Dr. Benjamin Watson

Hello Tyler. Thank you for your question. Acupuncture can most certainly help with your back pain. In fact, low back pain or lumbago is one of the ailments included in the brief list of conditions effectively treated by acupuncture according to most conventional medical institutions. While I know that Chinese medicine as a whole, and acupuncture specifically can treat a much greater variety than those lists, it is something to consider. The chronicity and nature (skeletal? muscular?) of the back pain may effect the duration and frequency of visits needed to resolve that pain; however, with consistent treatment you can expect to see tremendous improvement.

Hello Victoria. As an acupuncturist, it is outside my scope of practice to advise patients in regards to the use of pharmaceuticals. However, Chinese medicine is very effective at treating anxiety. I treat anxiety on a regular basis, and get great results with just acupuncture and herbs.

Hello Samatha. Thank you for your question. While there isn't a substantial amount of original research that demonstrates acupuncture having an effect on hormones, it has been confirmed in some studies. It is important to keep in mind that hormones assays fall under the purview of Western medicine. As a result, studies fall short of adequately assessing the full capacity of acupunctures ability to influence endocrine function. We never go to the doctor because our hormone levels are elevated or insufficient, we go because of the signs and symptoms that negatively impact us as a result of those imbalances. Acupuncture can most certainly address those signs and symptoms with lasting results and no side effect via our own understanding of human physiology.

Acupuncture can definitely help in regards to moderating the symptoms of PCOS. While long-term consistent treatment can result in improved hormone levels, and reduction in uterine fibroids, these changes need to be verified through western diagnostic testing. I have frequently seen symptoms of PCOS resolved by 75% as an estimate in 1 to 3 treatments. As a recommendation I would say 4 initial treatments, 2x a week to determine if acupuncture is right for you. Treatment frequency can be reduced as time proceeds and progress is made.

You heard correctly Melissa. I've had a great deal of success working with sinus issues. Acute allergies tend to respond the quickest, with chronic issues being a more complicated case. I would encourage your sister to call to speak with me directly at 803-806-8889. Otherwise, it is important to impress upon her the difference between a filiform acupuncture needle which has a solid core and measures between .16mm to .2mm in width, and a syringe commonly used for vaccinations which does not have a solid core to enable injecting a substance and measures at .5mm per 25 gauge syringe, which is 2-3x the size of an acupuncture needle. This difference is important as I find most people have an unrealistic expectation regarding the needles we use, and their fears often stem from previous experiences with vaccinations.