Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a branch of Chinese medicine that utilizes fine needles which are  inserted on specific points in the body in an effort to promote the flow of oxygenated blood within the circulatory system.

There is nothing mystical or “energetic” about acupuncture. On the contrary, acupuncture, like physical therapy, chiropractic, massage, and osteopathy, to name a few, is a form of therapy that is based on real anatomy and physiology and its therapeutic effects are mediated through physiological processes that are triggered by biochemical signals, as a response to mechanical stimulus to the tissue from  needle stimulation.

At his St. Augustine practice, Dr. Bernall utilizes an integrative approach of various acupuncture methods, including traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture points, Acupoint Injection Therapy¹According to Florida Statute:
64B1-4.012 Acupoint Injection Therapies.
Effective March 1, 2002, adjunctive therapies shall include acupoint injection therapy which shall mean the injection of herbs, homeopathics, and other nutritional supplements in the form of sterile substances into acupuncture points by means of hypodermic needles but not intravenous therapy to promote, maintain, and restore health; for pain management and palliative care; for acupuncture anesthesia; and to prevent disease., also known as “Biopuncture”, distal methods such as Master Tung’s acupuncture, Dr. Tan’s balance Method, trigger point acupuncture (often known as Dry Needling), and motor point stimulation.

The notion that needle stimulation, often in a part of the body far removed from the injured area, can restore visceral and/or muscle function, is alien to conventional thinking. However, in 1998, a committee of experts chosen by the National Institute of Health, presented a large body of evidence which attested to acupuncture’s efficacy as a pain relief therapy. In light of this evidence, the NIH has endorsed acupuncture as an effective treatment for nausea and some types of pain.

Years of research, coupled with empirical observation, have demonstrated acupuncture’s benefits to reach far beyond its effect on pain. Evidence suggests that acupuncture is effective in the treatment of several syndromes including Fibromyalgia, gynecological disorders, drug addiction, and hypertension, to name a few.

Acupuncture is a licensed and regulated healthcare profession in the State of Florida.  A large number of insurance companies are taking notice of acupuncture’s benefits and often cover services by licensed practitioners.

In our acupuncture practice here in Saint Augustine, we address a wide range of complaints using various modalities including acupuncture, bodywork, herbal medicine, heat, cupping, moxa and electrical stimulation.

Thank you!

Fernando Bernall, AP
Acupuncture Physician
Saint Augustine, FL
904-806-7123