Internal Medicine & Acupuncture

A Brief Introductory Guide

Understanding the Challenges of Internal Medicine and the Benefits of Acupuncture

Internal medicine is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing a broad range of adult diseases and health conditions. It encompasses everything from chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease to complex autoimmune disorders and gastrointestinal conditions. Internists, or doctors specializing in internal medicine, often deal with patients who have multiple, overlapping health issues that require comprehensive care and a multifaceted approach. While conventional internal medicine treatments are essential for managing these conditions, they often involve medications that can have side effects or complications that impact quality of life. Acupuncture, a complementary therapy rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), offers a holistic approach to supporting internal health by promoting balance, reducing symptoms, and enhancing overall well-being.

The Wellspring Integrative Approach

We at Wellspring Health are privileged to be a member of your care team. Wellspring Health uses Traditional Chinese Medicine (Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine) and Conventional medicine in an integrative approach. This combination can enhance treatment outcomes, manage the side effects of conventional treatments (like chemotherapy), and provide additional support for chronic or complex conditions. We love science and we love working with conventional medical Doctors. This approach combines the strengths of both systems, offering a broader range of treatment options and emphasizing the prevention of disease as well as the treatment of existing conditions.

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Challenges Associated with Internal Medicine

  1. Managing Chronic Diseases: Chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and kidney disease require long-term management and continuous monitoring. These conditions often coexist, complicating treatment plans and increasing the risk of complications. Managing chronic diseases typically involves lifestyle changes, medications, and regular check-ups. However, patients may struggle with adherence to these treatments, leading to suboptimal health outcomes.

  2. Medication Side Effects and Polypharmacy: Patients with chronic conditions often need multiple medications to manage their symptoms and prevent disease progression. However, the use of several medications, known as polypharmacy, can increase the risk of adverse effects and drug interactions. Side effects such as fatigue, dizziness, gastrointestinal issues, and cognitive impairment can negatively impact quality of life and lead to non-compliance with treatment regimens.

  3. Complex and Overlapping Symptoms: Internal medicine often deals with complex cases where patients present with multiple overlapping symptoms that may not have a clear diagnosis. For instance, a patient with an autoimmune disorder may experience fatigue, joint pain, and gastrointestinal issues, all of which could be indicative of several different conditions. This complexity can make it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause and establish an effective treatment plan.

  4. Emotional and Psychological Impact of Chronic Illness: Living with chronic illness can have a significant emotional and psychological impact on patients. Depression, anxiety, and stress are common among individuals with long-term health conditions, which can, in turn, worsen their physical health. For example, stress can raise blood pressure in hypertensive patients or exacerbate pain in those with arthritis. The emotional toll of chronic illness often requires additional support beyond conventional medical treatment.

  5. Systemic and Holistic Health Considerations: Internal medicine often focuses on specific organ systems or disease processes, but this approach can sometimes overlook the interconnectedness of the body’s systems. For instance, treating high blood pressure with medication may not address underlying issues like stress, poor sleep, or nutritional deficiencies that contribute to the condition. A more holistic approach can complement traditional internal medicine by addressing these systemic factors.

  6. Preventive Care and Health Maintenance: Preventive care is a critical component of internal medicine, but motivating patients to make lifestyle changes—such as improving diet, increasing physical activity, and managing stress—can be challenging. Many patients find it difficult to maintain these changes long-term, resulting in a reliance on medications to manage symptoms rather than addressing the root causes of health issues.

From Our Clients

“Kirsten is the best and I truly look forward to my acupuncture treatments! Kirsten is super thoughtful and has an incredible bedside manner. I highly recommend Kirsten and Wellspring to all, you can't go wrong!”

- Brian Z.

“Highly recommend!!! I cannot say enough about my acupuncture experience here. Dr. Kirsten and the whole Wellspring Health team are absolutely wonderful! Dr. Kirsten is warm, knowledgeable, caring and kind. She has a welcoming space that is calming and beautiful. Dr. Kirsten listens attentively and is very thoughtful about the treatment she provides. I always feel very taken care of, from start to finish. Acupuncture and the various other modalities she generously offers are incredibly helpful and have made a huge difference in my life. I’m so grateful to have found her! Do not hesitate, make an appointment! You’ll wish you did it sooner!!”

- Jennifer C.

“I cannot say enough good things about Wellspring Health. The place is warm, luminous, and inviting. The team welcoming and friendly, and Kirsten is interested in the patient. She does not act in a routine and that makes a difference. I got tremendous relief from a few visits and avoided all the side effects of traditional medicine like cortisone shots or anti-inflammatory medication. I highly recommend the practice and thank you for the help.”

- Raluca S.

Benefits of Acupuncture for Internal Medicine Support

Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow (Qi) and promote healing. It can be used as a complementary therapy to support conventional internal medicine treatments by addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of health. Here are some of the key benefits of acupuncture for patients dealing with internal medicine conditions:

  1. Manages Chronic Pain and Inflammation: Acupuncture is highly effective in managing chronic pain and reducing inflammation, making it beneficial for conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and migraines. It stimulates the release of endorphins and promotes blood circulation, reducing pain and discomfort. For patients dealing with chronic musculoskeletal or neurological pain, acupuncture can offer significant relief without the side effects of pain medications.

  2. Supports Immune Function and Reduces Autoimmune Symptoms: Acupuncture can modulate immune function, making it a valuable therapy for patients with autoimmune disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. By reducing inflammation and balancing the immune response, acupuncture helps alleviate symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, and digestive issues. Regular sessions can reduce the frequency of flare-ups and improve overall quality of life.

  3. Improves Digestion and Gastrointestinal Health: Acupuncture is known to support digestive health by regulating the flow of Qi and reducing symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux, and constipation. It helps stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes healthy digestion, reduces bloating, and alleviates abdominal discomfort.

  4. Enhances Cardiovascular Health: Acupuncture can support cardiovascular health by promoting better circulation, reducing blood pressure, and lowering stress levels. This makes it a valuable complementary therapy for patients with hypertension or heart disease. By balancing the body’s energy and promoting relaxation, acupuncture can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications.

  5. Reduces Stress and Supports Emotional Well-Being: Acupuncture has a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It activates the body’s natural relaxation response, lowers cortisol levels, and promotes emotional stability. This is particularly beneficial for patients dealing with the emotional burden of chronic illness, as it can improve mood and enhance overall well-being.

  6. Supports Overall Health and Balance: Acupuncture treats the body as a whole, addressing both symptoms and underlying imbalances. By promoting the flow of Qi, supporting the body’s natural healing processes, and enhancing energy levels, acupuncture helps patients achieve better health and vitality. It complements conventional treatments, providing a holistic approach to managing internal medicine conditions.

Conditions We Treat With Acupuncture

Acupuncture is used to address a wide variety of health conditions, including but not limited to:

Parting Thoughts:

Internal medicine addresses a wide range of complex health challenges that require comprehensive care. While conventional treatments are essential, acupuncture offers a natural, holistic approach that can support overall health, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life. By addressing both physical and emotional aspects of health, acupuncture provides a valuable complementary therapy for managing chronic conditions and promoting long-term wellness. Through its multifaceted benefits, acupuncture helps patients achieve balance, resilience, and improved health outcomes.

Resources & Links to Learn More

Acupuncture has been studied for its potential benefits across various internal medicine conditions. Here are five clinical studies highlighting its positive effects:

  1. Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis: This comprehensive meta-analysis evaluated data from 39 trials involving over 20,000 patients. The study concluded that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of chronic pain conditions, including back and neck pain, osteoarthritis, and chronic headache, with effects persisting over time.  Jpain

  2. Acupuncture as Adjunctive Therapy for Chronic Stable Angina: A randomized clinical trial investigated the efficacy of acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy for patients with chronic stable angina. The study found that acupuncture significantly improved angina frequency and quality of life compared to sham acupuncture and no acupuncture groups.  JAMA Network

  3. The Long-term Effect of Acupuncture for Migraine Prophylaxis: This randomized clinical trial assessed the long-term effects of acupuncture on migraine prophylaxis. Results indicated that true acupuncture significantly reduced the frequency of migraine attacks compared to sham acupuncture and a waiting-list control group, with benefits lasting up to 24 weeks.  JAMA Network

  4. Acupuncture for Chronic Sciatica from Herniated Disk: A recent study found that in patients with chronic sciatica due to herniated discs, acupuncture resulted in less pain and improved function compared to sham acupuncture at the fourth week, with these benefits lasting until the 52nd week.  JAMA Network

  5. Use of Acupuncture for Adult Health Conditions, 2013 to 2021: This systematic review mapped the conclusions and certainty of evidence for acupuncture as a treatment for various adult health conditions. The review found evidence supporting acupuncture's effectiveness for several conditions, including chronic pain and migraine, highlighting its role in internal medicine.  JAMA Network

These studies suggest that acupuncture may offer benefits in managing various internal medicine conditions, particularly in reducing chronic pain, improving cardiovascular health, and preventing migraines.