The spring season represents rebirth and new beginnings. As flowers emerge and animals awaken, the palpable energy of the earth flows around us. Similarly, our bodies and spirits are rejuvenated by the sunshine and begin to prepare for increased activity. While many of us embark on spring cleaning and maintenance, we overlook giving our bodies the attention and care they need. Our body is our vehicle for life. It makes sense to provide regular care for it as well.

At Burlington Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine, owner and acupuncture physician Sharon McIlwaine has over 30 years of experience assisting patients improve their health. Using the tools of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), patients receive treatments that include acupuncture, cupping, therapeutic massage, exercise therapy, dietary and lifestyle recommendations, and herbal prescriptions. 

Sharon was referred to acupuncture after an injury interrupted her career as a professional dancer. She experienced the rapid healing effects of acupuncture, and she was so impressed that once her dance career drew to a close, she embarked on six years of study culminating in two master’s degrees in traditional Chinese medicine. 

After 20 years of practicing in Montpelier, Sharon relocated to Manhattan in 2013 while her son pursued a scholarship at American Ballet Theater where he is now a company member. She returned to Burlington in 2018 and can be found in the historic Maltex Building. “We are very happy to be here and appreciate being part of the amazing Burlington community,” she says.

Individualized Treatment and Service Offerings

Burlington Acupuncture offers a wide array of treatments for men, women, children, and the elderly. Sharon and her team focus on the unique needs of each patient. Whether coming for pain relief from sports injuries or everyday activities, stress relief, overwork, illness, or women’s health issues, Sharon says, “We aim to provide a calm, nurturing environment which supports deep, effective healing.” 

 Pain relief and recovery from injury are common reasons people seek out acupuncture treatments. Many medical doctors refer patients to help with pain and lessen their dependence on medications. But TCM treatment dives deeper, to look at the underlying issues that may be delaying recovery or worsening pain. 

Certified in both Pilates and yoga, Sharon often prescribes rehabilitative exercise to create healthy postural patterns and build strength and flexibility. She teaches a Therapeutic Pilates series that is open to anyone wanting to rehabilitate from injury, gain strength (especially core strength), and improve posture.

Discover Optimal Health Benefits

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles into the skin. It balances the body through its regulation of the nervous system and the hormonal system. It decreases inflammation and increases blood flow and oxygenation of the tissues, signaling the body’s powerful mechanisms of healing. 

Holding onto stress can send our bodies into a crisis state that causes headaches, digestive issues, insomnia, and poor mental health. An acupuncture treatment very quickly reduces high levels of cortisol brought on by stress and increases our natural endorphins so the body can relax, let go of tension, and heal. Gentle needling techniques and other therapies are used to direct the body’s attention and energy to areas that need increased blood flow and healing.

Restore Your Positive Energy

An initial intake appointment allows time with your practitioner to discuss your specific issues and includes a gathering of your health history, Chinese medical diagnostics, and your first treatment. A treatment protocol is discussed and decided upon with your practitioner. Many insurance plans cover acupuncture. You can call the office to verify your coverage or fill out the form on the Burlington Acupuncture website. 

“Our goal is to assist our patients in living healthier, happier lives,” says Sharon. If you are in pain, experiencing stress, low energy, or simply feel out of balance, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn acupuncture’s many benefits. Patients report that their sleep and digestion improve dramatically with acupuncture, even if their treatment is for shoulder pain. We don’t just treat shoulders or backs, we treat the whole person. We provide the best possible care for our patients. Their happiness is our reward, and we love to see their smiling faces on their way out the door.”

Burlington Acupuncture

431 Pine Street, ST 312

Burlington, VT

(802) 230-0909

www. burlingtonacupuncture.com