Wright State Physicians Family Medicine offers medical acupuncture services at the Wright State Physicians Health Center

Wright State Physicians Family Medicine now offers acupuncture services at the Wright State Physicians Health Center, 725 University Blvd., on the campus of Wright State University.

“Western physicians and researchers are recognizing the benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of several conditions,” said Cynthia Olsen, M.D., director of the practice’s acupuncture services. “Acupuncture can complement traditional medical treatments.”

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese treatment that has been used for more than 2,500 years. This form of treatment within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is based on returning the body to balance. According to TCM, this healthy state of balance is between the forces of yin and yang. Many of the conditions that contribute to this unbalance are the result of a blocked energy within the internal organs. This energy, known as qi and pronounced “chee,” circulates throughout the system.

“The purpose of acupuncture is to unblock the qi and restore balance to the system,” said Olsen, who has been practicing family medicine and geriatrics for more than 25 years. “Acupuncture is used for a variety of reasons, including the treatment of pre-existing disorders, the management of pain and other disturbing symptoms.”

Olsen, who completed a course in combined Traditional Chinese Medicine/Western acupuncture under the oversight of skilled practitioners, said that acupuncture often can achieve results in cases that have not responded to modern Western medicine.

“Acupuncture has a low risk associated with it,” Olsen said. “It is relatively painless and is a drug-free way of managing a health problem.”

Olsen provides medical acupuncture treatment for several conditions, including abdominal pain, anxiety, chronic central pain syndrome, depression, headache, jaw pain, knee pain, low back pain, nausea and vomiting, neck pain, sciatica, shoulder pain and thoracic pain.

There are many other conditions that can benefit from acupuncture, including fibromyalgia and stiffness, joint discomfort, irritable bowel syndrome, insomnia, peripheral vascular disease, poor healing wounds and smoking cessation. Acupuncture also can be used for health maintenance.

Olsen is accepting new patients. To make an appointment, call 937-245-7265.

For more information, view the website at wrightstatephysicians.org/fm/acupuncture.

Wright State Physicians Inc. includes more than 180 physicians affiliated with the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. The group provides primary and specialty care in a wide range of specialized diagnostic and treatment services throughout the Dayton region.