The Premier Integrative Applied Neurology and Therapeutic Laser Center of Arizona

Acupuncture for headaches?

acupuncture

 

 

 

 

 

 

One interesting therapy for headaches, which generates a lot of questions from patients, is acupuncture.  Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese therapy which has been around for centuries but only came around to wide spread use in the West (United States and Europe) in the 20th Century. Acupunture uses very small diameter needles, almost the size of a thorn that might get stuck in the skin, however the way the it is applied can be be painless and quite relaxing at times.

There are many misconceptions about acupuncture.  One question I get regularly is “Do you think acupuncture works?”  This is a difficult question to answer because acupuncture doesn’t lend itself to scientific inquiry like neuroscience does, however it has shown to be quite effective in many of my patients (especially those with sciatica). As an integrated clinic of chiropractic, functional medicine and functional neurology, we are constantly learning and evolving our scope of practice to include the most effective natural therapies available. (soon to combine naturopathic medicine within our clinic)

One of the misconceptions we have in the West is that acupuncture therapy is painful.  In my experience, when performed properly acupuncture is actually very gentle and painless (unless you start moving while the therapy session is still going!)There seems to be a belief that some book or body of literature exists, that describes the “proper” method for placing needles to achieve the desired result of headache elimination or other therapeutic outcome.  Indeed, there are a number books which have been published and seminars are given quite frequently that are designed to explain the “how to” of acupuncture.

Circling back to my patients’ question, “does acupuncture work?” – I tell my patients that as long as disposable sterile needles are utilized, and the practitioner is experienced then I have no objections to patients trying acupuncture, or any other safe procedure to treat their headaches.

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Janine Crifasi, DC, CCST

Dr. Janine Crifasi, our newest team member at AZ Chiropractic Neurology, is originally from New York – which explains the accent. She attended Life Chiropractic College West and was the Centennial class’s Most Outstanding Graduate. She practiced in the Bay Area until moving closer to family to raise her son who is attending college.

Dr. Janine is committed to learning and educating people to change their awareness about their bodies’ potential and empowering them with unique methods of retraining their brains to maximize their quality of life through neuroplasticity. Her passion to help others puts her patients at ease and makes her a highly sought-after community speaker. Prior to coming to Chandler, she owned a center specializing in kids with learning disabilities and served as the northeast clinical director of a functional neurology practice, overseeing several functional neurology clinics. 

She has completed her post-doctoral clinical neuroscience studies in Functional Neurology through the Carrick Institute for Graduate Studies and has successfully completed the clinical exam and is now board eligible for the written portion. She is a Board Certified Doctor of Chiropractic for over 26 years. She has received additional extensive training in Spinal Trauma, and the Activator Method, and has a certification in Postural Neurology. 

In an effort to better serve her patients, Dr. Crifasi completed postdoctoral specialty training in blood chemistry, thyroid chemistry, brain chemistry, neuro-immune, and neuro-endocrine functional medicine. This knowledge of the brain-gut axis, and the mechanisms that impact our health, allow her to provide patients with easily implemented modifications enhancing improved lifestyle and nutraceutical recommendations as needed.