What IS Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the oldest form of continuously practiced medicine in the world beginning somewhere between the 14th-11th centuries BCE as ‘lancing’ or bloodletting. Today acupuncture is practiced with hair-thin, sterilized, metal needles used to stimulate points on the body in order to resolve illness and correct imbalance. In modern times acupuncture is used by about 1/3rd of the planet’s population as a primary form of medicine.

What Makes Us Different?

“Stand a pole, see the shadow.” These are the words used to describe the efficacy of acupuncture. At Balance we strive for immediate change.
Our job is not to befuddle you with complex terms and esoteric nonsensory. Our practitioners think in both worlds to better help you understand your healing process.
We combine acupuncture, chiropractic and massage as needed to get the absolute best results attainable.

Lumbar Roll © 2013 Dr. Eric Strand

Chiropractic

We use chiropractic medicine at Balance to restore proper physical alignment, encourage innate healing, and reduce pain, and increase immobility. Our safe and gentle adjustment style works well with all ages.

Deep in Art © 2012 Dr. Eric Strand

Massage

We offer a variety of massage styles at Balance; everything from medical to relaxation. Each massage type has its own purpose and relief expectations which may be covered by your insurance depending on your condition, benefits, and medical necessity.

Listening Within © 2016 Eric Strand

Life Medicine

At Balance Health and Injury Clinic we offer treatment for a large variety of conditions from everyday conditions to chronic conditions. All of the treatments and services we offer are here to give your life a greater Balance.

Why Wait?

Nothing to lose and everything to gain.

No side effects. No surgeries. Just your health... Naturally!
Why Wait?

Back-upuncture

This is what acupuncture can look like, up close and personal. As you can see the needles are incredibly small. In this image you’ll also notice some small, red rings around the needle placement. This is a sign for this particular treatment style that the needles are “in the right spot.”

Acupuncture can be done on any part of the body to treat any part of the body. Needles in the back and abdomen can treat internal disorders, while placement in the feet or hands will be used to treat the back and stomach.

Side note: the Chinese characters on the patient’s back read ping heng – meaning (appropriately) Balance; as in ‘keeping the scales at peace’.

Backupuncture © 2001 Dr. Eric Strand

Acupuncture FAQ

Yes. We have treated many people under the care of a cardiologist, stroke victims and the elderly. Blood thinners can make a person more likely to bleed, but of 4 to 15 needles only one may provide a drop of blood.
This is probably the number one question in acupuncture clinics across the country. And, like the intricacies of the medicine, the answer is varied. Typically the needle is inserted through the skin with little or no discomfort felt. There are certain things that make a person more sensitive to needling. These are: current cold or flu, smoking cigarettes, and drinking more than 4 caffeine drinks prior to treatment.
You may feel nothing at all. However, it is more likely that you will feel some sort of stimulation with each needle placement. This stimulation can come in many forms, such as: warmth, tingling, achy or any number of other sensations. These feelings last only for a brief moment before evaporating from your mind. It is not uncommon for people to feel groggy or drowsy following an acupuncture treatment. This is what we call ‘acu-land.’
No. In this day and age it is more economically feasible to use disposable needles. Needles are individually wrapped and sterilized by the manufacturer and are opened only when they are ready to be used. After use each needle is disposed of in a medical waste container for destruction in the appropriate manner.
Depending on the area being treated the needles vary in length from about ½ inch to 6 inches, the smaller needles are used for the scalp and ears while the longer ones are used for getting into the hips for hip and low back pain. In terms of thickness, the needles used range from 32 to 28 gauge, where the smaller the number the larger the diameter of the needle. To place this into context, four acupuncture needles will fit into the opening of a needle used for vaccinations.
No one has ever died from acupuncture applied by a trained and licensed practitioner. Not a bad track record when you consider the medicine is guesstimated to be slightly more than 5,000 years old. It is unlikely, but not unheard of, for patients to exhibit an allergic reaction to the sterilizing agent (ethylene oxide). If a needle nicks a tendon or nerve there could be some residual pain and soreness for a matter of weeks, but it will subside. It is possible to experience some bruising; especially in people who are prone to bruising… it is a needle, after all.
The feeling of relief of your symptoms will depend greatly on what you are being treated for, whether the condition is chronic or acute, your age, and your schedule following treatment. Younger people tend to respond quicker to acupuncture than the elderly – children respond amazingly well. Typically you will notice some sort of change within a 24-hour period.
This again depends on the nature of your disease or disorder and your age. Acute pain is quicker to resolve than chronic pain, for instance. Repetitive motion injuries, such as those created by your work or play habits will get better, but may return once you go back to those old postural or procedural motions. To this end, each patient receives treatment plus education and stretching exercises to help prevent further injury or strain to the system.
Millions of people across the globe use acupuncture. In some cultures it is a primary medical modality. That’s a bit much to be a fad, don’t you think?

Many insurance companies do cover acupuncture. Our clinic is on many insurance panels in Oregon, and we work successfully with Personal Injury Protection for acupuncture benefits. Go to your insurance company web site or call the number listed on your card for further information. You will want to get specific answers to the following questions:

  • Is acupuncture a covered benefit on my current insurance plan?
  • What is my total benefit (i.e. how many treatments per year, or dollar amount)
  • What is my deductible?
  • Have I met any of that deductible this year?

Another option is to simply bring in your insurance card to your first visit. With the information on your card, your birth date and social security number we can call the insurance company and get that information for you.

Please note: if you have been in an automobile accident within the last 12 months and are currently undergoing chiropractic, physical therapy, or other medical care for injuries sustained you can use your PIP benefits for acupuncture treatment. What’s more, you do not need a referral to do so.

WHY WAIT?

All it takes is one moment. One instant in time to change a life forever.

Living in pain is only an option for so long. When you are ready to live a more Balanced life, we will be here for you.

WHY WAIT?