotator cuff pain, here are some things to keep in mind:

Find a qualified acupuncturist who is experienced in treating shoulder injuries.
Be sure to tell your acupuncturist about all of your medical conditions.
Acupuncture is performed after a thorough consultation so that your acupuncture physician can evaluate your condition and decide the best course of treatment for you.

If you are looking for a natural way to relieve the pain and improve the function of your torn rotator cuff, acupuncture may be a good option for you. Call for a consultation to begin.