In the world of holistic health, acupuncture and chiropractic care are two powerful modalities that, when combined, can offer transformative benefits for patients. These two approaches, though distinct, share a common goal: to support the body's natural healing processes and address the root causes of health issues. By integrating these therapies, patients can experience enhanced pain relief, improved nervous system function, and a more comprehensive path to wellness.
Why Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care are Synergistic
Holistic Healing Principles: Both acupuncture and chiropractic care are grounded in the belief that the body can heal itself when properly supported. Chiropractic care focuses on aligning the spine and optimizing nervous system function, while acupuncture enhances the body’s innate healing abilities by stimulating biological signaling systems, such as the nervous system and connective tissue network. [1] Together, they create a holistic approach that addresses both structural and physiological imbalances.
Enhanced Pain Relief: Chiropractic adjustments can provide immediate relief from joint and spinal pain by correcting misalignments, [2] while acupuncture offers additional pain management by deactivating the pain and stress centers in the brain, releasing endorphins and serotonin, and reducing inflammation. The combination of these treatments can lead to more comprehensive and lasting pain relief. [3]
Improved Nervous System Function: The nervous system plays a crucial role in overall health. Chiropractic care addresses nerve interference through spinal adjustments, enhancing nervous system performance. [1] Acupuncture complements this by stimulating specific points that support nerve health and improve blood circulation, leading to better communication between the brain and body. [4]
Broader Health Benefits: Combining acupuncture and chiropractic care can benefit a wide range of conditions, including musculoskeletal pain, headaches, stress, digestive issues, and more. This integrative approach supports overall wellness by addressing multiple aspects of health simultaneously. [5]
The Power of Collaboration: Intercession Chiropractic and Rise Acupuncture & Wellness Clinic
Dr. Aj Hankins at Intercession Chiropractic and Dr. Andrew Zeng at Rise Acupuncture & Wellness Clinic share a mission to provide holistic, integrative care that addresses the root causes of health issues.
Intercession Chiropractic
As a functional chiropractor, Dr. Hankins focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of health concerns. His approach integrates neurology, movement, and nutrition to provide comprehensive care that promotes long-term wellness.
Neurology: Care begins with understanding how the body is functioning neurologically through advanced tests and thermography scans. This helps identify specific vertebrae and nerve dysfunctions that may be contributing to discomfort. By assessing the nervous system, Dr. Hankins can address the root causes of pain and dysfunction through chiropractic adjustments and cold laser therapy, ensuring the entire body operates optimally.
Movement: Strengthening and supporting the spine post-adjustment is crucial for maintaining alignment and improving overall mobility. Dr. Hankins uses movement assessments and tailored exercises to enhance your body's functionality.
Nutrition: Proper nutrition is essential for recovery and long-term health. Dr. Hankins provides guidance on dietary choices based on functional medicine laboratory tests that support the body's healing processes and overall wellness.
Beyond Pain Relief: Dr. Hankins says, “My goal is to alleviate your current pain and enhance your overall health and longevity. By integrating neurology, movement, and nutrition, I provide a comprehensive, individualized approach to your care, ensuring you achieve the best possible outcomes for your health.”
Rise Acupuncture & Wellness Clinic
Dr. Zeng practices functional TCM, integrating traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and modern functional medicine to identify and resolve the root causes of health concerns.
Care begins with a comprehensive evaluation to identify the root causes, which may include TCM diagnosis, active point diagnosis, postural analysis, physical examination, orthopedic tests, medical thermography, and functional medicine laboratory tests.
Then, natural therapies, such as acupuncture, manual therapy, cupping, infrared therapy, and medical-grade herbs and supplements, are applied in support of lifestyle therapy (i.e., cultivating healthier sleep, stress management, dietary, and exercise habits), to restore balance.
Case Study: Florence's Path to Pain-Free Living
Florence, a 75-year-old professor of cardiology, had been suffering from persistent neck and shoulder pain for weeks. Despite seeking help from multiple providers, including her primary care physician, physical therapists, other chiropractors, and other acupuncturists, she found no relief. As a result, she began to lose hope and was ready to resign herself to a life of discomfort.
As a last-ditch effort, Florence decided to try one more acupuncturist, and fortunately, she found Dr. Zeng at Rise Acupuncture & Wellness Clinic. During her initial appointment, Dr. Zeng conducted a thorough evaluation, including a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pattern diagnosis, active point diagnosis, postural analysis, and medical thermography, to identify the root causes of her pain: postural imbalance, stress, and overuse.
Dr. Zeng crafted a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to Florence's needs. He provided lifestyle recommendations, including sleep hygiene tips, stress management tools, and therapeutic exercises. He also employed acupuncture, structural integration-based manual therapy, and infrared therapy to address her symptoms. After her first treatment, Florence experienced immediate relief and a renewed sense of hope.
Recognizing the potential for further improvement, Dr. Zeng referred Florence to Dr. Hankins at Intercession Chiropractic for integrative chiropractic care. During their first appointment, Dr. Hankins used advanced neurological tests and medical thermography to pinpoint specific vertebrae and nerve dysfunctions contributing to Florence's pain. He then applied advanced, yet safe, chiropractic adjustments, including the Blair upper cervical technique. Following the adjustments, Florence rested in a relaxing space to allow her body to integrate the changes.
Remarkably, after just three sessions each with Dr. Zeng and Dr. Hankins, Florence was astounded to discover that she had fully recovered. Her neck and shoulder pain had vanished, and she regained her sense of vitality and well-being.
A Trusted Recommendation
According to Dr. Zeng, "Dr. Hankins is simply the best chiropractor I've ever worked with. As an avid martial artist, I've always got something out of alignment. I see Dr. Hankins once a month for an adjustment and always feel better. I appreciate his holistic integration of chiropractic care and functional medicine. His expertise and genuine compassion are truly inspiring. The patients I refer to him have nothing but praise, and they often return to my practice feeling significantly improved and grateful for the care he provides."
Experience the Synergy
If you're looking for a holistic, root-cause approach to your health concerns, consider combining acupuncture and chiropractic care with Rise Acupuncture & Wellness Clinic and Intercession Chiropractic. Together, we can help you improve your quality of life by supporting your body's natural healing abilities and achieving a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Contact Us
To learn more about how our collaborative approach can benefit you (and to redeem a free consultation), contact Rise Acupuncture & Wellness Clinic or Intercession Chiropractic today. Let us guide you on your journey to wellness, combining the best of both practices for a healthier, happier you.
References
[1] Zeng A. What is Qi? – A Bioengineer turned acupuncturist’s perspective. Rise Acupuncture & Wellness Clinic. May 25, 2024. Accessed July 31, 2024. https://www.risewellnessclinic.com/post/what-is-qi-a-scientifically-minded-acupuncturist-s-perspective.
[2] Gevers-Montoro C, Provencher B, Descarreaux M, Ortega de Mues A, Piché M. Neurophysiological mechanisms of chiropractic spinal manipulation for spine pain. Eur J Pain. 2021;25(7):1429-1448. doi:10.1002/ejp.1773
[3] Zeng A. How acupuncture works for pain based on modern science and traditional philosophy. Rise Acupuncture & Wellness Clinic. May 25, 2024. Accessed July 31, 2024. https://www.risewellnessclinic.com/post/how-acupuncture-works-for-pain.
[4] Yang Y, Rao C, Yin T, et al. Application and underlying mechanism of acupuncture for the nerve repair after peripheral nerve injury: remodeling of nerve system. Front Cell Neurosci. 2023;17:1253438. Published 2023 Oct 24. doi:10.3389/fncel.2023.1253438
[5] DeBar LL, Elder C, Ritenbaugh C, et al. Acupuncture and chiropractic care for chronic pain in an integrated health plan: a mixed methods study. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2011;11:118. Published 2011 Nov 25. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-11-118
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