Dr. James Beech is Chiropractic Physician licensed to do
Acupuncture by the Tennessee Board of Chiropractic . Dr. Beech has also passed the Acupuncture section of the National Boards of Chiropractic Examiners.
Dr. Beech has 30 years as a chiropractic physician and has completed 250 hours training approved by the chiropractic board in acupuncture.
Dr. Beech has been in practice since 1980 has completed over 928 hours postgraduate studies to date. Dr. Beech has a BS degree from Regents College and Doctor of Chiropractic degree where he gradated Cum Laude from Palmer College of Chiropractic in March 1980. Dr. Beech holds a chiropractic licenses in Tennessee and Colorado and is a Board Diplomate of the American Academy of Pain Management.
Acupuncture is the longest continuously practiced medical procedure in the world. It originated in China around 5,000 Years ago. Acupuncture’s use spread thru Europe and the Middle East as merchants and missionaries returning from China, told of the amazing results of the oriental practice.
In the United States, little was known about acupuncture until 1971 when President Nixon became the first U.S. president to visit China. During the trip, a famous New York Times columnist, James Reston had to undergo emergency surgery for appendicitis and decided to use acupuncture instead of medication for postop pain relief. He wrote a column titled “Let me tell you about my appendectomy in Peking”, detailing his dramatic response. Henry Kissinger also mentioned the use of acupuncture at a press briefing after Nixon’s return to the United States.
Now 37 years later, more than 15 million Americans have used acupuncture. In America acupuncture has mainly been used for pain relief, but the World Health Organization has recognized over 50 illnesses that have been successfully treated with acupuncture. Listed below is just a partial list of the conditions that acupuncture has been used successfully to treat:
The theory of acupuncture is based on balance. The early Chinese practitioners discovered a network that communicates from the exterior to the internal organs and structures. This communication transverses just below the skin’s surface at over 1000 acupoints all over the body. This network communicates energy with all of the body systems by way of 12 channels called meridians. If the energy is blocked or weakened in one or more of these meridians, it causes an imbalance, which may produce pain or symptoms to the body or system associated with that meridian. It has been found that stimulating the acupoints associated with the affected meridian, can restore balance to the body and may provide relief to the affected area.
Acupuncture is a healing principle not a specific technique. There are several ways to stimulate the acupoints during acupuncture. The one usually associated with acupuncture is the technique that involves penetrating the skin with thin metal needles that are manipulated by hand or with electrical stimulation. Most patients feel minimal or no pain when the needles are inserted. Patients often make comments of feeling “energized” or “relaxed”
After a treatment. The other techniques that Dr. Beech employs are cold laser, electrical stimulation, moxa, and Gua Sha.
The first step of an acupuncture consultation is to fill out your patient history forms thoroughly. Dr. Beech needs as much information about your medical history as possible to determine if he feels that you will benefit from acupuncture. At this time he can answer questions you may have about the benefits of acupuncture.
If you and Dr. Beech agree that you can benefit from acupuncture, the doctor will do an exam, which will include an electro meridian imaging evaluation (EMI). This evaluation measures the balance of the 12 meridians. The test is painless and uses a small electronic pen on the skin over certain acupoints. The computer then prints out a graph of your 12 meridians with their levels. If there are any imbalances, Dr. Beech will review these with you.
Dr. Beech will then determine a treatment plan based on your condition. The number of sessions needed, will depend on your condition and whether it is an acute or chronic condition. Acute conditions usually respond in a more timely fashion and the results may often be permanent. Chronic conditions may take more sessions to achieve balance and may reoccur from time to time. Patients that have chronic conditions are encouraged to return for booster treatments 3 to 4 times a year to maintain balance.
Perspective patients are urged not to take the “ I’ll try it a couple of times” outlook. Patients with chronic conditions are encouraged to allow time for the healing process. You may have been experiencing these symptoms for months or even years. Give your body a fighting chance. Treatment may also require nutritional and herbal Chinese medicine for more chronic and internal problems. Dr. Beech will review any nutritional and lifestyle recommendations during your consultation.
Acupuncture is not covered by Medicare or Medicaid. Most commercial health plans do not cover acupuncture. Acupuncture care is paid for at the time of service. If you have an insurance that provides some coverage such as your initial exam then we will file your insurance for your initial exam.
For more questions or to set up a consultation, call us (931) 388-9788.