What is Medical Acupuncture?

Medical Acupuncture is the term used to describe acupuncture performed by a physician trained and licensed in Western medicine who has also had thorough training in acupuncture as a specialty practice. Medical acupuncture is one of the oldest and most effective healing practices in the world updated with modern, medical and integrative perspectives. Physicians so trained can take advantage of either or both approaches to provide effective and quality care to patients. Since acupuncture also has its roots in preventive care, there is an opportunity to address problems in their very early stages with the hope of preventing full-blown disease.

Dr. Renée S. Melfi is a triple-boarded medical sub-specialist (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pain Medicine, and Integrative Holistic Medicine) and is now certified in New York in Medical Acupuncture. She completed the Helms Medical Acupuncture for Physicians Course. The Helms Medical Institute (HMI) sponsors the oldest ongoing Medical Acupuncture training program in North America. Ninety percent of physicians practicing acupuncture in the United States have been trained through the Helms Medical Institute. The Helms program emphasizes the French energetic acupuncture system, the five phases approach and neuroanatomical acupuncture. Dr. Melfi completed the HMI Pain Management Pathway. This pathway addresses the pain of acute trauma, musculoskeletal problems such as myofascial pain and muscle tension, headaches, pain of spine lesions, peripheral neuropathies, and joint pain.

In addition to acupuncture, Dr. Melfi has special training in: