Because of my years of experience in obstetrics and gynecology, I focus on women's health issues. However, I do treat other problems as well and will be happy to consider other patients on a case-by-case basis.

Acupuncture is a long practiced form of natural healing that treats many conditions without the need for expensive equipment or chemicals. Acupuncture is not a replacement for traditional western medicine and, in some instances, is not appropriate. However, when there is a problem western medicine has not been able to adequately resolve, when the risks of treatment are unacceptable to you or the prescribed therapy is too costly, acupuncture may be an appropriate alternative. The risk is low, but the potential benefits are high.

Acupuncture is based on the premise that there are channels of energy that flow throughout the body that control both organs and functions of the body. When the energy flow through these channels is disrupted due to trauma, diet, medication, stress or other conditions, pain or illness can occur. Acupuncture focuses on correcting the imbalances of this energy flow using ultra–thin needles under the skin to stimulate specific points in the body called acupuncture points. This stimulation is thought to balance the flow of energy and restore the body's natural function relieving pain or other symptoms.

Once the needles have been placed, you may feel a dull ache or a tingling sensation. These sensations indicate that the point has been accurately located. This feeling lasts for a second or two. Most people feel very relaxed when they are having a treatment; others do not feel much at all. Some conditions may worsen for a short time after treatment. The worsening is usually an indicator of a subsequent excellent response. These are all normal responses. Even if you do not feel an immediate response, most patients benefit from treatment.

• Nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy
• Infertility
• Sciatic pain during pregnancy
• PMS
• Insufficient breast milk
• Menopausal symptoms
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
• Decreased libido

The number of treatments required depends on the severity and duration of the symptoms. For morning sickness or sciatic pain of pregnancy, one or two treatments can be very helpful. For more chronic health conditions, a longer course of treatment may be required. Dr Cargill-Hickman will help each patient develop an individualized plan.

Very few insurance policies cover acupuncture and those that do frequently limit treatment to specific diagnoses or number of treatments. In an effort to eliminate red tape and decrease the cost of treatment, we do NOT participate with insurance for acupuncture. We DO accept FLEX or HSA payments. Even though patients pay out of pocket, many find the cost of acupuncture is less than the cost of medication and doctor visits.