expert type icon EXPERT

Neilly A. Buckalew

Acupuncturist

Neilly A. Buckalew
Specializes in:
  • Acupuncture
  • Post Falls, ID
  • University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
  • Accepting new patients

Does acupuncture relieve depression symptoms?

Thank you for your question, There are no known contraindications in taking your medications for depression and doing acupuncture. Acupuncture, in theory, restores balance to READ MORE
Thank you for your question,

There are no known contraindications in taking your medications for depression and doing acupuncture. Acupuncture, in theory, restores balance to the body and mind. Therefore, it’s possible to help with mental health. It cannot be described specifically if or how acupuncture works from a Western medicine perspective, but there is quite a bit of ongoing research on this. Some research does point to specific effects on the brain from specific acupuncture points that are reliably repeatable in different patients. But, that is about the extent of what we know about the science behind acupuncture at this point and effects on the brain. There are still a great deal number of “unknown” with respect to applying a scientific/western perspective to how acupuncture works and what it works for. With a skilled acupuncturist there is little to no risk of doing acupuncture.

The risk would be if one should suggest using any Chinese herbs for your depression. There are a lot of contraindications and interactions with herbs with prescribed medications. Be, sure to discuss any additions such as herbs or herbal teas before you use them with the person who is prescribing your antidepressant medications.

Thank you,

Dr. B

How often does acupuncture cause bacterial infections?

Thank you for your question, Acupuncture should never be done on an area where there is a rash, vesicle (fluid under the skin), or an open wound. In summary, a needle should never READ MORE
Thank you for your question,

Acupuncture should never be done on an area where there is a rash, vesicle (fluid under the skin), or an open wound. In summary, a needle should never be inserted in an area where skin/tissue is compromised or has an infection already.

Needles can be placed in other areas of the body where there is not a risk of creating an infection from a rash or open wound.

Acupuncture should never cause a bacterial infection if proper technique is being used.

Regards,
B

I take blood thinners regularly. Is acupuncture dangerous for me?

Thank you for your question. It is up to the acupuncturist and their and your comfort level with giving you acupuncture while on blood dinners. It is not a strict contraindication. READ MORE
Thank you for your question.

It is up to the acupuncturist and their and your comfort level with giving you acupuncture while on blood dinners. It is not a strict contraindication. It may be better for your physician to speak with the acupuncturist so that they can gain some level of confidence and education as well. It’s always a good idea to have people who care for you speaking with each other and agreeing on a plan of care.

I do acupuncture on people on blood thinners, and I’m careful how I do the acupuncture, including where needles are placed and how the needles are used. I’m also a physician so I have complete comfort in doing this.

Regards,

Dr. B

Are acupuncture needles reused?

Thank you for this question.

Needles should always be sterile. In China, that was not the case until a few years back. Does not hurt to ask.

Kind regards,

Dr. B

When should I get acupuncture treatment for fertility?

Thank you for your question. Acupuncture for fertility is not my area if expertise. A medical work up should be completed for you both first to determine the cause before READ MORE
Thank you for your question.

Acupuncture for fertility is not my area if expertise.

A medical work up should be completed for you both first to determine the cause before deciding on treatments.

The process can be stressful and this is an aspect acupuncture can help with.

Kind regards,
Dr. B

Is an achy feeling normal in acupuncture?

Thank you for your question. Most of the time, what might be described as pain is a chi sensation. It can be heavy, throbbing, aching, or jumping. This can vary due to your READ MORE
Thank you for your question.

Most of the time, what might be described as pain is a chi sensation. It can be heavy, throbbing, aching, or jumping. This can vary due to your level of pain tolerance and overall sensitivity. Sometimes your first acupuncture treatment will be more painful than your following treatments. This could be because certain energy points on your body are being activated for the first time. Your symptoms may worsen slightly before they get better. Pain isn’t a negative thing, but you don’t want it to last. Most of the time, it dissipates. If it doesn’t decrease during the treatment, as the acupuncturist to take the needle out. Some acupuncture points are very close to nerves and a nerve could be causing the discomfort.

Dr. B

Can more than one condition be treated in an acupuncture session?

Yes, is the simple answer.

Hope it helps.

Does a daith piercing help with migraines?

It’s possible, but not studied. I prescribe GammCore for migraine headache patients. It’s well studied, covered by insurance, and patients agree it works well. An MD has to prescribe READ MORE
It’s possible, but not studied. I prescribe GammCore for migraine headache patients. It’s well studied, covered by insurance, and patients agree it works well. An MD has to prescribe this electrical stim device.

Regards,

B

Can acupuncture aid in autoimmune diseases?

Thank you for your question. Acupuncture as an adjunct treatment for Lupus would be worth trying. Talk with your medical provider about seeking this treatment and if they have READ MORE
Thank you for your question.

Acupuncture as an adjunct treatment for Lupus would be worth trying. Talk with your medical provider about seeking this treatment and if they have any recommended acupuncturists. I would not take or mix Chinese herbals with any medications you maybe taking, and many of these herbs are contaminated with heavy metals. Some acupuncturists use Chinese herbals as well.

Be careful with cupping, it can help some greatly, but this should be done with caution and for short time periods at first if the acupuncturists uses this as well, to see how your body reacts to this.

Be well,

B

When is acupuncture not recommended?

Thank you for your question. Your question is a very broad one, the best response is a very general one and regards needle placement. Needles should never be placed in an open READ MORE
Thank you for your question.

Your question is a very broad one, the best response is a very general one and regards needle placement. Needles should never be placed in an open wound or broken skin, or skin that is injured or infected in any way. This is to protect against infection and blood born diseases. Otherwise, acupuncture is case by case and your physician should be aware of and able to discuss the use of acupuncture with you and the acupuncturist freely. Healthcare works best with a team that communicates and integrates your care.

Can acupuncture help with the cold?

Thank you for your question. Most colds, the common cold, are viruses and resolve on their own in 7-10 days, tops, in otherwise healthy adults. I would say the added expense READ MORE
Thank you for your question.

Most colds, the common cold, are viruses and resolve on their own in 7-10 days, tops, in otherwise healthy adults. I would say the added expense and effort - versus just resting, fluids, healthy diet, saline nasal spray spray I also recommend and remembering to wash hands - is not necessary or would be worth adding. If one has a prolonged simple bacterial infection confirmed by a physician, acupuncture may be additive to healing since these generally last longer, but there are no studies to support this currently. Pending is a study - “Acupuncture for common cold: A systematic review and meta-analysis” - to see if acupuncture shortens the length of a cold. But again, the question may still remain, is it worth the time and expense?

How can acupuncture help my lower back pain?

Thank you for your question. Extreme pain is concerning. I would first see your ob/gyn and a physiatrist to evaluate the root cause. Other factors can cause low back pain after READ MORE
Thank you for your question.

Extreme pain is concerning. I would first see your ob/gyn and a physiatrist to evaluate the root cause. Other factors can cause low back pain after birth that are not low back, but felt in the low back. If your evaluation reveals nothing concerning I would strongly suggest a pelvic floor therapist to heal from the stresses of birth that can lead to muscular skeletal imbalances and back pain. But, first please see the ob/gyn and physiatrist, both are medical doctors that can together best figure out why you are in pain.

Kind regards,

Dr. B

How does cupping therapy work?

Thank you for your question. Your question about keeping your mind focused as an athlete is an important one. Ability to focus helps in preventing injuries in great part. Preventing READ MORE
Thank you for your question.

Your question about keeping your mind focused as an athlete is an important one. Ability to focus helps in preventing injuries in great part. Preventing injuries including repetitive injuries is the key to a long healthy life as an athlete. Traditional Chinese medicine, where the practice of cupping comes from, in some ways can help with focus in reducing stress overall and helping with recovery. Athletes tend to forget about the importance of rest and recovery. Cupping can help with that. It is not a direct link cupping = 3D focus. Promoting your health, healing from workouts, resting, etc., these all help the mind to recover as well and hence improve focus. Stress reduction is the key to all of life, whether we are an athlete or not.

Good luck and take good care of yourself,

Dr. B

Does acupuncture require other medicines to be effective?

No, acupuncture does not depend on medications. But, one should discuss their medications with all providers and not stop or start meds on their own generally.

Does having acupuncture hurt?

Good day, Different people have different levels of sensation. And, the sensation can depend on where the needles are inserted.Most people, once the needles are inserted, no READ MORE
Good day,

Different people have different levels of sensation. And, the sensation can depend on where the needles are inserted.Most people, once the needles are inserted, no longer feel them. There is a technique some use where after 5-10 mins the needles are gently rotated, and this can be felt. I have never heard one say painful and it should not be. Share any needs or concerns with your provider and don’t hesitate to report how you are feeling. In healthcare, you are the driver.

Be well

Can acupuncture help with TMJ?

Good day, I have treated TMJ successfully with acupuncture as combined with myofascial techniques for relaxing the jaw. It is worth a try. There are physical therapists who READ MORE
Good day,

I have treated TMJ successfully with acupuncture as combined with myofascial techniques for relaxing the jaw. It is worth a try. There are physical therapists who specialize in TMJ and I would highly recommend this for long-term correction.

Regards,

B

I have arthritis, and I'm considering acupuncture. Will it help?

Good day and thank you for your question. I recommend seeing a physiatrist who is sports medicine trained to help with your knee arthritis. I am assuming this is osteoarthritis READ MORE
Good day and thank you for your question.

I recommend seeing a physiatrist who is sports medicine trained to help with your knee arthritis. I am assuming this is osteoarthritis (OA) and not a autoimmune mediated arthritis. A physiatrist can help guide your treatments and oversee physical therapy, of which for OA is proven to to be beneficial along with weight loss. I use acupuncture and electroacupuncture for OA as well for my patients - I am a physiatrist. Overall, in basic science trials, clinical acupuncture from a skilled acupuncturist has benefit and no harm. A physiatrist will be able to ensure that all treatments including acupuncture are helping you protect your joints and achieve maximum function. A physiatrist is better trained than a primary care physician or provider to guide successful treatment of OA.

Can acupuncture help treat an excessive sweating problem?

Thank you for your question. It depends on what drives your hyperhydrosis. Anxiety and stress related hyperhydrosis may respond well. A medical option is Botox injections, READ MORE
Thank you for your question.

It depends on what drives your hyperhydrosis. Anxiety and stress related hyperhydrosis may respond well.

A medical option is Botox injections, depending on the area that is impaired.

Regards,
B

Lately I've been experiencing a lot of fatigue. Can acupuncture help?

Thank you for your question. Fatigue can be caused by any number of things, some serious medical issues and some simple. It is best to first seek a doctor to investigate why READ MORE
Thank you for your question.

Fatigue can be caused by any number of things, some serious medical issues and some simple. It is best to first seek a doctor to investigate why you are fatigued so that the correct treatments can be integrated.

Regards,

B