Philip Alan Simpson, L.Ac.
528 N. Willow Avenue, Suite #105
Cookeville, Tennessee 38501
Telephone: (931) 261-1641
Mission Statement:
Many people today are finding that it is necessary to take control of their own health by looking for alternative methods to improve their overall well-being and quality of life. Acupuncture is one of the safest methods that people chose because it has no undesirable side effects. There is no health risk. Our office will work with you to address your concerns and medical problems in a professional setting to help you achieve optimal results. What is Acupuncture and What Conditions Can It Treat?
Acupuncture is a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine that has been used for thousands of years to successfully treat many medical conditions including but not limited to the following:
Chronic Pain
Arthritis
Migraine Headaches
Tension Headaches
Sinusitis
Colds
Allergies
Menstrual Cramps
Sciatica
Back Pain
Fibromyalgia
Weight Loss
Addictions such as Smoking
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Tennis Elbow
Infertility
Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation (Facelift)
Many other conditions too numerous to list
What is Acupressure?
Acupressure is the original form of acupuncture. It is practiced by manual stimulation of the acupoints on the body without the use of the hair-thin acupuncture needles. The acupuncturist may employ one or both methods for your treatment.
Is Acupuncture Medically Approved?
Yes. The FDA regulates acupuncture needles as medical devices. In 1997 the National Institutes of Health endorsed acupuncture. The World Health Organization acknowledges 40+ medical problems from allergies to AIDS that can be helped by acupuncture.
How does Acupuncture work?
Acupuncture stimulates the natural electrical impulse system in the body to release pain-relieving endorphins and stimulate circulation. Neurotransmitters are also influenced and send signals to the brain to alleviate pain, addiction, etc.
Is it painful?
No. Most people barely feel the hair-thin acupuncture needles and some don't feel them at all.
How long before I notice improvement?
Acupuncture has a very calming effect on the body so you may feel completely relaxed and possibly drowsy, especially if you have not had acupuncture previously. This feeling is the first indicator that acupuncture is helping you. It is suggested that you eat light meals for the rest of the day and relax to give your body the time it needs to respond to the treatment and allow you to reap the full benefit of acupuncture/acupressure.
Your pain may be completely gone immediately after treatment. You will be told what conditions your treatment has addressed and if you will need a follow up appointment. Please read the case history provided below to see how quickly and effectively acupuncture can help even the most severe conditions.
A Recent Case History: Published with permission from the patient.
Patient: A 51 year old woman.
Medical History: Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis. After a single vehicle rollover accident in Allons, TN in 2000, patient was left with undiagnosed and untreated crushed spinal vertebrae, spinal cord pinched in three places, multiple herniated discs from the neck to the lower lumbar region, and a cracked pelvic bone. Patient lost 2 1/2 inches in height due to crushed vertebrae. Local hospital did successfully treat a crushed elbow also sustained during the accident but poorly treated a broken hip by pinning crushed hip and leaving her right leg shortened by one inch. Patient underwent a full hip replacement in 2003 by a qualified doctor and leg length corrected by that surgery. Spinal surgery to straighten the crushed vertebrae and relieve pressure not possible due to syringomyelia and lack of bone density. Nine syrinx (spinal cord leaks due to pinched injury) visible on patient's MRI scan in 2003. Local neurologist told patient that she could wake up any day paralyzed from the neck down or from the waist down and her only option for pain management was either direct morphine injections into the spine or a morphine pump implant. Patient declined those options. History of depression. Bladder injury sustained at hospital. Current medications: Methotrexate, Enbrel, Prednisone, Tylenol, Detrol, Celexa.
Patient Complaints: Inability to sleep due to back pain. Back pain constant while sitting, standing, walking, etc. Patient's untreated spine healed crooked due to leg being left shortened by the doctor who treated her while she was hospitalized and this left her body drifting toward the right from the waist up resulting in a feeling of being constantly out of balance. Unable to stand straight. Patient using a walking cane to compensate for balance problem. Neck movement restricted. Neck pain due to herniated discs resulting in muscle tension leaving her with the feeling that her shoulders were tight. Muscle pain extended to upper arms and felt almost like the beginning of a Charlie Horse. Morning stiffness and pain due to arthritis. Inflammation in hands, all joints, and spine.
Treatment: Acupuncture once weekly.
Results: Patient responded well to acupuncture and is no longer using a walking cane. She found that she no longer needed the cane after her first treatment. She is able to walk normally without the feeling of being out of balance. She has no pain. The inflammation is visibly decreased and medical testing by her Rheumatologist confirms the findings. She no longer takes Tylenol, Methotrexate or Prednisone. She is able to stand straighter without pain or discomfort. She is sleeping well and her energy is restored. MRI scan in 2005 shows that of the nine original syrinx, six have healed and disappeared and the remaing three are almost gone. It is expected that the MRI expected to be done at the end of 2008 will show that her spinal cord is healed.
What about Chinese Herbs?
Not everyone who has acupuncture treatment will require supplemental herbal treatment. Your individual conditions and concerns will be discussed and if an herbal supplement will benefit you, it will be offered.
Now Accepting New Patients. Call for an appointment.
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