Thirty-eight million Americans suffer from migraines, according to recent studies, and almost everyone has experienced some sort of a headache. But when medicine doesn’t relieve the pain, Harpreet Lotay, M.D., clinical assistant professor in family and community medicine, recommends an alternative.
Acupuncture has proven to provide long-term relief of headaches, backaches, osteoarthritis and leg cramps, and can stimulate hormones to improve implantation rates in infertile patients. The new Acupuncture Clinic at the University Physicians Group Diagnostic Pavilion, located at 4647 Medical Drive, serves as an option for patients who either do not respond to allopathic treatment or prefer an alternative.
“When I recommend acupuncture to my patients, they are typically open to finding a remedy for their pain,” Dr. Lotay said. “A typical session lasts about an hour and it’s a painless, relaxing method of reducing pain.”
Dr. Lotay said several patients fall asleep during their session and find the technique to yield unbelievable results.
“I suffered from severe leg cramps for several years,” one of Dr. Lotay’s patients said. “Since I began acupuncture, I feel no pain.”
It is proposed that acupuncture regulates the nervous system, changing the way the body perceives pain. Studies have shown that it may alter brain chemistry, affecting the part of the central nervous system related to sensation and involuntary body functions, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Blood flow, blood pressure and body temperature have shown to be regulated through acupuncture.
“A patient that suffers from chronic symptoms in the area in which they’re being treated typically needs six sessions of acupuncture,” Dr. Lotay said.
The acupuncture clinic is open to the public on Wednesday and Friday evenings. Some patients may require referrals. To make an appointment, call (210) 592-0400.
