This practice that originated in China literally thousands of years ago has become increasingly popular here in the US.

So in today’s health segment we take a closer look at the- Art of Acupuncture.

Acupuncture /manipulation they help people with complaints that western medicine has a hard time dealing with.

Dr. Gannon, an osteopathic physician here in Cookeville, explains that acupuncture can be helpful with numerous conditions like fatigue, sleep problems, pain management, headaches, back pain, and energy levels.

The process begins with a thorough assessment and interview with the patient and then Dr. Gannon establishes a plan of treatment.

"We can determine which meridians are blocked, which organs are not functioning correctly and it works off that system to help determine which ones to use."

During the treatment needles are placed in the skin and sometimes electrical impulses are added to the therapy.

Dr. Gannon says that patients who are nervous about needles shouldn’t worry

"The little needles are incredibly small , they are about the size of a hair, they are not cutting needles, they slide in between the cells of the skin."

Dr. Gannon explains how most patients feel during and after treatment is done:

"The needles can be uncomfortable a little bit but usually people start to relax and most people enjoy the treatments overall... usually after a treatment people feel an immediate type of improvement."

Patients may experience a small amount of bleeding from the area once the needle is removed but Dr. Gannon explains that this is completely normal and even beneficial:

“That is part of the treatment and indicates that there is a congestion and it is therapeutic for a few drops of blood to come out”

For those considering acupuncture, Dr. Gannon says that if you’ve had an injury it’s better to seek care earlier rather than later

“I like to get people early on in the injury. I like to see those who’ve had a car wreck fairly soon not 4-6 years down the line.”

Dr. Gannon also likes to stay in close contact with patient’s primary care physician. He says:

"A lot of times I’m dealing with people who have chronic problems and they’re on multiple medications, and I so I like to stay in close contact with their physician. I don’t like to treat in isolation."

For more information about Dr. Gannon or to schedule your own acupuncture session feel free to call his office at 528-1468.