Feeling tired or stressed? Does the pain in your neck, back or shoulders seem to be getting worse? The holidays can add to the everyday stress of an individual and even create some additional aches and pains.

If this describes you, then the Integrative Wellness and Research Center (IWRC) offers many disciplines that can provide you a healthier overall existence.

Lupe Gonzales, LAC, MS, the IWRC’s acupuncturist, boasts over nine years of experience, and has treated patients for a variety of ailments over the years. He has been able to give patients relief from many ailments such as sciatica, insomnia, fibromyalgia, arthritis, chronic headaches, fatigue, allergies and chemotherapy-related nausea, vomiting, and fatigue, to name a few.

While acupuncture has begun to be widely used in the United States, this Eastern influenced therapy dates back to the Han Chinese Dynasty period of the 2nd century B.C. Acupuncture is an integral form of treatment that can complement the more traditional forms of Western medicine.

Acupuncture is the insertion of hair-thin, sterile, disposable needles into specific points on the body. The main purpose of acupuncture is to promote flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”) through the meridians, to all parts of the body. The balanced, unimpeded flow of Qi is central to sound health.

Although the exact scientific mechanisms are unknown, basic science has recorded that upon insertion of the needles into the nerve fibers, a message is sent to the spinal cord activating the internal peptide system. This system will, in turn, send endorphins into the blood stream; by doing so, the body initiates localized inhibitors to block incoming pain caused by injury, stress or disease. Additionally, blood flow into the affected areas has been shown to increase as well.

During an initial appointment with a professional acupuncturist, one can expect a brief consultation, and then the acupuncturist will access your pulses to help identify areas of concern. Finally, needles are inserted as dictated by your problems or desired results, and then the calming sound of music and some quiet time is allowed for deep relaxation.

About how many needles would be required to treat a patient? “The treatment is as individual as the patient, as there are over 365 of acupuncture points on the body,” Gonzales says.

His patients can attest to the effective use of acupuncture and the extent of the benefits. One patient, who was experiencing extreme fatigue after receiving chemotherapy, says she found the acupuncture treatments to be a way to renew the body and the mind. She also noticed that she had more energy following treatment.

Appointments are scheduled based on the needs of the patient and the nature of the ailment, acute or chronic. Because patients react differently some need to be seen once, whereas others might require an ongoing need of weekly or even bi-weekly appointments until the symptoms either lessen substantially or subside altogether.

Overall, acupuncture is an accepted on-going therapeutic approach to relieve pain and stress related disorders.