Acupuncture was developed in China thousands of years ago. It’s the practice of penetrating a needle through specific points on your skin in order to alleviate pain, treat nausea, decrease stress, and help with a variety of other symptoms. Acupuncture balances the nervous system and increases circulation making it easier for the body to heal itself without the use of medication.
Acupuncture works by stimulating points along the body. When thin, sterilized needles are inserted into these acupuncture points, they help balance out the body to restore health. The points chosen coincide with major nerve centers. The needles stimulate the nerves, causing them to release feel-good chemicals known as endorphins.
Holistic Approach
Acupuncture is a great way to unlock your body’s holistic healing powers in a non-invasive manor.
Range of Symptoms
Acupuncture can help relieve pain and tension from a wide range of symptoms.
Feel Great Again
Relieve chronic pain with Acupuncture. Get your body feeling great again.
TCM uses acupuncture to balance the flow of energy through channels, or meridians, running throughout the body which are associated with various organs.
Acupuncture Treatment in the St. Louis Area
Depending on your health issue, our team may suggest using Acupuncture to relieve pain and stimulate proper holistic healing. This can be extremely valuable in your overall health. During your appointments, we’ll discuss if Acupuncture make sense for your care.
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine used to treat and alleviate pain caused by muscle strain and joint issues. Acupuncture was first practiced in China starting around 2000 BC, but its origins are unclear.
Acupuncture works by visiting a health care provider who will insert extremely thin, sterile needles into specific points along the body’s energy pathways (called meridians). The treatment is continued for 10-45 minutes.
When the needles are inserted and pressure is applied, it is stimulating the production of chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine that modify nerve impulses. These chemicals help relieve pain signals as well as stimulate natural healing in the body. There is evidence backing the claim that acupuncture has effects on psychological wellbeing as well as physical conditions.
People in pain often have low levels of endorphins and a release of those endorphins can suppress the sensation of pain. The points are also located near trigger points, spots on the body where pain radiates away from the center when pressed. Acupuncture may ease the stress on trigger points thereby lessening pain in that area.
What does acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture may be able to help with some of these common conditions as well as the symptoms associated with the disease or it’s treatments:
You can feel the effects of acupuncture within the first few minutes of receiving treatment. However, you’ll notice more significant and long-term effects after several acupuncture sessions.
Our team will work with you to build the right treatment plan for acupuncture sessions.
The benefits of Acupuncture treatment in St. Louis
Many use acupuncture as a conservative approach to controlling a variety of conditions and symptoms. The benefits of acupuncture are it’s safety, limited side effects, and it’s ability to be used in conjunction with other treatments. Acute conditions can usually be resolved with 8-12 treatments. Chronic conditions may take longer to resolve and require more frequent treatments but patients tend to report the benefits lasting longer between treatments as time goes on.
Can decrease anxiety
Can help reduce depression
Can reduce pain
Can help with autoimmunity
Can improve sleep
Can break emotional blockages
Can reduce muscle stiffness
And much more
How Is Dry Needling Different From Acupuncture?
Dry needling and acupuncture are completely different treatments. One of the only similarities between the two techniques is the equipment used – acupuncture needles. Dry needling specifically treats muscular pain and trigger points while acupuncture is a complete healing system that focuses on balancing a patient’s energy or Qi.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Acupuncture needles are very thin. So thin, that most people do not feel much pain when they are inserted, especially in areas with thicker skin. There are some areas on the body where you might have more sensitive skin, but even in those spots, you should not be in pain when receiving Acupuncture treatment.
Here is a size comparison chart so you can see how thin an Acupuncture needle actually is.
The 12 Meridians of The Body
The human body is a complex system, and the traditional Chinese medical view is that illness results from an imbalance within the body. To restore balance and promote health, practitioners of acupuncture work to unblock the flow of energy along the body’s meridians. There are a total of 12 meridians, each one associated with a different organ system. For example, the heart meridian runs along the chest and arms, while the spleen meridian runs through the legs. Acupuncture points are located along these meridians and can be stimulated using needles, pressure, or heat. By restoring the flow of energy along the meridians, practitioners of acupuncture hope to promote balance and wellness within the body.
Acupuncture is a natural healing therapy that uses fine, sterile needles to stimulate specific points on the body. At McGuire Total Wellness in St. Louis, MO, Dr. Alika McGuire offers acupuncture to restore balance, reduce pain, and improve overall wellness. Many patients searching for “acupuncture near me” choose our clinic for safe and effective care.
Acupuncture works by stimulating nerve-rich areas of the body to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and trigger the body’s natural healing response. At McGuire Total Wellness, we combine acupuncture with chiropractic care to provide patients in St. Louis with comprehensive pain relief and improved mobility.
Acupuncture is widely used to treat back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, arthritis, stress, anxiety, and digestive issues. Patients in St. Louis, MO, often search for “acupuncture for pain relief” and find lasting benefits at McGuire Total Wellness.
Acupuncture is generally not painful. The needles are extremely thin, and most patients at McGuire Total Wellness describe only a mild tingling or pressure sensation. Many people in St. Louis find acupuncture sessions relaxing and leave feeling refreshed and energized.
The number of acupuncture sessions depends on your condition and goals. Some patients feel relief after just one treatment, while others benefit from a series of sessions. At McGuire Total Wellness, Dr. Alika McGuire will create a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve the best results.
Yes, acupuncture is very safe when performed by a trained professional like Dr. Alika McGuire. Our clinic in St. Louis, MO, uses only sterile, single-use needles, and treatments are gentle, natural, and effective.
The cost of acupuncture varies depending on the length of your session and treatment needs. At McGuire Total Wellness, we provide affordable acupuncture treatments to help you achieve natural pain relief and better health. Contact our St. Louis office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Alika McGuire.
Very friendly and professional. I've been having some discomfort from normal wear and tear on my back and they helped me quite a bit. Definitely recommend.
Dr. McGuire did something for me today that my spine specialist couldn't even do. He made me able to stand up straight with little pain. The spine doctor just gave me pills and shots that didn't do me any good. He said I still have a long way to go due to the many years of damage to my body parts though. This man is definitely worth seeing. He didn't take MRIs to find my pain, he felt it. People if your living with pain u have only been given pills and shots for that didn't help go see Dr. McGuire. You will be shocked to find out that a lot of your ailments are caused by your injuries.
I have been under Dr. Maguire‘s care for over three years on my initial visits. I could barely get out the bed now I’m up walking exercising and getting my life back.
I had my first ever adjustment today and left feeling AMAZING! Dr. McGuire makes sure you fully understand everything that is going on and is a great listener. I have torn meniscus in both knees and back pain and just after one visit my back feels great and my knees feel better then they have in a very long time! I’m very excited to be under his care and what he has in store for me!
Dr. McGuire has helped me with my back! I was a mess going in and 1000% better leaving! I can relax during adjustments because I trust him and his adjustments feel smooth not forceful.
Great experience. Injured my back at work and had it feeling right after 2 weeks. Kept going for another 10 weeks after. One of the best chiro's I've been to.
My appointment Dr. McGuire was great! He took time to investigate my injuries and find the source, rather than just going after the pain where it was occurring. I do jiu jitsu, so my injuries aren't the everyday back pain that people have. I highly recommend Dr. McGuire, especially for people who have martial arts-related injuries.
I’ve had issues with my back for quite a while now and finally but the bullet and went to a chiropractor and Dr McGuire relieved so much built up tension in my back that I honestly couldn’t believe, highly recommend, thank you Dr. McGuire!
I’ve been seeing Dr. McGuire for about a month and a half after being unable to stand fully upright without a jolting pain. He came recommended by both my husband, and my massage therapist. After 16 years of off and on chiropractic care, I’m so happy to have found someone who listens and doesn’t do the same song and dance and send you out the door. Each visit is tailored to how I feel that day, and my concerns are addressed in a way that is professional and easy to understand. He gives practical advice on how to improve mobility and I feel back to normal again!
I highly recommend McGuire Total Wellness! I work as a dental hygienist and consistently struggle with job related neck/back/hip issues. Dr. McGuire listens and asks good questions to understand where my pain is coming from, and it usually doesn’t take long at all to start feeling relief once he identifies the problem and makes adjustments. He also gives really helpful suggestions to keep pain from coming back. I’m so happy to have found a chiropractor I can trust and count on for noticeable results!
I came to Dr McGuire because of my scoliosis, he is so friendly and knowledgeable! Currently I'm doing weekly session, we already met several times, and I can see the improvement.
Dr McGuire is the best! He listens to you and truly cares about you as a person. He also cares about the community he serves and is ALWAYS using his business to serve the community whether it be a food drive, coat drive, pet rescue, or any way our community needs help he is there to help!
Dr. McGuire is awesome! He is accommodating, professional yet personable. Answers all your questions. Best of all, great at his job. Would recommend him to any and everybody.
My first visit with Dr. McGuire was a very pleasant experience. He was able to locate the source of my back stiffness and pain and did a gentle manipulation in that area. He also advised follow up stretches and exercise. I look forward to more treatments and a painfree body.
I had an amazing experience with Dr. McGuire, he's very professional and knowledgeable. I appreciate his expertise, he's caring and I and my husband left feeling great. Ready to take naps. I am definitely going back. You should try him for yourself you will be impressed as well. Treat yourself your body deserve it.
McGuire total wellness is awesome!!! He really knows to focus on improving areas of soreness, stiffness, etc.<br>I’ve only been going a short time, but feel so much better from when I started going, AND I’ve been fortunate to run into several childhood friends & classmates who are being seen there. I’d definitely recommend going
I appreciate everything Maguire has done for me as far as my health my my back everything is working according to plan I really appreciate this young man thank you. Thank you
I found Dr. McGuire a couple months ago and it's been fantastic. Not only adjustments, but the soft tissue work has helped my shoulders and neck and the resulting headaches from the tension. Couldn't recommend more!
Dr. McGuire is truly amazing. When I was considering the next steps for my ongoing lower back pain ( ruptured disc), he listened to my concerns and presented me with options. I initially had weekly visits and then transitioned to bi-weekly visits. I am so grateful that I trusted him, as he has supported me every step of the way. I have gone from constant pain to now working out in the gym five days a week. Schedule your appointment TODAY! You will not be disappointed.
Dr. McGuire’s wisdom and healing abilities have been life changing for our family! An absolute improvement for our health and well being. He has been incredibly supportive!
My visit to Dr. McGuire’s office was stress free he greeted me with a smile took time to listen after asking a question and explained step by step what he was doing. The office is clean, plenty of parking, and the natural sun light that comes in to the office helped me relax. Schedule a visit you will not be disappointed.
My experience was very therapeutic and I slept so soundly once I made it home. I think I have found my Healer in you Dr. McGuire.......thank you profoundly.
I have been seeing Dr. McGuire for chronic misalignment for years. I have periods of time where I have 0 pain or related headaches. I contine for maintenance to keep the aches away. He is also a great person.
McGuire total wellness is the truth. I told him the problem, he listened and went right to correcting the problems I've been having with my shoulder. Great job I would recommend anybody that reads this review come check them out
The service was excellent and the customer service was great everyone was very nice and i feel such a relief just after one adjustment. I highly recommend
I seen Dr. Mcgire for the first time in August due to a spinal stenosis in my c5 and c6 discs, and it was causing my hands and fingers to be numb ALL THE TIME!! No relief, just tingling and pressure, that’s all I have been able to feel in my hands over<br>The past year. After he worked his magic the numbness immediately stopped
Dr. McGuire has been my chiropractor for a few years now. Initially, I was looking for a different way to help my fiancé with his pain and discomfort. I spoke with Dr. McGuire about a few concerns when I went to pay for his appointment, and he gave me peace of mind by offering a complimentary session. Since then, WE have been patients. Every member of my family either visits him annually or has a membership. When my son gets sports injuries, he's been my first choice. Dr. McGuire's energy and expertise have impressed my son so much that he now wants to work in the medical industry. Thank you for all that you do - mind, body, and spirit! It's a pleasure being a patient of yours!
This was my first chiropractic experience and I immediately felt the benefits of realignment. I also appreciated the spine figurine to help detail what is/well happen and the post-service drawing on what areas were targeted during my visit and what it connected to health wise.
