Anew Acupuncture & Wellness: Ancient Healing … Anew Approach!

According to recent health statistics, an astounding 92.1 million adults live with cardiovascular disease or the effects of a stroke. Rehabilitation after a stroke can be long and frustrating for the patient and family members, depending on the type, severity, duration and location of the damage. Eighty-seven percent of all strokes are ischemic. This type of stroke occurs when the blood vessels to the brain have been obstructed or interrupted. Hemorrhagic strokes are less common and occur when a ruptured or weak artery leaks blood into the brain. Either type of stroke may lead to death.

    Depending on how many brain cells are destroyed, the victim may be fully or partially paralyzed; have difficulty swallowing, breathing or talking; lose significant memory, along with sensory perception; and suffer from emotional instability, confusion or behavioral issues. Suddenly, the mundane, routine daily tasks we often take for granted become a personal challenge. Immediate treatment with a huge amount of patience is critical for quality of life, longevity and independence. Various types of rehabilitative services are required, such as nursing care, physical and occupational therapy, emotional and social counseling, as well as speech therapy. Neuroplasticity (the capacity of neurons and neural networks in the brain to change their connections and behavior in response to new information, sensory stimulation, development, damage or dysfunction) ultimately must be restored.

    Scalp acupuncture, a precise needling technique, has been used with stroke patients for more than 40 years. Developed in the 1970s by doctors Jiao Shun Fa (a neurosurgeon and acupuncturist), Fang Yun-peng, Zhu Ming-qing, Tang Song-nian, Lin Xue-jian and Yamamoto, scalp acupuncture was perfected and adopted by the World Health Organization in 1980 at the Geneva Convention. This holistic technique prevents and treats diseases by applying needles to particular acupuncture lines, zones or points on the head, and has superior results when combined with other therapeutic modalities. By activating sutures and scalp areas, the nerve endings underneath are stimulated, thereby improving neuroplasticity. For ischemic strokes, data indicates it is important to apply scalp acupuncture as soon as possible to achieve optimum clinical results. For hemorrhagic strokes, it is advisable to perform scalp acupuncture as soon as the bleeding is controlled. The ability to retain needles for several hours to several days is a major advantage of scalp acupuncture over common styles of body acupuncture. This helps to achieve long-lasting clinical results.

    When considering acupuncture for stroke patients, it is important to partner with a qualified, experienced medical acupuncturist. Noemi Martinez, LAc, and the staff at Anew Acupuncture & Wellness LLC, located at 115 Library Hill Lane, in Lexington, are ready to assist and serve you on your journey. Martinez earned a master’s degree in Oriental medicine and a bachelor of science degree from Miami’s Acupuncture and Massage College, in 2009. She is board certified in acupuncture by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and licensed in the state of South Carolina. Martinez is also trained in acupoint injection therapy; facial rejuvenation therapy for improving fine lines, sagging skin, discoloration and more; scalp acupuncture for neurological disorders; pediatric care; and fertility and pregnancy care. Martinez is fluent in English and Spanish and practices many modalities of acupuncture, tailoring her treatments to the specific needs of her clients.

For more information or to book an appointment, call Noemi Martinez, LAc, owner of Anew Acupuncture & Wellness, at 803-520-4134. Also visit AnewCommunity.com.