In Search of THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH - Acupuncture Works, Inc.

By JAMIE SLACK

Photos by RACHEL LOCK

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT

In a 2016 report by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention it was found that 59 million Americans sought out some type of alternative therapy. That includes treatments such as homeopathy and acupuncture as well as supplements, yoga and meditation.

Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of medicine, although it has become increasingly popular in the last 20-30 years. Each part of the body is connected to another part, and acupuncturists claim to be able to cure or lessen ailments targeting one area with treatments that involve another area, thereby achieving a more balanced body.

Acupuncturist Doug Petrie of Acupuncture Works, Inc. said that as people are looking for more natural ways of achieving happiness and finding ways to feel younger and be more active, his business has taken off.

According to Petrie, acupuncture can be used to treat a variety of issues all over the body. It can even be used on the face to relieve muscle tension, which causes more creases.

“It’s to promote circulation, that’s what acupuncture is all about,” Petrie said.

Petrie offers treatments besides acupuncture, as well— even treatments popularized by famous athletes. With the Summer Olympics in Rio Di Janeiro this past summer, Michael Phelps brought “cupping” to the main stage. Petrie uses this practice to help bring blood to the skin’s surface, which treats muscle aches and tension but can also help athletes prepare for a match.

Acupuncture, as well as cupping, can be used in a multitude of ways; therefore, Petrie works to select the method that is most beneficial for each client.