About Acupuncture

Acupuncture works to reestablish optimal function of all systems in the body. Acupuncture has been clinically proven safe and effective for a wide variety of conditions from muscle, joint, spine, and nerve pain to anxiety and depression. Patients frequently find relief from sinus infections, asthma, TMJ, bronchitis, heart palpitations, carpal tunnel, and PMS. Traditional Chinese medicine is the oldest continuously practiced system of healing. Founded in China, it is practiced throughout the world today. It is used to diagnose, treat illness, prevent disease, and improve overall well-being.

Acupuncture is the insertion of sterilized, disposable needles into the body at points which have been proven to affect the treatment of disorders. Central to the practice of Acupuncture is the concept of Qi (pronounced “chee”) – the basic life force or energy.

Qi flows through the body in pathways called meridians, vitalizing tissues and maintaining the body’s complex systems of defense and regeneration. Good health is dependent upon the balanced and unimpeded flow of Qi. There are 361 main points located along 14 major meridians that can be stimulated to enhance the flow of Qi. When needles are inserted into these acupoints, they help to correct and rebalance the flow of Qi, relieve pain, and restore health.

Cupping

According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), cupping is a method of creating a vacuum on the patient’s skin to dispel stagnation (stagnant blood and lymph), thereby improving qi flow, in order to treat respiratory diseases such as the common cold, pneumonia and bronchitis; it is excellent for treating neck and back pain.

Over the years we have had the opportunity to help many people with a wide variety of conditions. Here are some of their stories:

Numbness

Back in 2008 I was completely paralyzed for 6 months from a cold in my spine. Not to make light of this situation, but thankfully I was able to see a full recovery, however, I was left with numbness in my hands and feet. Although the doctor recommended I take Gabapentin, I did not experience much of the benefits and I was extremely concerned about taking medication. I decided to forego the meds and just agreed to “deal with it”. After many years, some days worse than others, a close friend mentioned acupuncture. With no experience with this, nothing to loose, and a $10 co-pay, I decided to give it a try. Literally, at my first visit, Erin was able to isolate the areas and I immediately felt a surge of circulation on my left side and a more minimal affect on the right side and lower extremities. I did follow up with a few appointments and I am NOW going to start my visits once a month. At this time, I experience almost no numbness in my left arm and minimal at best with the rest of my extremities. I would highly recommend a consultation – it doesn’t hurt to give it a try.

Migraines

Since I was about 10 years old, I have been suffering from migraine headaches. There were so severe I often had to go to the hospital to get medicine strong enough to relieve the pain. On average I had about three a month, which greatly affected my schoolwork, athletics, and social life. I have been seeing a neurologist from the beginning and tried drug after drug to try to prevent the migraines from happening, not to mention the ones I had to take to alleviate the pain when I got one. Some didn’t work, some altered my mood, some made my hair fall out and some just made me very tired. Now, at 23, a friend suggested to me that I try acupuncture to relieve my pains. Since I started seeing you about three months ago, the frequency of my migraines has reduced drastically, and over that time they have become a lot less severe. Now, migraines are a rarity for me, for the first time in 13 years. This has made my life more comfortable in so many ways. I don’t have to worry about carrying my medicine with me everywhere, missing work, or taking daily medications. I hope my experiences can help others find acupuncture as treatment for migraines, and I deeply thank you for making my life so much better.
Sincerely, GV

Pain Management

On April 28, 2008, my girlfriend and I were in a horrible car wreck. We were hit on the passenger door at 45 mph by a stop sign runner. My girlfriend was fine, but my head made contact with the rearview mirror and it cut my forehead and scalp up pretty bad. I was taken via ambulance to Rhode Island Hospital because of the severity of my injuries.

I was worked on by the plastic surgeons from 7 a.m. until noon. I received over a hundred and fifty stitches and 12 staples to close the wounds. I was told the lacerations had cut the nerves above my eye and I might have permanent nerve damage, but it was too soon to tell with all the swelling of my face. I was told that if it was so, I could come back, after I was finished healing, and have the droopy eye and scars dealt with.

I was released that same day at 4 p.m. in the afternoon. Over the next few days, the swelling and soreness got worse, then gradually better. I had awful dizzy spells and headaches as well.

After a week, I needed to see a chiropractor for my back and shoulders. This treatment went on for weeks. My chiropractor in turn referred me to a neurologist. He also said he’d speak with a friend of his who does acupuncture.

The neurologist has done everything in his power to make me well. I have no more headaches or dizzy spells at all. The neurologist was concerned with my drooping eye and paralyzed forehead. He strongly advised against plastic surgery at that time and referred me to Dr. S. Erin Baldt, DA, a few streets away. He told me he had heard good things about her and wanted me to go try acupuncture. He had also been in touch with my chiropractor regarding the use of acupuncture and was all for it.

The call was made and I found my way over to the Acupuncture and Wellness Center of RI in Cranston. I was apprehensive of what this would be like. I must admit, I was skeptical at first, but I wasn’t ready to give up hope just yet.

When I met you, Dr. Erin, I felt at ease right away. You have been very gentle with what you do, and yes, at times it hurt, but I am a firm believer in the old adage “no pain, no gain.”

After my very first visit and treatment, there was a marked difference in my face. I could actually wiggle my eyebrow again! What a relief it was to see this improvement after just one visit. With each subsequent visit came new and improved feeling and movement in my face/head.

Today, just a few months from my first time in the door at the Wellness Center, I no longer need a plastic surgeon at all. I have 90% of movement again in my forehead and can open and close my eye the way I used to before the accident! WOOHOOOO!!!

I cannot thank you enough from the bottom of my heart for all that you have done for me! You have been a Godsend, Dr, Baldt! No more skepticism here. You made a believer out of me!!

Sincerely,
Bob Uhlman

Inducing Labor

Dear Dr. Baldt,
Thank you so much for inducing my labor naturally with acupuncture. You saved me from a difficult and painful medication induction and gave me the gift of a beautiful and uncomplicated labor and delivery. On July 11, 2005 at 2:00 I gave birth to a wonderful, healthy baby boy, Angelo. I want you to know how appreciative I am for you being so kind and accommodating to me and for enabling me to have one of the most miraculous experiences of my life, thank you.

My deepest thanks, Sincerely, JT

This is the story of a woman in extreme pain and at the end of her rope.
This is the story of a girl who spent her nights vomiting and days aching.
This is the story of a person who had been poked and prodded with no results.
This is the story of being pumped full of medicines that did not work.
This is the story of the healing powers of acupuncture and the trust I have in Dr. Baldt…my “angel”.

My name is CC and I have spent the last year of my life eating what I want, having energy to do fun things, having the ability to travel without worrying about if I will be throwing up, able to work without weeks of sick leave, and everything that most people take for granted.

For the years leading up to meeting Dr. Baldt I spent most of my time with stomach pain that developed during college from bad dieting habits that left my digestive system ruined. Most doctors I met sent me for tests that allowed me to see every organ in my body with no answers. Eventually I was diagnosed, as many young women are, with a blanket term “irritable bowel syndrome” and put on medicine that made me sleepy and in just as much pain as before. The only reason it took me so long to realize this was all futile was that I was worried I had cancer or any other number of scary options the doctor told me.

Finally I made my way to acupuncture, which had helped me with back pain a few years ago. The winds of fate found me at the Acupuncture and Wellness Center of Rhode Island, where I have been a paitient for a little over a year. From the day of my first treatment things have been looking up for me and I am happy to say that I am going on 16 months without vomiting or sever stomach pains.

I truly believe that the combination of acupuncture and Dr. Baldt’s kind way and understanding has changed my life forever. She not only discusses with me my acupuncture treatments, but also everything in my life that could be causing this pain. Dr. Baldt with take the time to look up recipes for beets because she wants me to eat more of them…or lets me borrow a book on particular ways of healing the body through food.

The Acupuncture and Wellness Center of Rhode Island has been life saving for me and many other people I am sure. Thank you for being the kind of place that I can turn to for help, health, and healing. You will never know how much it has meant to me and my family.

With deepest love and sincerest thanks, CC

Cancer Symptoms

To anyone considering Acupuncture;
In 2006 I was in the middle of a very complicated divorce and had recently been diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor, and was faced with many other serious issues related to these situations. I had heard about acupuncture throughout the years, but had never seriously considered its benefits until this time of intense stress. Prior to committing to a particular practitioner, I met with a few acupuncturists to explain what I was dealing with and to see if and how they could help me. When I met Dr. Baldt, I immediately knew that she was the right practitioner for me. She was genuinely compassionate to me and my situation, and made me feel extremely comfortable with opening up to allow her to plan the best course of treatment for me.

With so many simultaneous serious issues, I presented a bit of a challenge for course of treatment. Literally every aspect of my life has been affected to one degree or another. The most difficult issues are primarily past me now, but I still have many challenges ahead. Dr. Baldt has, throughout this time, taken time to talk with me prior to each session to see how things are going and what issues are most pressing at that time, and she genuinely cares. I recently completed 13 rounds of chemotherapy for the cancer, and the normal effects of the treatments were significantly less intense than they would have been otherwise. My acupuncture treatments have reduced the intensity of the nausea, reduced the frequency and intensity of my headaches, and have provided me with more energy than I would have had otherwise. Yet perhaps the greatest gift Dr. Baldt has given me through her kindness and treatments has been the ability to clear my mind and my emotions enough to pursue the right course of action for me to not only get through the emotional turmoil, but also to recognize the gifts of it all and to grow as a person.

Dr. Baldt has also been so kind as to recommend certain books, meditations, a wonderful holistic counselor, and other tools to benefit me on my journey. She has been a brilliant angel in the midst of my darkness, and she has brought a whole host of angels with her. I am truly eternally grateful to her and all that she has provided me with during this time.

If you are considering acupuncture for any issue, I highly recommend that you stop your search at AWCRI, Inc. It will be for you, as it has been for me, a bright light and a steady helping hand on your path to wellness.
Love, Light, and Harmony, DB

Emotional

Dr. Baldt,
When I entered your office I immediately felt comfortable and relaxed. It’s not easy to find a Doctor who you feel understands your worries, and isn’t judgemental. I felt comfortable enough to talk to you about my physical problems, and some personal problems that I thought were causing the physical ones.

My overweight,fatigue, sinus problems and depression were making my life miserable. Through acupuncture with you, your great ability to listen with care, attention, and be supportive with positive insights, I felt enough renewed energy to make a change.

My sinuses are cleared, I am full of energy, have already lost 10-12 pounds in 5 weeks, exercise almost every day and have a much happier relationship.

You’re Amazing!
Thank you
D.G.

Pain

Several years ago I slipped on ice and fell, resulting in several fractured ribs and upper vertebrae. The pain was horrendous, everyday tasks such as driving or even standing for any length of time made it worse. It even affected my sleep. I had an extremely limited range of motion in my neck, I could barely turn my head to the side. I tried cortisone shots, physical therapy, and lidocaine patches. Nothing gave me any relief. I did not want to have to live on painkillers because I have a challenging job that I need to be clearheaded for. Finally a new doctor recommended I try acupuncture and sent me to Erin. I was very dubious at first because I didn’t know anything about acupuncture and had no idea what to expect. Erin explained everything to me in detail before my first session, which turned out to be not only painless but incredibly relaxing. That first night I noticed a difference in my pain level and slept better than i had for a long time. Ive been seeing her for two years now and the results have been amazing. I have recovered a great deal of the range of motion in my neck and the pain has come down to easily manageable levels. I can even keep up with my four year old grandson, and pick him up for a hug. I am not exaggerating when I say it has changed my life, I never thought I would feel this well again .
-Dana

Chronic Pain

Anyone in pain should make an appointment with Dr. Baldt at AWCRI. She is kind, compassionate and caring. She takes the time to listen to you describe your problems so she can treat you in the most effective manner. I have been in pain for years and was told I would need surgery and/or Cortisone shots, neither of which I felt comfortable. I decided to try acupuncture. After my first treatment, my pain was 85% gone. I was amazed! I highly recommend AWCRI.

Back Pain

Back pain relief with acupuncture 

I decided to try Acupuncture after suffering from an auto accident! It has helped me tremendously with neck, back and nerve pain.

The treatment and care from Erin Baldt is so relaxing she is professional and listens to concerns and always has great advice.

~Lora

Surgical candidate finds relief with acupuncture

To find relief for debilitating back and hip pain and numbness and tingling in both legs and feet that had plagued me for two years, I scheduled appointments with the best orthopedic and neurosurgeons in my state. Between November 2018 and January 2019, after having seen three orthopedic surgeons and one neurosurgeon specializing in reconstructive and trauma surgery for the adult spine, I was presented with the same option from all four surgeons:  major back surgery, it was unavoidable. The proposed surgery would be extremely invasive. Recovery would painful and take at least one year. The first three months of recovery would be spent learning to use my legs again.

The conventional options prescribed hadn’t worked. Physical therapy made it worse, steroid injections offered the possibility of short-lived relief. Rest didn’t help and I kept getting worse and worse. My husband and I planned to alter our lives in support of the long road to recovery. I accepted that I had no choice but to plan that I was going to spend the next year learning to walk again.

While waiting for my surgery date, a family member recommended I see a neurologist in a world-renown facility. The neurologist spent two hours with me explaining my pathology indicated surgery was clearly warranted. But, along with being a top-notch neurologist, he explained he was “spiritual” too. His suggestion was simple:  You’ve tried all the conventional options and you are fully aware there is no turning back from surgery and its outcome. Although no one can explain why, acupuncture may help. You should try it while you wait for surgery.

Armed with his spiritual suggestion, I returned home to scour the internet for the right doctor of acupuncture. I found S. Erin Baldt, being drawn to her by her experience and interests as presented in her bio.

On a Saturday afternoon late January 2019, I was greeted by Dr. Baldt in her “Zen-like” office along with her amazing dogs, Fiona and William. I knew immediately I had entered a magical healing space, perhaps the spiritual solution the neurologist spoke of.  During my initial consultation Dr. Baldt said that the findings on my MRI reports were some of the worst she’d seen in twenty years. We agreed there was no downside to trying acupuncture and she told me we’d know in about six to ten sessions if it would help. I immediately began acupuncture treatments two times per week. After my fourth session I began to feel less pain. By my sixth session I was shocked. Having been in a constant state of debilitating pain for so long, registering eight to ten on the pain scale, my pain level had been reduced to a six and the numbness and tingling in my legs and feet were almost non-existent. I continued treatment with Dr. Baldt two times per week and by early March 2019, my pain level registered a mere three to four consistently. Not only had my pain been reduced by leaps and bounds, but by mid-March I was able to return to yoga!! Nothing about my back physically had changed to create what feels like a miracle. The only thing that had changed was acupuncture treatments with Dr. Baldt became part of my life.

Dr. Baldt’s treatments have given me the quality of life I never imagined would be possible again. It is now April 2019, and I am receiving acupuncture once a week and attending yoga twice a week. As had been the case with our first visit that Saturday in January when I entered her office contorted by the pain in my back, before the start of each treatment Dr. Baldt asks me, and more importantly listens carefully to how I describe any discomfort I’m experiencing in my back. That day’s treatment somehow “miraculously” rids me of that pain, while maintaining the cumulative curative feeling prior treatments have created in other areas of my back, legs and feet. And she revels in the sheer joy I’m experiencing living each day nearly pain free. Dr. Baldt (and Fiona and William) have changed my life forever and for that I will always be grateful!

~Stephanie H