May 1, 2006 - In this operating room, acupuncture replaces the first
round of anesthesia.


http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=health&id=4132347



Dr. Cynthia Boxrud says this new approach to surgery is a direct
response to feedback from her patients.
Here's how it works. Instead of getting a muscle relaxer like Valium, the
patient spends 30 minutes in a room with an acupuncturist.

Every effort is made to help the patient relax. Music, soothing words
and candles all contribute to a quiet atmosphere.

Needles are placed across the face, on the hands and even on the
stomach.

Instead of being wheeled in the operating room, Cathy and the doctor
walk in calmly together.

Once on the table, Dr. Boxrud injects her eyelids with a local anesthetic.

As Dr. Boxrud works, she continuously talks with Cathy, checking her
comfort levels.

While she's mostly relaxed, at one point Cathy does feel a little
discomfort, so she asks the acupuncturist if he can help. Instead of
needles, he uses his hands, massaging calming accupressure points on
her feet. It works, and the surgery continues.

Dr. Boxrud says this new approach creates happy patients who have
more control and experience less risk.

For more information on this procedure, just visit www.drboxrud.com.