Dr. Rosalie Bondi specializes in Acupuncture and Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy.

Acupuncture is an ancient art of healing that involves the stimulation of specific points on the body to help recovery from disease and/or to relieve pain. The stimulation may be produced by needles, heat, digital pressure, cupping, electrical stimulation, or moxibustion (a technique of stimulating acupuncture points with herbs and heat), but most frequently in the form of needling. Acupuncture is a method of balancing and building the body’s life force or energy known as “Qi” (chi).

Classical Chinese Medical Theory explains channels of energy running in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. Diseases are due to an imbalance or blockage of these “energetic rivers”.

Modern scientific research explains acupuncture in concepts of neurology, anatomy and physiology. According to research, needling acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical responses induce muscle relaxation, modulate pain, alter neuroendocrine response and change autonomic activity, consequently promoting physical and emotional well-being.

While acupuncture is often associated with pain control, it has much broader applications. Acupuncture can be effective as the only treatment used, or as the support or adjunct to other medical treatment forms in many medical and surgical disorders.

Cupping Therapy also known as Myofascial Decompression is an ancient Asian practice. It is used as an alternative to acupuncture or in combination. The use of Cupping Therapy goes back to the early fourth century. This method was first recorded by herbalist and Taoist alchemist, Ge Hong (281- 341 AD). Treatment entails placing cups that are attached to a suction pump to the skin, creating a vacuum. The vacuum allows the skin to be drawn up and held in the cup. A common therapeutic reaction to Cupping Therapy is circular bruising of the skin which clears within 3-10 days. Cupping Therapy is generally recommended for the treatment of spinal pain (neck, middle back and low back), shoulder and hip disorders, and migraines/headaches. This method of treatment is also very helpful for other conditions including bronchitis, asthma, gastrointestinal symptoms, gynecological disorders, insomnia, anxiety and depression.

For more information on Acupuncture, visit www.medicalacupuncture.org

Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT) is hands-on manual diagnosis and treatment. A D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy) uses palpatory diagnosis and manipulative treatment to focus on and affect signs of altered structural and mechanical states of the musculoskeletal system. An Osteopathic physician moves muscles and joints using techniques including stretching, gentle pressure and resistance.

Osteopathic medicine has a distinct philosophy and approach to patient care. DO's bring an extra dimension to health care through their unique musculoskeletal skills. DO’s receive special training in the musculoskeletal system so that they better understand how the musculoskeletal system influences the condition of all the other body systems, therefore assisting in the body’s natural tendency toward health and self-healing.

Osteopathic philosophy emphasizes the following principles:

1. The human being is a dynamic unit of function.

2. The body possesses self-regulatory mechanisms that are self-healing in nature.

3. Structure and function are interrelated at all levels.

4. Rational treatment is based on these principles.

For more information on Osteopathic Medicine, visit www.osteopathic.org