September 6, 2012

Whether you have a sprained ankle or a migraine, taking pills may not be your only option when it comes to pain relief. In this week's Martha Jefferson Healthwise report CBS19’S Stephanie Satchell has more on an old medical treatment being offered by a new doctor in Albemarle County.

When some people think of needles, vaccines or shots often come to mind. However, Dr. Margo Gill a new physician at Forest Lakes Family Medicine specializes in acupuncture.

“It's an ancient form of Chinese medicine that is using needles to move the energy through your body so your body can heal itself,” said Dr. Margo Gill, Forest Lakes Family Medicine.

Gill is encouraging patients to consider it as an alternative to medication.

“The great thing about acupuncture for patients is that it is not going to do any harm. It's not a medication. There aren't the side effects.

Acupuncture can be used to help osteoarthritis, infertility, headaches, muscular disorders and more.

The process can last anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes and Dr. Gill says the needles aren't painful.

“Most people actually leave their acupuncture appointment feeling rejuvenated and relaxed. Most people don't even feel them while they're in,” said Gill.

Dr. Gill says people try acupuncture for many different reasons.

“I think there are many people who come to it as a last resort. I've tried everything else and I think there are other people who say I really don't want medicines. I don't want to be taking pills. I want to try something else. Others say there are some things out of balance in my body and I need some help getting it back in balance and that's what acupuncture is working to do," said Gill.

Dr. Gill says acupuncture is not typically covered by health insurance. The price depends on the type of treatment and how often a patient makes an appointment.