Moses Alvarez from Hughesville is with Joan Dunkleberger, also of Hughesville, as they discuss the medical advantages of acupuncture at the Muncy Public Library on Nov. 6.

MUNCY – Since the 1990s alternative medicine has begun to integrate into modern medicine. One of the more ancient practices is acupuncture, going back more than 5,000 years ago. A presentation on the art and science of acupuncture was given by Moses Alvarez, of Hughesville, at the Muncy Public Library on Monday, Nov. 6th. Alvarez is a practicing registered nurse, currently for Dr. Rajjoub, a neuro-surgeon at UPMC Susquehanna in Williamsport.

Alvarez who was raised in martial arts, said he saw too many patients with pain which magnified his interest in learning how to heal the human body. He started as an exercise therapist and from there went into alternative medicine. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, he opened his own practice at 420 S. Main Street in Hughesville.

Acupuncture is a practical, ancient traditional medicine, Alvarez pointed out with a handbook for those who attended this informative session. “I want to bridge the gap between ancient medicine and what it is today,” he said. “At first the medical doctors were not receptive,” but he kept his vision.

“People are on too many medications today, and they’re not getting better.” Alvarez’s greatest strength is education. As an office nurse, he educates the patients he takes care of, and he sees a lot with back pain. The body can heal, and there are less side effects without the dependence of pain medications. “Self-care is the ultimate aim.”

Alvarez stressed the importance of proper rest, exercise and nutrition to wellness and for controlling stress. “All disease begins in the digestive tract. A lot of pain symptoms can be cleared up with acupuncture and digestive therapy. It’s about mind-set, and making a connection from the brain to the body.”

It is about balance, to get it right, so stomach acid, joints and muscles are working together with the proper amount of vitamins and nutrients. “Do not eat mindlessly in front of the TV or computer,” he advised. “Look at the plate in front of you. Take a few deep breaths, take the first bite, then put the tools down.”

Acupuncture is a safe, natural and effective practice that works with acupoints in the body. “It is quickly becoming part of mainstream health,” added Alvarez as he pointed out its painless benefits in the small booklet each of the attendees received. There are 3 main objectives: To relieve pain, to strengthen the immune system, and to balance, harmonize and integrate functions of the body’s organs with each other. “It is best to have a unified, healthy person, rather than a collection of fragmented, disharmonious parts.”

It does not hurt, there is no trauma and some of his patients fall asleep. There are 14 major channels in the body, called meridians. As Alvarez explained the process, he passed around sample fine, hair-like needles that are attached to pressure points. “They are microscopically thin, and super flexible. They do not destroy tissue.” One of the attendees attested to a successful outcome for irritable bowel syndrome, while others wanted to more about the science of acupuncture.

It’s about mapping the meridians. “There are 14 pathways, over 360 points, and acupuncture allows the body to heal on its own. It can readjust itself.” Organs become regulated. “Scalp and ear acupuncture can be very powerful – infection fighting,” explained Alvarez. “We have high electro-magnetic activity in our bodies. The body sends many signals to process. The most powerful are from elbows to hands, and knees to toes.”

The number of treatments depends on acute conditions or whole life conditions. Alvarez said he is currently treating athletes on the Muncy soccer team. He also is a health coach, and has offered free consultations for anyone who would like to know more about the practice. “I will find ways to take good care of yourself, to reach optimal health where everything communicates itself. The body can live up to 125 years!” he said passionately at the end of the session. “Human science has determined this!”

Moses Alvarez can be reached at 888-589-4489.