Acupuncture Gainesville
Are you looking for a safe, natural, and alternative way to ease your pain and discomfort? Have you tried everything and nothing seems to work?
If your answer is yes to either of these questions, our acupuncturist in Gainesville knows just the right acupuncture technique for you.
What Makes Our Gainesville Acupuncture Clinic Different From Other Clinics?
Dr. Weiwei Guan is a fifth-generation doctor from the world’s leading acupuncturist family that has continuously helped people around the world for more than 130 years, Dr. Guan treats chronic conditions such as back and neck pain, joint pain, vertigo, fibromyalgia, migraine, insomnia, nerve injuries, women’s health problems, and many more. Acupuncture in Gainesville, FL can be paired with physical therapy to treat many painful conditions. Our approach to healing is to find the most effective individualized treatment strategy for each patient.
“Our World-class acupuncture in gainesville eases aches and pains, promotes nerve recovery, and rebalances hormones, without the nasty side-effects of drugs or risks associated with surgery, while physical therapy helps you stay strong, mobile and independent.”
About Dr. Weiwei Guan
Our Gainesville Acupuncturist
- Doctor of Physical Therapy from University of Florida (2011)
- Fifth-Generation of China’s Top Ranked Acupuncturist Family
- Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency at UF Shands (2012)
- Nationally Board Certified Oriental Medicine Diplomat
- Licensed Physical Therapist
- Licensed Acupuncturist
- Serving Gainesville Area since 2011
We are different from all other clinics in the whole world for the following four reasons.
Patients' Testimonials
What is Acupuncture?
There are many definitions and we like the one Harvard Medical School has.
“Acupuncture is a technique that involves inserting very thin metal needles into the skin at precise points on the body to clear energy channels, with the aim of restoring and maintaining health. The spots of insertion are picked based on a complex network of lines of energy, termed meridians. Meridians are thought to encircle the body like global lines of longitude and latitude.
Acupuncture is a mainstay of traditional Chinese medicine, which has been practiced for thousands of years. The Chinese healing tradition sees the body as a delicate balance and disease occurs when the body is out of balance. Imbalance, it is believed, blocks the flow of qi, a vital energy that regulates spiritual, emotional, mental and physical balance, along meridians. By inserting needles at specific points on the body that connect with these meridians, acupuncture is believed to unblock the flow of qi, restoring health to the body and mind”.
Western medicine explains acupuncture’s effects within a different framework. Some Western scientists believe that this technique stimulates the central nervous system, signaling the body to release various substances including endorphins, immune system cells, natural opioids, neurotransmitters, and neurohormones. These may help control pain, change how the body experiences pain, and promote physical and emotional well-being. Some research also indicates that alternative medicine influences involuntary central nervous functions, such as blood pressure, blood flow, and body temperature regulation.
All the leading hospitals in the US provide integrative medicine service to their patients, including Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, and many more.
What Conditions Does Acupuncture Treat?
The World Health Organization endorses alternative medicine, and clinical studies have shown it to be a beneficial treatment for many conditions, including:
Chronic pain: migraines, headache, neck pain, knee pain, shoulder pain, back pain, tendinitis, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis;
Digestive disorders: irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, gastritis and constipation;
Urinary and reproductive disorders: menstrual cramps, irregular or heavy periods, infertility and menopausal symptoms;
Seasonal allergies;
High blood pressure;
Overweight or obesity when coupled with diet and exercise;
Psychological and emotional disorders: depression, anxiety, stress and insomnia;
Neurological Disorders: Trigeminal Neuralgia, Bell’s Palsy, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Lasting Shingles Pain (postherpetic neuralgia), Meralgia Paresthetica;
Symptom management for adverse reactions to chemotherapy and radiation including fatigue, generalized pain, dry mouth, peripheral neuropathy, nausea and vomiting.
What Are The Benefits of Acupuncture?
Acupuncture has gained popularity in the West as an alternative form of medicine that offers natural and holistic health benefits backed by scientific evidence.
Low back pain
Low back pain is a common health concern, and although most patients recover even without medical help, recurrence may be frequent. This can lead to missed workdays and poor quality of life. Research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine explored published trials on non-pharmacologic therapies, such as acupuncture for low back pain. The researchers found an association between acupuncture and decreased pain intensity in patients with low back pain. Patients even experience better function immediately after acupuncture therapy.
Knee pain
Knee pain is a common concern of older adults as well as those who engage in strenuous physical activities. As the biggest weight-bearing joint in the body, the knees are prone to wear and tear injuries, which can develop into osteoarthritis. A study of clinical trials revealed that acupuncture treatment can provide short-term pain relief for patients with long-term knee pain associated with osteoarthritis. It can also improve the short and long-term function of the affected knee. Read more about acupuncture for knee pain.
Headache
Tension headache, the most common type of headache, happens because of the contraction of neck and scalp muscles. It usually feels like there is a tight band around the head, leading to dull pain around the forehead or the back of the head. Studies found that acupuncture is an effective treatment for recurring or chronic tension-type headaches (CTTH). The evidence suggests that acupuncture could be considered as a non-pharmacological tool in patients with frequent episodic or chronic tension-type headache.
Migraines
Patients suffering from migraines experience severe, debilitating headaches. They may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Research has concluded that adding acupuncture to the usual medical treatments for migraines can decrease episodes. Another study found that acupuncture offers an effective, short-term pain relief to patients who experience migraines frequently.
Stress
Stress is your reaction to a challenge or threat. Healthy levels of stress can help you avoid danger and meet deadlines. However, long-term stress can weaken the immune system and cause high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression. A 2017 study analyzed the effectiveness of acupuncture on reducing the stress levels of students and staff in a university. It found out that acupuncture can successfully decrease stress perception, with the effect lasting at least 3 months after treatment. Learn more about acupuncture for stress related problems.
Is Acupuncture in Gainesville Safe? Does It Have Any Side Effects?
- Have a bleeding disorder. Your chances of bleeding or bruising from the needles increase if you have a bleeding disorder or if you’re taking blood thinners.
- Have a pacemaker. Applying mild electrical pulses to the needles can interfere with a pacemaker’s operation.
- Are pregnant. Some techniques are thought to stimulate labor, which could result in a premature delivery.
Dr. Guan’s unique skills, acquired over a lifetime of intense training, allow her to share medical knowledge and provide an in-depth understanding of patients and their various needs for holistic care. She is committed to helping you find balance, free yourself from pain, and experience life to the fullest!
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Not really. You may feel a slight prick when the acupuncturist puts the needle in, but it’s much less than the prick you feel during a shot. That’s because the needles are much thinner. You may feel a heaviness, numbness, tingling, or mild soreness after the needles have been put in.
Of course, the perception can vary due to your level of pain tolerance and overall sensitivity. Sometimes your first treatment will be more painful than your following treatments due to the nervous system’s adaptation to stimulation.
Is Acupuncture Effective Immediately?
Just like any form of treatment, the effectiveness of acupuncture varies in every patient. Psychological factors, medical conditions, and fitness level can influence the overall result. Some patients may require a series of acupuncture therapies before they feel its effect. If the condition or ailment is only caused by a blockage in the qi pathways, the patient may feel immediate relief. Patients who have short-term and sudden-onset problems such as headaches and mechanical back pain may also enjoy the immediate effect of acupuncture.
However, it may take a while before the effect can be felt for chronic conditions, as the body cannot simply be jolted back to good health. The body has a natural way to recover from an illness, and acupuncture only helps by clearing the energy pathways. Generally, the longer the problem has existed, the longer the recovery process.
Visit our Gainesville acupuncturist and let our expert create an individualized treatment plan for you.
What Should You Not Do After Acupuncture Treatment?
After you have enjoyed a revitalizing session with our acupuncturist, you should keep these 5 reminders in mind to maximize the full benefits of treatment:
1. Do not forget to rest your body.
Since you feel energized after an acupuncture session, you might think it’s the best time for you to catch up on the physical activities you’ve been putting on hold. Experts do not recommend this. Avoid engaging in strenuous physical activities at least for one or two days post-session. You should go easy on your body and let it recover.
2. Do not forget to rest your mind.
Your body needs rest, and so does your mind. There should be a balance between your body and mind after your treatment to restore harmony and stability. Remember that psychological factors can affect the effectiveness of your therapy. Clear your mind and avoid stressful situations that might put your mind into overdrive.
Here are some ways to help you relax:
Listen to calming music
Read a book
Take a warm, therapeutic bath
Eat a healthy, delicious meal
3. Do not use a cold compress.
A cold compress or an ice pack is one of the first aid treatments to relieve pain, mainly because cooling the problem area can reduce swelling and decrease inflammation. However, in acupuncture terms, cold can increase blockage and stagnation. The majority of aches and pains you feel in your body are the results of immobility and body stagnation. Instead of cold, use heat to facilitate smooth blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, and remove blockages.
4. Do not take caffeinated drinks.
There are several reasons why should refrain from drinking caffeine:
It lowers energy level
Coffee, the most popular source of caffeine, can boost your energy for several hours but leaves you with low energy after. This is because it stimulates the adrenal system and the kidney qi, overworking the organs and making you feel exhausted once the effect has subsided.
It interferes with detoxification
Rest is important in detoxification; caffeine’s temporary boost in physical and mental energy can interfere with rest, sleep, and detoxification.
It blocks the effects of acupuncture
Even a tiny trace of caffeine in the body can interfere with the effects of acupuncture on relieving both acute and chronic pain. During treatment, inserting tiny needles on acupoints activates local adenosine receptors. Caffeine antagonizes this effect, minimizing the full effect of acupuncture.
The primary goal of acupuncture is to restore balance in the body and mind. To achieve this, it is best to cut back on consuming caffeine. Drink warm water as a substitute for coffee to preserve the effects of treatment.
5. Do not eat junk food.
By stimulating the kidneys, acupuncture can drive out toxins from the body, cleaning vital organs such as the colon, liver, and kidneys. Eating junk and unhealthy foods will counter this beneficial effect. Cut back on processed foods and eat more foods with healing properties to maximize the full benefits of treatment.
Guan Physical Therapy and Acupuncture Gainesville, FL - Further Information
If you are struggling with knee, neck, back pain or other type of pain or even depression or anxiety, wait no longer and visit our Acupuncture Clinic in the Gainesville area today! The special techniques we use have been developed over five generations and are widely publicized in Chinese medical books. We are here to help! We also offer Physical Therapy and Chinese Herbal Medicine. For more information or inquiries, call us at (352) 353-0288
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
