Getting to the point of acupuncture - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

Thousands of ailments, ranging from chronic pain and diseases to smoking, weight loss or psychological problems, can be treated by stimulating specific points on the body with various sized needles. Experts suggest individuals seek information earlier in the treatment process.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, acupuncture is among the oldest healing practices in the world. As part of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture aims to restore and maintain health through the stimulation of specific points on the body.

There are about 365 parts on the body that can be stimulated using acupuncture needles, which come in various shapes and sizes, according to Trey Casimir, an acupuncturist in Lewisburg. These needles and points can treat a variety of ailments -- from sinus cold and allergies to various pains, migraines, fertility, schizophrenia, smoking and weight management.

Dr. Richard Huskey, a medical acupuncturist for Sunbury Community Hospital, said the needles don't hurt to insert, and if anything, a patient will feel a simple sensation.

"The acupoints are just below the surface of the skin," he said, measuring about 0.3 millimeters. "It's a polite treatment, focusing on areas visible to us. Most are on the head, face, ears, shoulders, elbows to fingers and knees to tips of the toes."

Casimir, who has been doing the procedure for 10 years, has been based in Lewisburg for the past seven years. His patients range in age from teens to late 90s. He doesn't just focus on physical ailments, either.

"What surprised me is how much spirit sickness I treat," he said, with many coming in with depression or hopelessness. "I couldn't do this if I didn't love my patients. I see people in pain all the time and it's difficult. If I didn't like them, it would be hard to do this every day."

Huskey was certified in 2007 and said before inserting the hair-thin needles into a patient, he begins by feeling a pulse and analyzing the individual's tongue.

"There are three places on each wrist to identify possible problems in the body," he said. "For tongue diagnosis, I look at color, coating and appearance associated with the body organ system."

Casimir begins the process with the same two procedures, which can tell the acupuncturist where the problem areas might be. Most procedures last 17 to 30 minutes. During the time spent waiting while the needles are inserted, patients are advised to just relax.

The frequency of visits also varies between patients. Casimir said some come for treatments on a weekly basis, while others have had one visit and were finished.

"It can be very simple sometimes," he said. "The happiest patients are when they've had a pain for years and it's treated once or twice and it's gone."

Both acupuncturists encourage individuals to consider the treatment early on.

"It leads to cure without a pill or a clock," said Huskey. "Most Western medicine, you have a doctor visit and end up with a prescription written out, taking a pill according to the clock. This eliminates the pain or reduces it for everyday management."

Getting to the point of acupuncture - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com