Need A Springfield, IL, Acupuncture Treatment Expert?

Acupuncture treatment is one of the major methodologies of the McCaffrey Method, used in conjunction with many other treatment modalities.

Acupuncture therapy has been proven to be effective for thousands of years, and Dr. Sean and the other experts at McCaffrey Health Center have learned many difference acupuncture treatment styles from a variety of masters in this Traditional Chinese Medicine art. Because an individualized treatment plan is developed for each patient, different styles are used at different times, depending on each individual’s need. Other chiropractors may be schooled in one or two types of basic acupuncture therapy, but the Springfield acupuncture experts at McCaffrey Health Center have taken the time to study with world-class acupuncture instructors, they understand the nuances of each acupuncture therapy style and know when to use each style for each individual patient.

Acupuncture is over 6000 years old and is based on the concept that there is an energy (or “qi” – pronounced “chee”) that flows along meridians in the body. Physical challenges arise when something interrupts the flow of that energy. Our Springfield acupuncture experts use a needling technique that is unique, driving energy through a connective tissue pathway. They look for a blocked energy and stimulate flow through the body‘s individual meridians, depending on the element.

Here are 13 styles of acupuncture treatment we utilize in our Springfield office:

Chinese Clock Opposite System
Chinese Clock Neighbor System
Korean Hand Acupuncture
Scalp Acupuncture
Electro Acupuncture

Five Element Style
Anatomical Image System
Branding Channel System
Interior & Exterior Pairs Relationship

Master Tongs Points
Chinese Auricular Therapy
French Auricular Therapy
Olsen/Shores Auricular Therapy

Springfield Acupuncture That Is Effective, Pain-Free and Drug-Free

Acupuncture works to increase the flow of energy throughout the body by tapping into our nervous system, which means that using acupuncture for chronic pain can be a strong solution for many of the following issues:

Muscle spasms
Shoulder pain
Neck pain
Back pain
Knee pain
Allergies
Chronic headaches
Migraines
Digestive problems
Degenerative joint disease/osteoarthritis

Menstrual cramps
Nausea/vomiting
Infertility
Shingles
Rash/inflammation
Fibromyalgia
Depression
Anxiety
Side effects of chemotherapy
Hot flashes

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding acupuncture:

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a 2,500-year-old healing methodology that applies needles, heat, pressure and other treatments to the skin in order to alleviate or eliminate bodily distress. Using acupuncture for chronic pain can be a highly effective method to bring about healing and perfect health. A study in 2012 found that using acupuncture for chronic pain had a better result for patients versus those that did not use acupuncture. This study was lauded by the National Institute of Health as “the most rigorous evidence to date that acupuncture may be helpful for chronic pain.“

How does it work?

Traditional Chinese medicine has determined specific acupoints, or meridians, areas throughout the body that relate to various aspects of our health. When manipulated, these areas can release or alter the flow of energy (known as chi or qi) throughout the body. It is believed that when chi is not balanced, pain and poor health can occur. Acupuncture aims to balance that energy by putting 10 to 20 thin needles at various points along the body‘s major meridians.

How effective is acupuncture treatment?

A lot of people have the misconception that acupuncture is “woo woo“ or really “out there” There have been many studies to look at the effectiveness of acupuncture versus mainstream medicine, and for chronic, degenerative conditions, acupuncture has been found to be even more effective than heavily drugged-based mainstream medicine.

If I come to your Springfield, IL, office for an acupuncture treatment, will it hurt?

Typically acupuncture used is used to alleviate pain, not cause it. The needles are very thin and should not cause pain when inserted by an experienced acupuncturist. There are a number of different ways to do various acupuncture techniques. And some techniques, you do have to feel a little bit. There’s no doubt about that, because you are trying to push energy through the body. So, you do have to move it a little bit, but there are many, many styles that a patient really shouldn’t feel a whole lot, but the practitioner’s skill, what the practitioner can do, their ability to apply the needle, their ability to know where and when to put the needle, that’s what really determines the success.

Are these special needles?

The FDA classifies and regulates acupuncture needles as a medical device and calls for them to be ‘sterile, non-toxic and labeled for single use.’

Is there anything that acupuncture therapy can’t be used for?

Whatever the issue, acupuncture should be able to handle it, including acute emergency situations. Coma, loss of breathing, heart attack, stroke, you name it, acupuncture should be able to get at it. Diarrhea, constipation, all kinds of GI problems. We hold to the perspective that a skilled acupuncturist should be able to adequately assess and deal with these conditions drug-free.

How long do I need to wait to see results?

For the experts in Springfield, acupuncture is a modality to help assist the body in restoring normal function, but we also use it for a ‘quick fix.’ A patient may say, “I hurt my knee,” “I hurt my ankle,” “I hurt my back,” and they need to feel better. So, we will use it right away to help the patient relieve pain and discomfort, knowing that the McCaffrey Method will restore normal function.” During any given session, we expect whatever they’re dealing with to be 50% improved — 50% improvement right there and then in the office. We expect to see this change immediately—not in four days or a week or six months from now. We want to see the change happen immediately.

Does McCaffrey Health Center just use acupuncture alone?

Typically, no. In our offices in Springfield, IL, acupuncture treatment is just one part of our total McCaffrey Method. While others are practicing acupuncture as a standalone service or using one or two modalities in their treatment of patients, we are using unique blend of many different modalities. We blend acupuncture with act with chiropractic techniques, vile therapies, or biology, vibrational medicine, and a host of other methodologies to bring about total healing (not just pain “management”).

Dr. Sean Talks About Acupuncture

Dr. Sean: Springfield’s Acupuncturist

Dr. Sean McCaffrey has been certified for acupuncture for the State of Illinois since 2000 and has trained in Balancing Method (2005 and 2006) and Advanced Scalp Acupuncture (2014-2017). He uses acupuncture therapy in Springfield as a part of a holistic regimen for many of his patients. The mainstream medical community has steered many of their patients down a dangerously addictive path by overmedicating them with opioids–codeine, morphine, OxyContin, Percocet or Vicodin. Dr. Sean explains, “ People are now waking up to see what a terrible cycle of medicating more and more and at higher and higher dosages with no actual healing going on. In our practice, we are helping our patients find healing and perfect health by advocating (among other things) using acupuncture treatments for a variety of ailments. Acupuncture provides a highly credible alternative for handling chronic pain and will go a long way in helping people find a relief they are looking for without adding to this country’s terrible prescription drug epidemic.”

If you are considering acupuncture therapy, make sure you choose a highly experienced acupuncturist who has strong credentials. The typical “pin cushion” images show where acupuncture needles have been inserted into the skin of a specific acupoint to release endorphins and manipulate the brain chemical serotonin. These needles can be inserted anywhere in the body–the hands, the feet, even on the head! With some acupuncture treatments, the needles maybe twirled, heated or otherwise manipulated to stimulate the nerves. Those needles can be kept in place for up to 30 minutes during treatment, and the typical course of treatment using acupuncture for chronic pain will include up to 12 sessions over a 6 to 8 week period.

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Content from the McCaffrey Health Center website and blog is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.The information provided on this website is intended for general consumer understanding and entertainment only.

The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. As health and nutrition research continuously evolves, we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information presented on this website. The statements on this website and all affiliates have not been evaluated by the FDA

3330 Hedley Road Suite C

Mon-Fri 8.00AM-5.00PM

217 726 0151

Need A Springfield, IL, Acupuncture Treatment Expert?

Here are 13 styles of acupuncture treatment we utilize in our Springfield office:

Springfield Acupuncture That Is Effective, Pain-Free and Drug-Free

Dr. Sean Talks About Acupuncture

Dr. Sean: Springfield’s Acupuncturist