What is complementary medicine?

Complementary medicine (also referred to as integrative medicine) includes a broad range of therapies. These techniques are often used in addition to traditional medical treatments.

Complementary therapies may help to:

• Treat a disease
• Reduce side effects and symptoms
• Reduce stress
• Promote health and well being

Some popular methods in complementary and alternative medicine include:

• Acupuncture
• Massage
• Relaxation training
• Mind/Body classs

Before you begin a complementary therapy, talk to your physician, as you would any other therapy. Some complementary therapies may interfere with other aspects of your medical treatment, so it is important to have an open discussion about risks and benefits with your health care providers.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world. Originating in China more than 2,000 years ago, acupuncture became widely known in the United States in 1971 when New York Times reporter James Reston wrote about how doctors in Beijing, China, used needles to ease his abdominal pain after surgery. Research shows that acupuncture is beneficial in treating a variety of health conditions.

Reasons to use Acupuncture

Clinical studies, according to a National Institutes of Health consensus panel of scientists, researchers, and practitioners who convened in November 1997, have shown that acupuncture is an effective treatment for the following conditions and problems:

• Nausea caused by surgical anesthesia and cancer chemotherapy.
• Dental pain experienced after surgery.
• Treatment of addiction.
• Headaches.
• Menstrual cramps.
• Tennis elbow.
• Fibromyalgia.
• Myofascial pain.
• Osteoarthritis.
• Lower back pain.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Asthma.
• Stroke rehabilitation assistance.

Links to additional sources of information on acupuncture include:

• National Institutes of Health Consensus Statement: Acupuncture
• National Library of Medicine Current Bibliographies in Medicine: Acupuncture
• National Center on Complementary & Alternative Medicine Acupuncture Fact Sheet

Christiana Care's experienced acupuncture practitioner received his medical training in Korea and completed residency training at the University of Pennsylvania. Board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and certified in Proficiency in Medical Acupuncture, he is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Pain Medicine. This medical acupuncturist brings a wealth of experience in the fields of acupuncture, rehabilitation and pain management to his work at the Preventive Medicine & Rehabilitation Institute.

Your first appointment will include a detailed history and physical examination to determine if acupuncture is right for you. The treatment consists of a total of eight acupuncture appointments. Your individual progress is reviewed and your treatment plan will be updated at every appointment.

For further information about Christiana Care's acupuncture services, or to schedule an appointment, please call 302-661-3477. 

Massage Services

Massage involves the manipulation of the body's muscles and soft tissue using touch and pressure to relax and heal the body and mind. Different forms of massage vary in the amount of pressure applied, the rhythm of the movement and the areas of the body massaged.

The benefits of massage can be far reaching, whether you are seeking it strictly for relaxation, or for relieving aches and pains. Therapeutic massage is tailored to your specific needs and can be a valuable complementary therapy to other types of treatment.

Massage services are offered by our licensed massage therapist, who brings more than 25 years of experience in both private and clinical settings. She is trained in a wide range of massage techniques including gentle or deep tissue massage. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 302-661-3444.