More and more turning to acupuncture for healing

BY BRYCE KELLY

Mt. Pleasant News

Acupuncture. It?s a practice that, in countries like America, still draws some skepticism from the general public. For Sue Dusterhoft, she admits that at one point she could have been a skeptic herself, but after a very personal success with the practice, she has now become one of acupuncture?s biggest cheerleaders, and has made it her career.

?When my husband was battling cancer, he was suggested acupuncture as a treatment for pain and nausea, and it really worked for him. I was totally convinced after that,? says Dusterhoft.

According to a recent study by the National Institute of Medicine, almost 3.1 million people in the U.S. tried acupuncture and more than 3,000 U.S. physicians integrate acupuncture into their clinical practice.

Today, Dusterhoft manages Acupuncture and Herbal Health and Wellness in Washington, and holds a Master of Science degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine (MSTOM). She says her practice?s success comes primarily from her patients telling their acupuncture success stories with their friends, debunking the myth that acupuncture is not a true form of medicine, but rather a natural form of healing the body.

While there are many forms of the practice, traditional Western acupuncture involves restoring the body?s nature flow of electrical energy by stimulating various nerves, muscles and tissue with small, medal needles.

?I get a lot of people with needle-phobia who say they would be too afraid to try acupuncture or take their child to a session, but they shouldn?t be,? says Dusterhoft. ?Most people say they barely feel them.?

In fact, acupuncture needles are so thin that they can be bent and flexed without it breaking, unlike a thicker, more traditional needle like those used for IVs.

?The body has its own electrical charge, and sometimes it can get out of whack. So, inserting acupuncture needles in the place where they are needed can actually restore the body?s regular electrical flow, naturally,? Dusterhoft explains. ?Things like pain, severe trauma, stress, lack of sleep, or even major changes in weather are just some of the things that can disrupt a body?s natural flow of electrical energy.?

For Dusterhoft, pain alleviation is the most common reason she sees locals turning to acupuncture.

?People often just want relief, and when they have tried everything and nothing has worked, they often find acupuncture is really a great remedy,? says Dusterhoft. ?And eventually most insist on regular treatments.?

While most acupuncturists suggest getting treatments once a week for four weeks, the number of treatments needed to alleviate a specific issue may vary from person to person depending on age and overall health.

And although acupuncture might sound simple enough, those looking to try it out for themselves are cautioned about trying the practice out on one?s own. Years of professional training and specific types of needles are needed to achieve success. Dusterhoft also suggests making sure that one?s practitioner of choice has an official degree in acupuncture, and not just some mild training in the practice.

?It takes most acupuncturists four years to complete their schooling. Working especially with needles requires a lot of training and practice, so choosing the right acupuncturist is important.?

In terms of who can benefit from acupuncture, Dusterhoft says anyone ? including babies, young children and the elderly ? can partake in acupuncture treatments as they are virtually painless and have few adverse side effects.

?I always encourage people, especially those who are dealing with chronic pain or sleeplessness, to give acupuncture a try. It might give you relief that you couldn?t have gotten with other forms of treatment,? says Dusterhoft.