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Conditions We Treat
Eliminating Pain With PressureAcupressure helps the body heal through the power of touch
“Unbelievable!” That’s how 42-year-old John Zelenak describes his first experience with acupressure. “The results were immediate,” says the Zionsville man, who’d suffered from sciatic (lower-back-related) leg pain for six years. The ancient Chinese technique of acupressure is similar to acupuncture, but uses gentle finger pressure instead of needles. “During a session, I press on 106 different muscles,” says acupressurist Chris Christopher (shown at right with Zelenak). “The pressure reduces lactic acid buildup and allows blood and oxygen into the muscles to aid in healing.” Improved circulation eases muscle tension and stress, he says, and that results in a better night’s sleep and more energy.Robin Dewalt-Brown, 39, has had migraine headaches since her teens. “I would get several headaches a month, causing me to miss work,” the Allentown woman says. “After acupressure, I had no headaches at all last month.” Results like Brown’s helped neurologist John Castaldo, M.D., realize the benefits of this complementary therapy. “Acupressure has afforded many patients relief of their head and neck pain where medications and formal physical therapy have failed,” says the Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network specialist. Patients in a recent study experienced a 40 percent reduction in their headaches and muscle or joint pain following acupressure treatment and were able to reduce their medications. To maintain pain relief, a series of four acupressure sessions is recommended, Christopher says. Many of his patients come in monthly to keep their muscles healthy and help prevent pain. Each 15-minute session costs $50. While increased blood flow is the physical reason people notice a reduction in pain, Christopher says, acupressure’s psychological effects are just as valuable. “I tell people to remember how good they feel after a session,” he says. “If they maintain this positive attitude, they can get well and live a pain-free life.” This page last updated 3/31/08 09:19 AM
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