Charlie Cannon is 1st Sports Medicine Acupuncturist in Gorge!
Call us: (541) 386-8767
Conditions We Treat
Traditional Chinese Medicine (including acupuncture, massage, and herbal remedies, etc) has been used for thousands of years as a complete medical system. In addition, TCM is highly effective at reducing pain, inflammation, and accelerate healing.
This tradition lives on today in varying treatment options, herbal remedies and knowledge of how to work with the body to help it heal itself faster and more efficiently.
We look forward to providing you with the highest quality of care. Contact us today to see how we can help you achiever your best health ever.
On This Page:
ACUTE PAIN / INJURIES
Acute injuries such as a broken nose, broken tibia/fibula, hyper-extended back, separated collar bone, torn meniscus, subluxation of ribs, jammed fingers/toes, bruises, sprains or undiagnosed pain are some of the many injuries well treated at Columbia River Acupuncture. By incorporating Acupuncture and Chinese herbs, healing time and pain are shortened, helping individuals return to normal activities quicker.
The benefit of seeing a TCM practitioner immediately following an injury is that supportive treatment options can begin the healing immediately, when the body is most equipped to do so, rather than waiting for a minor injury to turn into a chronic pain condition.
:: Read More - Acupuncture For Pain – National Institute of Health
CHRONIC PAIN/ILLNESS
Unresolved injuries, degraded tissues, aging, overuse, repetitive movements, poor body posture/alignment and avoidance of rest/healing time can all lead to chronic pain. Often repetitive movements or activities will elicit pain after time due to fibrotic thickened tissue (e.g. frozen shoulder) or because of worn out, degenerative conditions (osteoarthritis/porosis) pressing on nerves. Either situation can result in pain, however the treatment course may be entirely different as TCM treats the whole patient. One condition may require breaking up adhesions and removing blockage, while the other may require supplementation, stretching, and increasing blood flow to affected areas. In addition, scar tissue, which minimizes blood supply to tissues, makes those areas more susceptible to injury and re-injury by lack of flexibility and strength.
Columbia River Acupuncture will work with you to help minimize your pain, increase range of motion, decrease stress associated with chronic pain and help you to regain vibrancy in your life.
6 Ways Acupuncture and TCM can help:
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Offers supportive medicinal remedies to aid in aging gracefully
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Gets to the root cause of chronic pain conditions
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Decreases pain by interrupting the pain signal
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Improves circulation and elasticity in tissues
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Breaks up scar tissue and adhesions
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Relaxes muscles, tendons, and neighboring tissues
:: Read More - Acupuncture for Chronic pain
:: Read More - Acupuncture Works for Chronic Pain
:: Read More - Acupuncture for Arthritis Pain
SPORTS INJURIES
Acupuncture and massage work great at speeding recovery to those with overworked, tight, imbalanced, sore muscles, joints, and bones. Whether the injuries are minor or severe, we at Columbia River Acupuncture know how important it is to recreate and get back to the sports we love. In addition, for those athletes wishing to PR or achieve increased results in competition, acupuncture works great at unblocking areas of the body that are limiting one’s abilities.
In February 2016, Charlie Cannon, LAc became the gorge's only Acupuncture Sports Medicine certified practitioner. With his extensive background in competitive sports, and insight into athletic injuries, he is thrilled to offer athletes of all levels treatment options that get them back to recreating and competing at their top level. In addition, his understanding of the athlete’s mind and their willingness to work hard at getting stronger, allows for an enhanced connection and increased drive at achieving results.
Specific conditions treated:
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Neck – cervical sprain, muscular strain, whiplash, and headaches
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Back/Hip – acute lumbar sprain/strain, lumbosacral subluxation, herniated disc, muscle imbalances, piriformis syndrome/sciatica, hip subluxation, bursitis of the greater trochanter of the femur
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Lower Extremity – IT band strain, MCL/ACL/PCL sprain/damage, meniscus damage, patellar bruising, shin splints, Achilles tendinitis, ankle sprain/strain, plantar fasciitis
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Upper Extremity – Rotator cuff injury, subacromial bursitis, shoulder dislocation, tricep/bicep injury, shoulder pain, tennis elbow, wrist sprain, trigger finger
:: Read More - Acupuncturist Treats 40 NFL Players
:: Read More - Skiing Injuries and the Power of TCM
:: Read More - Acupuncture and Responses of Immunoligc and Endocrine Markers during Competition
GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS
Nausea, abdominal cramping, acute/chronic gastritis, poor digestion, poor assimilation of nutrients, bloating/gas, acid reflux, bowel movement regulation (diarrhea/constipation), yeast overgrowth, food allergies/sensitivities, IBS, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, gallbladder inflammation/stones, hemorrhoids, dysentery, and incontinence are all well treated using Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Columbia River Acupuncture works with patients to help them better understand diet, nutrition, food sensitivities and the emotional connection associated with eating.
Benefits of Acupuncture for Digestion
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Regulates gut motility (diarrhea/constipation)
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Decreases inflammation
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Lowers stress associated disturbances
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Rebuilds gut health
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Relieves pain and discomfort
:: Read More - Therapeutic Roles of Acupuncture in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
WOMEN'S HEALTH
Chinese Medicine is, and has been, immersed in Women’s Health for over 5000 years. We are not sure if it is because children were important, to continue the lineage, or if the women were happy and healthy, then the Emperor would be too! Whatever the reason, Chinese Medicine is rich in its detailed information and treatments for Women’s Health, for all stages of Women’s Health.
These treatments are concerned with the balancing of hormones, for regulation of menses, with fertility issues and with the later stages of women’s health, perimenopause and menopause issues. Columbia River Acupuncture works with you to determine causative factors, and to provide comprehensive treatments with acupuncture and herbal medicine, for the alleviation of symptoms and underlying causes.
:: Read More - Too Much Risk associated with SSRI Usage and Pregnancy
:: Read More - The Ancient art of Fertility Treatment
:: Read More - Acupuncture Reduces Hot Flashes for Breast Cancer Patients
MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine offers effective relief to injuries, trauma, and complex pain symptoms associated with motor vehicle accidents (MVAs). Often prompt treatment after the accident yields the best results, yet it can still be helpful for pain due to a past MVA. At Columbia River Acupuncture, using orthopedic exams, physical assessment, and VAS pain scale, we are able to diagnose and treat all areas affected during the MVA.
We will work with you and the insurance company managing your claim so that your personal injury protection (PIP) covers all costs associated with your acupuncture treatment. In the state of Oregon, all non-commercial auto insurance policies have a no-fault PIP healthcare and wage loss coverage plan. If you are injured in an auto, bicycle, or pedestrian accident no matter who is at fault, your/their auto insurance provides a minimum of $15,000 coverage toward medical expenses for up to one year. Even if the accident was your fault, you still have this coverage and can seek any medical provider you wish, including an acupuncturist.
Common Accidents Complaint:
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Whiplash
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Neck Pain/stiffness
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Shoulder Pain/stiffness
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Upper Back Pain
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Lower Back Pain
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Migraines/Headaches
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Dizziness
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Vision Disruptions
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Anxiety/Depression
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Sleeplessness
:: Read More - Acupuncture Treatment of Whiplash
CANCER THERAPY
Those undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, stem cell transplant, or other cancer treatment are often left with an assortment of pain symptoms as well as unwanted side-effects ranging from nausea, lack of appetite, neuralgia, neuropathy, fatigue, insomnia, depression and more. Acupuncture can be a great adjunct therapy before, during, and following cancer treatment to help strengthen the body’s constitution as well as mitigate pain and unwanted side effects. In addition to acupuncture, meditation and mindfulness play an important factor in helping patients return to optimal health.
Columbia River Acupuncture is committed to helping those affected by cancer, and is willing to tailor different treatment options, including at home visits and/or brief treatments prior to or after operations.
:: Read More - Analgesic Effect of Auricular Acupuncture for Cancer Pain: A Randomized, Blinded, Controlled Trial
:: Read More - Acupuncture May Stimulate Anticancer Immunity via Activation of Natural Killer Cells
:: Read More - Acupuncture Relieves Symptoms of a Dry Mouth Caused by Radiotherapy for Head & Neck Cancers
:: Read More - Acupuncture Helps Ease Side Effects and Symptoms of Some Cancers
MENTAL & EMOTIONAL HEALTH
Chinese medicine can be very successful in returning people to a state of balance through acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary considerations, tuina, QiGong and/or meditation. At Columbia River Acupuncture, we treat the whole person – physical, emotional and spiritual -all at the same time. In this way, we never leave out the emotional component of your overall health.
When people suffer from anxiety, depression, obsessive behaviors, etc., we work with them to identify a good course of treatment with Chinese Medicine, either by itself, or combined with other practitioners in the community. Each person is treated individually. For people who have been on a pharmaceutical regimen and would like to get off of these drugs, acupuncture and herbal medicine are very successful in this endeavor.
:: Read More -Acupuncture as Good Counseling for Treatment of Depression
:: Read More -Acupuncture or Counseling Plus Usual Care May Improve Symptoms of Depression
:: Read More -Too Much Risk Associated with SSRI Usage and Pregnancy
:: Read More -Chronic Stress, Daily Stessors and Circulating Inflammatory Markers
ALLERGIES/IMMUNITY
An allergy is a reaction to certain foods, environmental factors, emotional stiumulation, drugs, etc – causing an antigen-antibody complex which triggers inflammatory responses such as runny nose, itchy eyes, skin rash, hives/welts, sneezing, swollen airways, and/or a cough. Although these are common responses, allergies can also cause inflamed joints, high blood pressure, allergic shiners (dark coloration under eyes), GI upset, migraines, gout, digestive problems, chronic infections, skin conditions, ear infections, asthma, and fatigue.
Columbia River Acupuncture employs a wide range of treatment options for those suffering from seasonal allergies, chronic allergies and food allergies/sensitivities. Acupuncture, NAET, and/or herbal medicine can be very effective in treating symptoms when they occur, as well as treating during the “off season” to build up a person’s Wei Qi(immunity), so that they are more robust and defensive against those allergens during their “on season”.
At Columbia River Acupuncture, we work with you to determine the best dietary patterns for you and educate you in picking those foods that are beneficial, while eliminating those foods that do not contribute to your health. We believe that food does indeed make a difference when you are suffering from allergies of any kind. By decreasing problematic foods, one can decrease the severity of allergic reactions.
Factors which increase liklihood of an attack:
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Poor Sleep
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Consumption of pro-inflammatory foods (sugar, alcohol, dairy, wheat, etc)
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Stress
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Environmental Factors (air particulates, animal dandur, mold, dust, herb/pesticides)
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Lack of exercise
:: Read More - Acupuncture Pins Down Allergy Relief
:: Read More - MultiCenter Controlled Trial of Acupuncture on Allergic Rhinitis (Runny Nose)
:: Read More - Treating Allergies with Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
RESPIRATORY DISORDERS
Wheezing, asthma, sneezing, COPD, dry/chronic cough, fatigue, allergies (seasonal/environmental), immune insufficiency, common cold/rhinitis (runny nose), and bronchitis can greatly affect one’s ability to breathe, a vital component of life. In addition, respiratory disorders affect sleep, leading to fatigue, irritability and overall frustration with one’s own body.
At Columbia River Acupuncture, we work with each individual patient to address their primary difficulty so they are able better able to breathe easy and reduce medication use.
Benefits of Acupuncture on the Respiratory System:
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Increases white blood cells/lymphocytes
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Boosts immune system
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Decreases inflammation leading to easier breathing and decreased mucus production
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Releases endorphins which help constrict/dilate capillaries to regulate histamines
:: Read More - Acupuncture Regulates Leukocyte Subpopulations in Human Peripheral Blood
PRE/POST OPERATION
Acupuncture is very effective before surgery to provide relaxation, to reduce the quantity of anesthesia, to boost one’s immune system and to increase the chances for a successful surgery. Research has shown that when the body is relaxed, the body’s reaction to surgery is decreased by the reduced inflammatory markers in the bloodstream.
Columbia River Acupuncture has successfully treated numerous patients the day of, or prior to surgery, with excellent outcomes. After a surgical treatment, acupuncture successfully works to reduce any bruising, to reduce the adhesions that accompany any incision and reduces the need for more painkillers. This reduction in painkillers, in turn, speeds up the healing and recovery time. It is a win-win situation for most patients.
:: Read More - Acupuncture Cuts Post-Op Sickness
:: Read More - Acupuncture Cuts Need for Post-Op Painkillers (ABC News)
DENTAL ANETHESIA
Many people have anxiety or fear when having dental procedures. At Columbia River Acupuncture, we treat patients prior to the procedure(s), which can be very helpful in reducing this anxiety. In addition, some people have a strong gag reflex, which can also be reduced with acupuncture prior to teeth cleaning or dental procedures.
Some people are highly allergic to numbing agents such as Novocain and lidocaine and/or other anesthesia. Columbia River Acupuncture will work with your dentist, oral surgeon, endodontist, to provide successful pain management without these substances, while the procedures are done. This is a specialized arrangement that will need to be worked out between all parties. In China, using acupuncture with electro stimulation, is not only very successful, but patients seem to heal faster and with less complications following tooth extraction, surgery, dental work.
NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS
These conditions might include peripreal neuropathy, bell’s palsy, trigeminal neuralgia, alzheimer’s disease/dementia, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, MS, phantom limb pain, postherpetic neuralgia, or undiagnosed nerve pain. Oftentimes, these conditions are extremely difficult to treat and Chinese Medicine offers the potential for benefit without the detriment of unwanted side effects from medications or surgery.
At Columbia River Acupuncture, we will work with you to achieve the optimum reduction in nerve pain and increase in ease of daily living.
:: Read More - Intense Acupuncture Can Improve Recovery in Patients with Bell’s Palsy
:: Read More - Acupuncture Changes Brain’s Perception and Processing of Pain