Dr. Beth Starkey, a chiropractic physician with a license in acupuncture and more than 11 years of professional experience in Georgia and Florida, has opened a unique acupuncture facility in Orange Park. Most recently she has worked in Ponte Vedra Beach.
She received her B.A. degree from Auburn University and attended Chiropractic school at Life University in Marietta, Ga. She completed her acupuncture training through the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture. Most of her course work and private observation was under the internationally known lecturer and practitioner of acupuncture, Dr. John Amaro. Dr. Amaro has studied in several different countries including China and Japan. Major Beth Starkey retired from the United States Air Force after serving faithfully and honorably for 22 years.
“While acupuncture is often associated with pain control, in the hands of a well-trained practitioner it has much broader applications,” Dr. Beth Starkey says.
The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems including the following, all of which Dr. Starkey will treat:
· Muscular and neurological disorders, neck and back pain, headaches, facial tics, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendonitis, sciatica, osteoarthritis, headaches, RLS
· Physical problems related to tension and stress and emotional problems
· Digestive disorders, gastritis and hyper-acidity, spastic colon, constipation, diarrhea
· Respiratory disorders, sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, recurrent chest infections
· Urinary, menstrual, and reproductive problems
In addition to medical problems, Dr. Starkey uses cosmetic acupuncture for Facial Rejuvenation. Acupuncture treatment for Facial Rejuvenation can be traced back as far as 2,000 years ago. The principles of Acupuncture are based on the “meridian theory” which concerns the flow of life-energy through the body. The body’s vital energy flow is based on the theory that the body is electrical and chemical. These two forms of energy can be helped through acupuncture.
Acupuncture meridians are invisible energy pathways in your body. These meridians conduct life-force energy, or Qi (pronounced “chee”) in and around all parts of your body. Blockage or interference in these meridian pathways can result in energetic imbalances that may contribute to negative health conditions. All the Qi and blood converge at the neck and then up to the head and face. Proper functioning of the body channel system (meridians) directly affects facial beauty and the aging process. Facial beauty and rejuvenation depends on a balanced internal body function. When the internal system is at disease, the whole body will show a biased condition to this fact, and it will reflect poorly in the face. Some benefits of facial rejuvenation acupuncture include:
· More radiant skin, enhanced facial color, shape and texture
· Disappearance of fine lines and diminishing larger wrinkles
· Smoothing of deep lines
· Increased collagen production and blood flow
· Fading of age spots
· More muscle tone and elasticity
· Minimizes dark circles, droopy eyelids and puffy eyes
· Minimizes double chin
· Improves hormonal balance
· Enhanced overall appearance and health
Acupuncture assists nature by influencing the body’s energy in such a way that it may return to its natural flow and balance in a person, thus allowing body, mind and spirit to return to health. This influence is achieved by inserting very fine needles into specific points on the body.
“I treat the whole patient, not the illness,” Dr. Starkey says. “An organ may be perceived as normal and healthy by a medical doctor and be perceived as deficient according to acupuncture principles. For instance, tendonitis may be a sign that the liver and/or gallbladder may have an imbalance rather than treating just the tendonitis.”
Even if you don’t feel sick, today’s harried, stressful lifestyle can also be improved with acupuncture.
“Acupuncture is a safe and effective way to reduce stress-related disorders,” Dr. Starkey points out. “Unmanaged stress and chronic tension are health hazards. Acupuncture can also balance the emotions by releasing the emotions associated with tension usually caused by repressed feelings. Acupuncture is an alternative health remedy without the painful side effects of drugs and surgery.”