The numbers speak for themselves. When licensed acupuncturist Dina Harmon opened her clinic in 1997, there were eight such establishments in Eugene. As of today, there are nearly 40.
The ancient Chinese healing art might be a perfect fit for alternative treatment-friendly Eugene. However, the increased interest in acupuncture represents a more widespread trend: People suffering from various levels of ailments are seeking to relieve the pain without drugs or the prospect of going under the knife. Acupuncture has emerged from this demand as a viable treatment without side effects and with proven benefits.
Acupuncture has been traced back at least 2,000 years. However, some experts claim the art has been practiced in China for as long as 4,000 years.
The treatment involves the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points for the relief of health problems. Depending on the nature of the ailment, needles are usually placed between a quarter-inch to an inch below the skin.
While modern Western medicine has failed to explain how acupuncture works, traditional practice is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of Qi (energy) and blood through pathways in the body. In general, acupuncture is believed to restore the energetic balance of the body.
Harmon said the most common treatment is for neck and back pain. But acupuncture is implemented for relief of allergies, headaches, reproductive complications, high blood pressure — even drug addiction and smoking.
Harmon recounted the story of a 40-year-old woman with a knee-related ailment who was wheelchair bound when she arrived for treatment. A series of operations left her with little relief and “knees the size of basketballs.”
“A year later, she was snowboarding,” Harmon said.
Stuart Greenleaf, resident practitioner at Acupuncture Alternatives, located at 1245 Charnelton St. #3, has been practicing acupuncture for 22 years. He said Oregon was among the first states to license practitioners in the early 1970s.
As widespread as the healing art has become, only two schools remain, both in Portland, that offer comprehensive acupuncture training.
Greenleaf said acupuncture is part of a larger practice of natural health treatments, which include herbology, nutritional supplements, heat and massage therapy.
He specializes in electrical enhancement acupuncture, a treatment that sends mild electronic impulses through the needles at specific points. Greenleaf, who designed his own equipment, said the process is ideal for selective nerve ending stimulation and precise tissue penetration.

Acupuncture Alternatives even offers needleless acupuncture for children and especially sensitive adults. Greenleaf applies gentle electronic impulses to points on the surface of the skin. In some cases, tiny metal pellets or magnets positioned at acupoints, can achieve the same benefits as acupuncture — without the needles.
Greenleaf also has his share of success stories. He recalled a 20-year-old woman suffering from intense headaches after a bout of meningitis. He said the patient had become dependent on medication. After a number of treatments, Greenleaf said the woman’s condition had improved substantially.
Harmon and Greenleaf both said they believe the future of acupuncture is an increased sensitivity to the benefits of alternative medicine. Both said they hope the practice will be incorporated into everyday use in the near future.
“We’re making progress in that direction every day,” Harmon said.