Acupuncture

We combine ancient wisdom with cutting-edge technology

1. What is an AcuGraph?

The AcuGraph Digital Meridian Imaging system lets our doctors digitally scan your acupuncture meridians to determine your energetic pathways and energy levels. A simple, painless, two-minute exam without guesswork and no side effects. There are many non-needle techniques, such as micro-current, laser, acupressure and ear therapy, that do not require needles.

2. What are Acupuncture Meridians?

Acupuncture meridians are the energy pathways in your body. When your pathways become blocked, you will likely experience energetic blockage that can lead to disease in the body. Our goal is to help restore proper energy balance and flow to these meridians, allowing your body to heal and function naturally.

3. How can an AcuGraph help me?

The AcuGraph system allows us to determine precisely which meridians are blocked and to provide the treatment necessary to help unblock your system. You can learn more about the AcuGraph by clicking HERE to watch an AcuGraph patient education video.

4. How does this work?

Through a brief, comfortable, simple scan of your hands, we can map out your meridian flow, analyze the results together and develop your treatment plan with high-quality, outstanding results.

Listen to Dr. Trites Discuss Acupuncture

Learn about AcuGraph in this note from Dr. Trites.

Nearly two decades ago, I took a class where the instructor was the doctor who is credited with bringing acupuncture to the U.S. During his class, he wrote Japanese with his left hand and Chinese with his right hand while simultaneously explaining their meanings. He then went on to explain it takes 20-30 years before an acupuncturist can become proficient in their practice! I thought to myself, why are we learning this if we are going to be ineffective for decades? Not to mention, if someone goes to two different acupuncturists, they rarely have the same diagnosis. It was all very confusing.

It was after this class that one of my classmates developed a device that reduced a 20-30 year program to less than three years and created consistency so that from acupuncturist to acupuncturist, the diagnosis/treatment recommendations are the same. This device is as close to blood testing that acupuncturists could gain. For example, if someone had blood drawn in Seattle, it will have the same values if drawn in Dallas. This device, the AcuGraph, is used in our office. Regardless of location or practitioner, a person’s specific test results will be the same.  

Recently, the developers of AcuGraph created an extensive training and certification program for AcuGraph. And, I was the first in Texas to complete this program.

So how does AcuGraph work? The test is a gentle, painless, two-minute exam. It measures how much energy is flowing through the different areas of your body. Regardless of the doctor, we are all taught to create balance. It could be a balance of muscles, nutrition, physiology and energy. The AcuGraph measures your imbalances and then I correlate this to your other in-office testing. The program prompts me, the AcuGraph practitioner, on the best way to treat you. Each treatment with the AcuGraph provides the patient a customized treatment. Included in that treatment are graphs and instructions so that you may continue treatments at home. Each report following your graph has the “why” you have imbalances and shows your cumulative progress.  

While we’ve had AcuGraph in our office for 17 years, we have not exposed our patients to it to my satisfaction. There’s no good explanation why not but it is what I use to treat my family and our patients should also benefit from such a powerful health tool.

I want to encourage people to try AcuGraph so we have created packages to help people heal faster while saving money.

If you are interested in AcuGraph, ask which program would be best for you during your next office visit.

Be well,

Dr. Trites

Yes, there are needles, and they don’t hurt. To restore the body’s stress equilibrium, we use extremely fine needles inserted just under the skin to stimulate our body’s acupressure points and meridians and improve the flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”), which is the vital energy in our systems. After an extensive evaluation, your practitioner will determine the best points to place the needles on your body. The needles are so fine that you’ll barely feel them. 

Acupuncture sessions provide relaxation time. In addition to the healing effects the needles offer, the session calms and relaxes you. After placing the needles, you’ll rest for about 30 minutes and allow the treatment to unfold. You can listen to soft music, rest your eyes, or even fall lightly asleep during this time. 

There are no side effects of acupuncture. Since acupuncture is a drug-free treatment, you won’t have to worry about the side effects that many drugs carry. Further, you can also rest assured there will not be any adverse drug interactions with your current medications. 

Acupuncture uses your body’s internal mechanisms to bring relief. When the fine needles stimulate nerves under the skin, the nerve sends a message to the brain to release our natural painkillers, called endorphins. These natural brain chemicals cause us to relax and feel euphoric or happy. Acupuncture also helps our bodies naturally reduce inflammation and pain, which can increase with chronic stress.

Going to your appointment means taking much-needed time for self-care. Unlike taking ibuprofen or Tylenol and merely shuffling forward with your day, scheduling and attending an acupuncture appointment adjusts your focus back on yourself. Part of reducing stress is changing our mindsets and habits. Not only is acupuncture effective in changing your internal stress-induced chemistry but maintaining a consistent treatment schedule helps you make time for yourself and re-prioritize your stressful habits.

According to the National Institutes for Health, “Acupuncture is effective for treating chronic musculoskeletal, headache, and osteoarthritis pain. Treatment effects of acupuncture persist over time and cannot be explained solely in terms of placebo effects. Referral for a course of acupuncture treatment is a reasonable option for a patient with chronic pain.”

Boosting Your Immune System with Acupuncture