Written By Dr. Jay Bartlett, DAOM, DCCM
Hello Everyone!
Dr. Jay here, I am a licensed Doctor of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Practitioner. It has been an honor to join the Taproot Chiropractic and Wellness team as part of our Integrative Medicine and Wellness Expansion.
I wanted to discuss briefly about what I offer in my clinical practice and provide some answers to common questions. It is my goal to compliment the care offered by the other doctors and practitioners at Taproot, whether it be assisting with pain management or addressing other ailments and illnesses which detract from quality of life. Hospitality and evidence-based medicine is the center of my practice, providing a comfortable experience while also seeking swift resolution to my patient's complaints.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is both a science and an art, which has been molded over thousands of years.
Acupuncture is a mix of many schools of Eastern thought and over the last few decades has grown dynamically to become a collaborative therapeutic method of Eastern and Western medicine. There is this misconception of acupuncture of it being “just sticking needles into people”. When in truth, it is a school of integrative medicine that works to unblock whatever is interfering with the body’s system of balance. There is evidence that used correctly, needles stimulate multiple different layers and access systems within the body to re-establish homeodynamics from the root constitution to the surface branches of presenting symptoms. The result is a holistic model of treatment, serving in conjunction with allopathic medicine, to treat any condition that may ail a patient.
There is still much research to be done on all the various mechanism of how acupuncture works. The most understood and researched effects of acupuncture are how it reduces pain and improves well-being.
Who Could Benefit From Acupuncture?
Regardless of ailment, age, and gender, the most common patient in my clinic is someone looking for answers, ready for solutions, and is willing to claim autonomy over their quality of life. This is pretty much anyone who is not getting the answers they're looking for from their current providers. Although I can and do see my own patients, most of the existing Taproot patients that I've seen over the last 2 months have not been getting typical results from their chiropractic care whether due to slow healing, an emotional component, or they have an underlying condition that is best treated with more gentle techniques. Dr. Angie and Dr. Kierstn quickly identify that the patient should either be co-treated or should be shifted to my care entirely.
What is Herbal Medicine?
With many medicinal herbs available, it is a true gift that there are centuries long documentation of these herbs and their benefits available for our use. The benefit of having a rigorous system of practice that has been tested through clinical application allows precision in diagnosis and compounding of these herbs. With over 108 granule extracts in our herbal pharmacy at Taproot, outside of emergency situations, most ailments have a formula remedy waiting to be made.
The Institute of East Asian Canonical Medicine, where I received my Diplomate of Canonical Chinese Medicine, is rooted in the canonical or classical texts, practiced for nearly 2000 years, with a recorded lineage of masters and doctors, as well as the entirety of their case studies. In addition, the incorporation of Medical Climatology, or how environment and the changing of seasons impacts our health. The result is a system which focuses on the body's constitution, how it is responding to illness, and maximizes repair and recovery.
Who Could Benefit From Herbal Medicine?
Anyone who has trouble with chronic illnesses such as seasonal allergies, digestive disorders, fertility and women's health, wellness, respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, and lymphatic complications are all examples of what can be treated. Recovery from acute illnesses such as colds, flus, and long-covid symptoms are all encouraged, as often times damage to our homeodynamics occurs, even after an infection has been resolved.
Choosing the right acupuncturist?
As with any therapeutic modality, it is important to find the acupuncturist who best fits you. Much like any doctor, not all acupuncturists are created equal, nor are all capable of solving your problems in a way you need to produce optimal results and a comfortable experience. Choose an acupuncturist who has the knowledge and communication, as well as the application of hospitality that meet your needs.
Accreditation is most important as acupuncture is regulated both at the state and national levels. The Texas Medical Board and the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine are the regulatory bodies that set the standards for education and clinical experience for licensing in Texas. All acupuncturists maintain certification in Clean Needle Technique, which is the training necessary for medically safe treatments. Furthermore in order to maintain licensure, re-certification requires the pursuit of continuing education units. The hallmark of a good practitioner is always willing to advance their understanding of medicine through ongoing learning and research. Accounting for the different schools of thought and cultures involved in this medical practice, it is best to ask for referrals from trusted medical professionals and checking their online reviews before scheduling an appointment.
I am currently at Taproot Mondays 10a-7p and Thursdays 12p-6p with plans to expand my schedule in the future. I look forward to meeting all of you and assisting in anyway I can in your journey of healing. Please don't hesitate to contact the office with any questions 830-999-7668, welcome@taprootchiropractic.com, or by responding back to your reminder txt messages.