Acupuncture growing popular as complement to Western medicine

WESTMINSTER, Md. (AP)
Information from: Carroll County (Md.) Times

Like many people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, Robin Nodes of Westminster takes prescription pain medication every day to cope with the disease that causes her immune system to attack her organs.

To help relieve her from the side effects of these medications, she turns to Greg Padrick, an acupuncturist who practices in Westminster.

Acupuncture, a traditional medical practice rooted in ancient Chinese history, is often used in conjunction with mainstream Western medicine to help patients like Nodes manage chronic health problems.

Doctor Peter Hindenberger of the Ruscombe Mansion Community Health Center in Baltimore says Western medicine is the only type of medical practice in the world that works solely on the physical body. He says it does not involve the concept of energy, which is what makes people individuals rather than clusters of cells.

Nodes, who acknowledges she initially was a bit hesitant about trying alternative treatments, says she was amazed by the relief she felt after only a few appointments.

Jeanie Marie Kraft, L.Ac. MyAcuDoc.com Acupuncture in Salem MA
www.bodysoulsalem.com