At Ivers Chiropractic Center, we're here to help you in any way we can. Below is a list of the services we offer. Just click on any one of them to see their corresponding descriptions. Feel free to call us any time at 815.455.1919 if you have any questions or would like to make an appointment with Dr. Ivers.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely thin needles in your skin at strategic points on your body, (acupuncture points). Acupuncture originated in China thousands of years ago, but over the past three decades its popularity has grown significantly within the United States.
Traditional Chinese theory explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force — known as qi or chi (chee) — which flows through pathways (meridians) in your body. By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians, acupuncture practitioners re-balance your energy flow.
In contrast, many Western practitioners view the acupuncture points as places to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue. This stimulation appears to boost the activity of your body's natural painkillers and increase blood flow.No matter which opinion you subscribe to, traditional or modern explainations for how acupuncture works, the point is, it works. In fact there have been more patients treat successfully using acupuncture in the history of man than if you add all the different treatments developed since acupuncture combined.
You may try acupuncture for symptomatic relief of a variety of diseases and conditions, including:
EMI is a modern tool used to determine if your chi is balanced.This simple test takes less than 5 minutes and is used to determine the likelihood that you will benefit from acupuncture treatment before you start. Dr. Ivers also uses this instrument to measure progress, after 4 treatments, we re-test so that we can both determine if further treatment sis likely to help.
Acupuncture points are located in all areas of the body. Sometimes the appropriate points are far removed from the area of your pain. Dr. Ivers will tell you the general location of the planned treatment and if articles of clothing need to be removed. If appropriate, a gown, towel or sheet will be provided to preserve your modesty. After you lie down on a padded table, the treatment begins.
Acupuncture needles are very thin, so insertion usually causes very little discomfort. Between five and 20 needles are used in a typical treatment. You may feel a deep, aching sensation when a needle reaches the correct depth.
Your practitioner may gently move or twirl the needles after they've been placed. Another option is to apply heat or a mild electric pulse to the needles.
In most cases, the needles will remain in place for 15 to 30 minutes while you lie still and relax. There is usually no sensation of discomfort when the needles are removed. Your acupuncture practitioner should discard the needles after removal — reusable needles can spread infection.
Some people feel relaxed while others feel energized after an acupuncture treatment. But not everyone responds to acupuncture. Some patients feel now effects of the acupuncture treatment for the first 24 to 48 hours. Typical treatment plans are 2 times per week for 2 weeks. Re-testing using the EMI and review of symptoms determine the necessity of further treatment.