Acupuncture
University Hospitals Connor Whole Health offers acupuncture as an evidence-based treatment for patients suffering from a variety of medical conditions. The acupuncturists at UH Connor use this ancient technique to treat both acute and chronic pain, including lower back pain, neck pain, joint pain, and headaches and migraines.
Schedule an appointment
Call 216-285-4070 or schedule your appointment online.Conditions Treated By Acupuncture
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommend acupuncture for the treatment of chronic pain and over 40 other conditions, including:
- Addiction
- Anxiety and depression
- Arthritis and osteoarthritis
- Chemo-induced nausea and vomiting, and side effects of cancer treatment
- Chronic fatigue
- Dental pain
- Digestive disorders
- Fibromyalgia
- Headache and migraine
- Infertility
- Low back pain
- Musculoskeletal issues
- Respiratory conditions
- Smoking cessation
- Stroke rehabilitation
- Women’s health issues
Why Choose UH?
There are many benefits to having acupuncture performed within a hospital setting such as University Hospitals. Our acupuncturists are all licensed and highly trained, and work collaboratively with a patient’s primary care physician or specialists to ensure they are getting appropriate care for their condition, both through Traditional Chinese Medicine and western medicine practices. This holistic approach to health and wellness is one of the hallmarks of our integrative medicine program.
UH Connor Whole Health is committed to being a care partner for patients, and can coordinate care of complex patients with other specialties within the UH system. In choosing UH for acupuncture, our practitioners can help you prioritize the cornerstones of optimal health: diet, lifestyle, sleep, emotions and relationships.
About Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a treatment used to address not only pain, but a wide variety of disease conditions through the stimulation of certain body points using hair-thin, sterile, disposable needles.
When acupuncture needles stimulate the body, various changes happen including increased blood flow, regulation of the nervous system, decreased pain sensitivity, and improved emotional well-being (via chemicals in the brain).
Acupuncture research has been growing in recent years proving effectiveness for over 45 conditions, as well as safety and cost-effectiveness when performed by a qualified provided.
In our current opioid epidemic, many patients and providers are choosing non-medication treatment options, like acupuncture, to address pain.
What to Expect
When you meet with an acupuncturist at UH, you will first discuss your health history and address the symptoms or conditions you are hoping to address with your acupuncture treatment. Your acupuncturist will give you a physical assessment before beginning your session. While you lay or sit comfortably, your practitioner will gently place the fine, flexible needles at identified acupoints. The needles should cause little or no discomfort. You will then relax while the needles stimulate the various areas of your body. The needles will remain in place for up to 30 minutes before your acupuncturist removes them.
You may feel relief from your symptoms within a few hours or days. Some symptoms may take a few treatments before they improve.
Schedule an Appointment
For more information or to schedule an acupuncture appointment, call
216-285-4070.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does acupuncture work?
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Acupuncture uses hair-thin, sterile, disposable needles to stimulate certain points in the body. Stimulation of these points triggers several body responses, such as increased circulation, nervous system regulation, reduced pain perception, as well as emotional well-being.
- What does acupuncture treat?
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Acupuncture can treat a wide variety of conditions, from pain to stress and anxiety. Some of the most common conditions we see are: back pain, knee pain, sports injuries, stress, anxiety, depression, headaches and migraines, digestive issues, women’s health, infertility, pregnancy support, chronic pain and fatigue.
- Does acupuncture hurt?
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Acupuncture should not be painful, but it is not without some sensation. Some patients feel a small pinch when the needle is first inserted, but that will fade. Many patients describe a “warm”, “tingling”, or “heavy” sensation where the needles are placed, and others feel no sensation. A “twitch” sensation may be felt when working on muscular conditions. Most patients find treatment very comfortable and relaxing.
- What can I expect during a treatment?
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You should come to your treatment having eaten a small meal and well hydrated, and wearing loose clothes. Your provider will do an intake, asking questions about your specific concerns, as well as more general questions about your health and lifestyle. Some practitioners will check your tongue and pulse, or palpate or press certain points or muscles to gain more information. After the intake, your provider will get you settled on the treatment table, and begin the treatment. You will relax with the needles for approximately 20 minutes, after which your provider will remove the needles and provide you with post-treatment information.
- How should I feel after my treatment? Is there anything I should do when I get home?
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After a treatment, many patients report a reduction in pain, as well as lowered stress and anxiety. If you had specific muscle work done, you may feel some residual soreness, like you have had a good workout. Our general post-treatment suggestions are to drink enough fluids, especially warm or room-temperature, and take time to rest in order to help your body heal. Applying heat to areas of pain, as well as gentle movement and stretching, is also recommended.
- How often do I need to receive acupuncture?
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An initial course of treatment varies, but is generally somewhere between 4-8 treatments, once per week, depending on your specific needs. You and your provider will discuss your progress regularly, and will determine when to start spacing treatments out further for maintenance.
Research on Acupuncture
The use of acupuncture is supported by a wide body of research that looks at its effectiveness in treating many conditions and symptoms. These include lymphedema, depression, headaches, chronic pain, nausea, infertility and much more.
Meet the Team
Meet the licensed acupuncturists at UH Connor Whole Health.