Did you know that Dr. Kondrad and myself are NBCE (National Board of Chiropractic Examiners) Board Certified Acupuncture providers? We have been using acupuncture techniques to help thousands of patients over the course of our 7 years in practice. As chiropractors, we have a unique perspective on how acupuncture can be used as a healing tool to balance the nervous system, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain especially when combined with chiropractic and massage techniques.
Until very recently, Chinese medical research lacked double-blind randomized controlled trials (RCT) which is the "gold standard' for determining legitimate therapy in the Western world. Today, research has begun to perform evaluations of Chinese Medicine using modern scientific standards. The National Institute of Health's Consensus Development Conference on Acupuncture (1997) which called for the incorporation of acupuncture into some conventional settings. Researchers are using PET scans and special MRIs to measure physiological changes during treatment, activity of neurotransmitters, hormones, endorphins, and treatment success rates.
But how does it work? Acupuncture is an Eastern philosophy, ancient healing technique, and holistic approach to health and wellness, Traditional Chinese Medicine, of which acupuncture originates, has been used for thousands of years. It relies on the notion of Qi, also known as "Chi", and is the vital life energy that flows through the body much like blood flows through arteries. When Qi is stuck, stagnant, blocked, weakened, or deficient it creates disharmony within the body. A Chinese philosophy states, "When there is a free flow of Qi, there is no pain; Where there is no free flow of Qi, there is pain." Additionally, acupuncture helps balance the nervous system. We have the sympathetic nervous system which is our "fight or flight" response and we have the parasympathetic nervous system which is the "rest and digest" aspect. Both parts are needed and strive to be in equilibrium. There is a spike in the sympathetic response when we are running and in danger and there is a spike in the parasympathetic when we are sleeping and relaxed. The problems arises when we are in one state for too long. We become either sympathetic or parasympathetic dominant which makes it very difficult for the body to be in balance. It affects our hormone production, sleep patterns, stress response and many other aspects of health. Acupuncture helps balance these systems naturally. Treatment is often described as relaxing, calming, and comfortable and the risks associated with acupuncture treatments are minimal compared with any other treatment or procedure.
From the desk of Dr. Lisette Miller Kondrad. Dr. Miller is a licensed Chiropractic Physician and Board Certified Acupuncture Provider who has been in clinical practice for 7 years. She has helped hundreds of patients via Chiropractic care and Acupuncture. Click here to contact Clark Road Chiropractic Center with any questions or to schedule your appointment! 
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