Dr. Carrie Johnson DOM (FL), LAc

We are offering comprehensive wellness treatments to the Katy community as well as greater Houston area.  

Carrie Johnson has been practicing in Katy area since 2011, after relocating from Tampa, Fl.  As an active member of the CrossFit and marathon communities, Carrie works closely with athletes from all walks of life and fitness levels as well as patients seeking resolution from a wide variety of illnesses.

She enjoys working with her patients to find the root cause of their discomfort or illness.

Her practice incorporates a thorough evaluation of past medical histories, comprehensive treatment in coordination with Traditional Chinese Medicine, in combination with dietary and lifestyle adjustment to achieve optimal health.

Modalities

Acupuncture • Electro-Acupuncture • Traditional Chinese Herbs & Supplements • Fire & Flash Cupping • Tuina – Chinese Body Work • Kinesiotaping • Dietary & Nutritional Counseling

Conditions Treated

Back Pain • Neck Pain • Headache • Anxiety • Depression • Insomnia • High Blood Pressure • Quitting Smoking • Withdrawls • PTSD • Painful Periods • Weight Loss • Addiction • Stress • Sciatica • Digestive Issues • Eczema • Acne • Arthritis • Neuralgia • Sciatica • Back Pain • Bursitis • Tendonitis • Stiff Neck • Bell’s Palsy  • Trigeminal Neuralgia • Headache • Migraine • Acute and Chronic Pain Management • Anxiety • Depression • Stress • Insomnia • Addiction • Genito-Urinary and Reproductive • Impotence • Infertility  • Premenstrual Syndrome • Vaginitis • Menopause • Irregular Periods and Cramps • Morning Sickness

Modern Research

Acupuncture has been employed as a health care modality for over 3,000 years. Practitioners of this ancient medical practice have experienced clinical success with a variety of health issues. Today, acupuncture is receiving wide acceptance as a respected, valid and effective form of health care.

When most people think about acupuncture, they are familiar with its use for pain control. But acupuncture has a proven track record of treating and addressing a variety of endocrine, circulatory and systemic conditions.

Acupuncture and modern medicine, when used together, have the potential to support, strengthen and nurture the body towards health and well-being.

What is known about the physiological effects of acupuncture. Over the last few decades, research has been conducted seeking to explain how acupuncture works and what it can and cannot treat.  The 1997 National Institute of Health (NIH) Consensus on Acupuncture reports that “studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can cause multiple biological responses, mediated mainly by sensory neurons, to many structures within the central nervous system. This can lead to activation of pathways, affecting various physiological systems in the brain, as well as in the periphery.”

The NIH Consensus also suggests that acupuncture “may activate the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, resulting in a broad spectrum of systemic effects. Alteration in the secretion of neurotransmitters and neurohormones, and changes in the regulation of blood flow, both centrally and peripherally, have been documented. There is also evidence of alterations in immune functions produced by acupuncture.”

Below are current theories on the mechanism of acupuncture:

1. Neurotransmitter Theory – Acupuncture affects higher brain areas, stimulating the secretion of beta-endorphins and enkephalins in the brain and spinal cord. The release of neurotransmitters influences the immune system and the antinociceptive system.

2. Autonomic Nervous System Theory – Acupuncture stimulates the release of norepinephrine, acetylcholine and several types of opioids, affecting changes in their turnover rate, normalizing the autonomic nervous system, and reducing pain.

3. Gate Control Theory – Acupuncture activates non-nociceptive receptors that inhibit the transmission of nociceptive signals in the dorsal horn, “gating out” painful stimuli.

4. Vascular-interstitial Theory – Acupuncture manipulates the electrical system of the body by creating or enhancing closed-circuit transport in tissues. This facilitates healing by allowing the transfer of material and electrical energy between normal and injured tissues.

5. Blood Chemistry Theory – Acupuncture affects the blood concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol, and phospholipids, suggesting that acupuncture can both raise and diminish peripheral blood components, thereby regulating the body toward homeostasis.

According to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, 51% of medical doctors understand the efficacy and value of acupuncture, and medical doctors refer patients to acupuncturists more than any other alternative care provider.  The NIH Consensus on Acupuncture further states that clinical experience, supported by research data, suggests “acupuncture may be a reasonable option for a number of clinical conditions.”  Evidence also points to positive clinical trials that “include addiction, stroke rehabilitation, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, and headaches.”  The Consensus also mentions that acupuncture treatment may be helpful for other conditions such as asthma, postoperative pain, myofascial pain and low back pain.

This ancient health care system is proving itself as an effective modality for a wide variety of problems. So much so that the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) awarded 8 grants that directly relate to acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and Traditional Chinese medical research, totaling more than $9.5 million dollars.

“One of the advantages of acupuncture is that the incidence of adverse effects is substantially lower than that of many drugs or other accepted medical procedures used for the same conditions. As an example, musculoskeletal conditions, such as fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, and tennis elbow, or epicondylitis, are conditions for which acupuncture may be beneficial. These painful conditions are often treated with, among other things, anti-inflammatory medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.) or with steroid injections. Both medical interventions have a potential for deleterious side effects, but are still widely used and are considered acceptable treatments. The evidence supporting these therapies is no better than that for acupuncture.”

Acupuncture works as an effective alternative and adjunct treatment modality. It is a safe, effective, and natural approach to help regain and maintain health and well being.

Do Patients have to Chose?

Absolutely not!

A wonderful approach to medicine is one of wholism.  Using modern allopathic medicine in conjunction with traditional Chinese medicine is one of the best ways to provide a revolutionary and extremely effective method for treating patients.  TCM has minimal risk of interaction and minimal to no side effects with Western pharmaceuticals and treatments; making it an outstanding complimentary method.  Carrie has had extensive training in pharmacology and biomedical diagnosis and treatment of disease.  When referring a patient Carrie will keep your office abreast of all treatment modalities, progress, and assessments.  This community approach to wellness allows for the expedited resolution or management of a condition.

Background

Dr. Carrie Johnson, DOM (FL) has diplomat status with NCCAOM in Acupuncture, Foundations, Biomedicine, and Chinese Herbal Therapies, in addition to certifications through the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia as a Tuina practitioner and Certified Kinesiotape Practitioner.  She received a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, which provided her with the unique opportunity to work with collegiate athletes in rehabilitating, treating and preventing sports injuries.  Her education has positioned her for a specialty in Sports Medicine and Injury Rehabilitation.  Her clinical experience focuses on dietary therapy, exercise and injury rehabilitation, and Traditional Chinese Medicine as modalities for healing in all aspects of general medicine.

• Doctor of Oriental Medicine, DOM Florida Medical Board
• Licensed Acupuncturist, Texas Medical Board
• Accredited Asian Body Work Therapist, AOBTA – ABT
• Graduate of Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, – BS Kinesiology
• Graduate of Academy of Oriental Medicine at Austin – MS in Oriental Medicine (over 3,000 hour intensive program)
• Nationally Certified by the National Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and holds Diplomate status in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology
• Member of American Assoc. of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (AAAOM)
• Member Florida State Oriental Medical Association (FSOMA)