Acupuncture in action; woman overcomes chronic breast and back pain

Ellen Guenther first tried acupuncture seven years ago, due to severe tightening of the chest wall following mastectomy and reconstructive surgery for breast cancer.

“They caught my cancer early and I didn’t need radiation or
chemotherapy,” said Guenther, 66, of Bloomfield Township. “Now, every
time I go in for a follow up appointment they say, ‘Whatever you’re
doing, keep it up. You’re doing great.’”

“I feel good, too,” said Guenther who receives treatment at the
Sterling Heights Family Medicine Center across from Beaumont Hospital,
Troy. “The acupuncture has helped me with so many things.”

Chinese medicine defines acupuncture as a technique that restores the
body’s natural energy or “life force” known as “qi” or “chi,” by
strategically placing thin needles into the skin at specific points
throughout the body.

I feel good. The acupuncture has helped me with so many things. Ellen

Here in the west, acupuncture is defined as the stimulation of nerves,
muscles and connective tissues in such a way to trigger the body’s
natural opioids or pain killers.

Studies show that acupuncture also has an anti-inflammatory effect and increases blood flow throughout the body.

By eliminating “blockages,” acupuncture relieves pain, boosts energy
and helps restore the body’s natural order of operation, explained
Guenther’s practitioner, Beaumont Health acupuncturist, Kylie Study.

Although Guenther continues to receive monthly treatments, a life-long back problem is now her primary concern.

For Guenther, whose L-4 and L-5 discs, located in the lumbar region
of the spine, were herniated in a canoe accident as a teenager,
acupuncture significantly reduces the related pain and stiffness and
enables her to maintain mobility.

“I garden and watch my eight-year-old grandson twice a week. I have
no trouble keeping up with him,” said Guenther, who also receives
regular massage.

Study left her research job in immunology to earn a Master’s
degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is certified by the National
Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and
registered with the state of Michigan.

“After experiencing fantastic results with acupuncture for my own
health, I knew it was something I wanted to learn more about. I wanted
to help others to manage their health with acupuncture.”

An open mind and attitude, Study said, has propelled Guenther’s success.

Guenther, who’s also studied Reiki, has always been keenly interested
in foregoing pharmaceutical treatments in favor of natural ones. That
system of belief was nurtured during a four-year stay in Japan, where
acupuncture was commonplace.

“Whenever I come in for an appointment, I tell Kylie what’s ailing me and that’s what we work on that day,” Guenther explained.

Last February it was pain from a broken rib following a fall on
vacation in Thailand. Another time, she tumbled and hurt her knee on
uneven pavement in San Francisco.

“The acupuncture helps me stay active,” Guenther said with a laugh.

Study does a great job of explaining where and why the needles are positioned, Guenther said.

Sometimes Guenther lays face up during an appointment, other times, face down.

“It’s so relaxing,” she said. “It’s a monthly tune up that takes me back to normalcy. I’m just not one to use medication.”

As traditional physicians seek new ways to treat pain in the wake of
growing awareness of opioid use, abuse, addiction and overdose in the
United States, Study said, interest and acceptance of acupuncture will
continue to rise.

Case in point: the American College of Physicians just this year added acupuncture to its recommended protocol for treating chronic back pain.

And in its 2017 education blueprint for health care providers, the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration urged physicians to consider
acupuncture, particularly in treating musculoskeletal and chronic pain.

To help those living with chronic pain better manage their condition, Beaumont Health is offering, "Living with Chronic Pain: A free, interactive workshop to help you
live a meaningful life,” 6:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 23 at the Moceri Learning
Center at Beaumont Hospital, Troy, 44249 Dequindre Road.

The interactive program will explore pain science and self-management
techniques, including strategies from integrative medicine, behavioral
health practices, and physical and occupational therapy. During the
event, participants will set personal goals to better manage their pain.

Registration is required at Beaumont.org/pain