With more allopathic (Western) medical doctors recommending Chinese acupuncture treatments, it’s obvious that the practice is steadily growing in popularity in the U.S. Our local acupuncture community, with a bounty of knowledgeable, friendly and licensed practitioners, is encouraged by this trend. 

They truly believe in the power of acupuncture to help with a variety of conditions, including stress and anxiety; sports injuries, headaches, back pain and sciatica; insomnia and other sleep concerns; sinus and allergy issues; and female issues such as infertility, pregnancy support and menopausal symptoms.

Years ago, while living in New Mexico, Linda D'Agostino, RN, LAc, DiplOM, found her calling after coming across a Yoga Journal ad featuring a local acupuncture school. “I pointed to the ad and told my husband, ‘I need to do this.’” She believes that acupuncture is effective for most conditions on the premise that the treatment plan is not only to treat the symptom, but also to discover the root of the problem. “The source of the problem could be related to the patient’s age, lifestyle or diet—or his or her overall health constitution,” says D'Agostino.

She shares her constant inspiration from the positive results she gets through giving acupuncture treatments. “My patients get better and are happy with their results. A bond of trust is created, and I then become part of their health management team.”

Carolyn Romako, LAc, began receiving acupuncture when she was a teenager after Western medicine was unable to provide satisfactory treatment. “I suffered from side effects of medications, was not interested in surgery and wanted a different option. What I love about acupuncture is that it treats the whole person; it does not separate out body parts or systems. This approach resonated with my personal views on health and healing. I enjoy helping others to decrease their medications, avoid surgeries and enjoy their lives fully.”

According to Romako, acupuncture stimulates the body to heal itself without undesired side effects or risks. “When the whole body is in balance, it can function properly to heal and provide protection from future illness and injury,” she says. “I am inspired when a patient reports that they were able to fully enjoy a holiday, vacation or an activity that they were previously unable to participate in.” 

Maggie Moyer, Mac, LAc, Dipl Ac, was a registered nurse before becoming an acupuncturist. “I felt there had to be another way to handle people's pain, injuries and illnesses than drugs and surgery. It was not until I had a hip injury that a friend suggested I see her acupuncturist. Within three treatments, my pain was gone,” says Moyer, who went on to receive her Master of Acupuncture degree and began practicing it herself. “It took a few years, but when I turned 50, I decided I either do this now or forget about it. My only regret is not doing it sooner!”

According to Moyer, what she appreciates most about Chinese medicine is that it treats the person as a whole. “Instead of just labeling a patient with a disease, we assess the qi to determine if there are any blockages, excess or deficiencies,” she says. “I truly believe that everyone gets some benefit from acupuncture—at the very least more energy, a calmer mind and better sleep.”

Rhonda Giddings, LAc, decided to pursue acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine after spending many years in massage and energy therapy. “Ever since I attended massage therapy school in 1993, I was drawn to the Oriental modalities. When a friend introduced acupuncture to me, I was hooked. I absolutely knew I wanted to become a licensed acupuncturist with my own patients and practice. So I did.”

Because of her healing background, Giddings believes in the power of combining modalities with acupuncture for best results. “We know from Traditional Chinese Medicine that there is never a physical symptom going on in the body that doesn’t have an emotional or spiritual component attached to it. With acupuncture in my toolbox, I have another great modality to work with these layers,” she says, adding that the most common complaint she treats is stress. “I’m just happy that I have the tools needed to help those that come to me. And I’m constantly inspired by my patients. I learn so much from the people who come and share themselves with me.”

Linda D'Agostino maintains convenient East Shore and West Shore offices. For more information, call 717-319-1259 or visit HetrickCenter.com.

Romako Acupuncture is located at 5521 Carlisle Pike, in Mechanicsburg.  For more information, call 717-697-7058 or visit RomakoAcupuncture.com.

Maggie Moyer Acupuncture is located at 39 E. Forrest Ave., Ste. 204 in Shrewsbury. For more information, call 717-968-6574 or visit MaggieMoyerAcupuncture.vpweb.com.

Giddings Acupuncture Practice is located at 4400 Linglestown Rd., Ste. 205, in Harrisburg.

For more information, call 717-657-1951 or visit GiddingsAcupuncture.com.

Erin Lehn Floresca is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine.