expert type icon EXPERT

Ms. Ellen D. Leonard, L.AC.

Acupuncturist

Dr. Ellen D. Leonard L.AC. is a top Acupuncturist in Grants Pass, . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Ellen D. Leonard L.AC. is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Ellen D. Leonard L.AC. is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Ellen D. Leonard L.AC. is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Grants Pass, OR, Dr. Ellen D. Leonard L.AC. is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
23 years Experience
Ms. Ellen D. Leonard, L.AC.
  • Grants Pass, OR
  • New England School of Acupuncture
  • Accepting new patients

Do you need a diagnosis to get acupuncture?

You can absolutely get acupuncture without a western medical diagnosis. In fact, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was developed without knowing about organs or what they did, READ MORE
You can absolutely get acupuncture without a western medical diagnosis. In fact, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was developed without knowing about organs or what they did, so we don't need or use western diagnosis in our treatments. So yes, acupuncture can help with pain, even if it's "in your head" (which in my experience just means the docs don't know what's causing your pain!).

Will acupuncture help my knee pain?

Most likely acupuncture will help your knee pain. And the sooner you go in after an injury, the less long it will take to get relief. So go sooner rather then later.

Does acupuncture relieve depression symptoms?

Depression, stress, and anxiety are some of my favorite things to treat because acupuncture works so well. I can't tell you the mechanism as it's based on your body's energies, READ MORE
Depression, stress, and anxiety are some of my favorite things to treat because acupuncture works so well. I can't tell you the mechanism as it's based on your body's energies, but just know that it works VERY well.

Will acupuncture help with knee pain?

Yes, acupuncture works well on knee pain, especially at your age. Since every body, injury, and practitioner is different, I can't tell you where they'll put the needles, but READ MORE
Yes, acupuncture works well on knee pain, especially at your age. Since every body, injury, and practitioner is different, I can't tell you where they'll put the needles, but know it can be extremely effective.

Should I consider acupuncture for anemia?

Acupuncture works by balancing all your body's systems. It may well help you absorb more iron, but you may also need to use dietary changes, as well. Call around to the acupuncturists READ MORE
Acupuncture works by balancing all your body's systems. It may well help you absorb more iron, but you may also need to use dietary changes, as well. Call around to the acupuncturists in your area and ask them if they can treat it with acupuncture and/or herbs. Everyone has their own specialties.

I take blood thinners regularly. Is acupuncture dangerous for me?

Not at all!!! The needles are so thin and are inserted in such a way that there is rarely any bleeding. But if there is, the point is so small as to not be of any danger at all. READ MORE
Not at all!!! The needles are so thin and are inserted in such a way that there is rarely any bleeding. But if there is, the point is so small as to not be of any danger at all. In fact, MOST of my patients are on blood thinners. Doctors are not trained in acupuncture, so they tend to err on the side of caution. But rest assured, being on blood thinners is no problem whatsoever.

Is tiredness normal after acupuncture?

Most of my patients describe what they feel after a treatment as deeply relaxed, sometimes sleepy. You will, in fact, be very relaxed, a state our bodies aren't used to, so it READ MORE
Most of my patients describe what they feel after a treatment as deeply relaxed, sometimes sleepy. You will, in fact, be very relaxed, a state our bodies aren't used to, so it can feel like fatigue. If it lasts more than a few hours or into the next day, tell your practitioner so they can do a lighter treatment on you until your body becomes accustomed to getting acupuncture. At that point, my patients describe themselves as feeling very relaxed and quite wonderful.

When I get treated myself, I try not to schedule any work afterwards because I don't want to ruin the feeling of peace and relaxation.

What does "Qi" mean in acupuncture?

Qi is the Chinese word for energy. You may have heard of Qi Gong, or Tai Qi. Both are arts that involve the movement of your body's energy. In acupuncture we use the needles READ MORE
Qi is the Chinese word for energy. You may have heard of Qi Gong, or Tai Qi. Both are arts that involve the movement of your body's energy. In acupuncture we use the needles in points that connect us to the channels of energy (meridians) so we can move your qi to help your body's energies balance so it can heal itself.

Sorry for the confusion - I hope that cleared it up for you.

Chronic constipation. Should I go for acupuncture?

Acupuncture works with your body to get its energies flowing the way they are supposed to flow, thus getting the digestive process back on track. You might also consider upping READ MORE
Acupuncture works with your body to get its energies flowing the way they are supposed to flow, thus getting the digestive process back on track. You might also consider upping your water intake to half your body weight in ounces every day. That in and of itself can take care of constipation for some people. Diet also plays a huge role - lots of fiber and juicy foods can help.

Does acupuncture raise blood pressure?

I suppose if your friend was really nervous her blood pressure might have gone up, but I have never heard of the treatment causing it to rise. On the contrary, I have patients READ MORE
I suppose if your friend was really nervous her blood pressure might have gone up, but I have never heard of the treatment causing it to rise. On the contrary, I have patients who come in to help them lower their pressure. I would suggest your friend checks her blood pressure before and after the next treatment, and talk to the practitioner about it. But my guess is that it was something else that caused it to rise.

How often should I go for acupuncture?

Absolutely. Once a month is for when you are healed and weaning off of acupuncture. I see patients twice a week until their pain is down and stays down between treatments. Then READ MORE
Absolutely. Once a month is for when you are healed and weaning off of acupuncture. I see patients twice a week until their pain is down and stays down between treatments. Then I go to once a week, then once every other week, and so on. The trick is for the pain to stay low or gone between treatments before extending the time between.

How many points are there in acupuncture?

There are 361 main acupuncture points in the body, all of which have several functions. There are also many extra points for special conditions, as well as about 365 separate points READ MORE
There are 361 main acupuncture points in the body, all of which have several functions. There are also many extra points for special conditions, as well as about 365 separate points in the ears, alone. A practitioner may also put needles in places that are painful (called ashi points) or trigger points (muscle knots).

Do you recommend acupuncture for neuropathy?

Yes, I have several patients who I am treating for neuropathy. Acupuncture can be very effective for this symptom, but it can take a while to get complete relief. The sooner READ MORE
Yes, I have several patients who I am treating for neuropathy. Acupuncture can be very effective for this symptom, but it can take a while to get complete relief. The sooner you start, the less time it will take to start helping. Sticking with the diet they suggest for diabetes is also key.

Why is acupuncture recommended for cardiovascular disease?

Acupuncture makes you generally healthier in all ways. It can help lower blood pressure, and it can support all your organs, including your heart. It's a longer term kind of treatment READ MORE
Acupuncture makes you generally healthier in all ways. It can help lower blood pressure, and it can support all your organs, including your heart. It's a longer term kind of treatment - not a one-shot deal, but it can make a lot of difference to your overall health if you stick with it. Most insurances now cover acupuncture.

Is it normal to feel lethargic after my session?

Yes, that reaction is quite normal. We call it acu-stoned in my office. It just means you got very relaxed and the acupuncture is doing it's job. If you are just too wiped out, READ MORE
Yes, that reaction is quite normal. We call it acu-stoned in my office. It just means you got very relaxed and the acupuncture is doing it's job. If you are just too wiped out, mention it to your practitioner and they can probably make the treatment lighter by using smaller needles or even magnets.

Are acupuncture needles reused?

Most acupuncturists use disposable needles so they are used only once. We are trained and nationally tested on how to use an autoclave if the practitioner wants to use reusable READ MORE
Most acupuncturists use disposable needles so they are used only once. We are trained and nationally tested on how to use an autoclave if the practitioner wants to use reusable needles, but I have never seen anyone go that route. Either way, our laws are extremely strict and training very intense around sterility and safety, so not to worry.

Can my rash be from acupuncture?

Most needles are stainless steel, so unless you're allergic to it, you shouldn't be having a reaction to the needles. But make your practitioner aware and they may have needles READ MORE
Most needles are stainless steel, so unless you're allergic to it, you shouldn't be having a reaction to the needles. But make your practitioner aware and they may have needles of some other material if you have the same reaction again.

Is acupuncture a better alternative to opioids?

Absolutely!!! Most of my practice for the last 2 years has come from doctors' referrals because of the war on opioids. Acupuncture can be as, or even more effective for post surgical READ MORE
Absolutely!!! Most of my practice for the last 2 years has come from doctors' referrals because of the war on opioids. Acupuncture can be as, or even more effective for post surgical pain, so I would suggest you set up appointments for as soon as you are ambulatory after your surgery. Call before hand, though, as they may not be able to get you in right away, and you want to get a treatment as soon after your surgery as you are able. Set up several - a couple times a week for at least a couple weeks right away. You can always cancel them if you don't need them.

What can acupuncture do for the muscles?

Yes, acupuncture can help with muscle spasms. I can't tell you what it does for the muscles because the spasms could be from any number of causes. You might also want to try rubbing READ MORE
Yes, acupuncture can help with muscle spasms. I can't tell you what it does for the muscles because the spasms could be from any number of causes. You might also want to try rubbing vinegar on your legs to stop the spasms in the meantime.

When should I get acupuncture treatment for fertility?

First, it won't be a single session, but rather a series of treatments. I see people twice a week until they conceive. Second, there's no right time. Anytime is a good time. Good READ MORE
First, it won't be a single session, but rather a series of treatments. I see people twice a week until they conceive. Second, there's no right time. Anytime is a good time. Good luck!!