Rhonda Marr has brought her healing methods to Baldwinsville.
A certified acupuncturist, Marr has always been interested in natural methods of healing such as massage, herbal medicine, aromatherapy and acupuncture, a practice that has existed for more than 2,500 years.
“It’s the oldest professional practice of medicine in the world,” Marr said, adding, “It’s not just inserting needles; there’s a lot more to it.”
Marr started her business in Cortland five years ago where she still treats 250 patients. She moved to Jordan last summer, though, and decided she wanted an office closer to home, aptly naming her new place Closer to Home. Located in Baldwinsville’s Spa on the River, Closer to Home has a relaxing and meditative atmosphere, which allows Marr’s patients to relax and get comfortable.
“I’ve been treating a lot of recent vets back from Iraq,” she said.
When Marr first meets with a patient, she diagnoses what is out of balance in her patient’s body using four basic exams: a person’s size, symptoms, tongue diagnosis and pulse diagnosis. This first visit is typically one and a half hours (follow-ups are one-hour appointments) as Marr determines the cause of her patient’s ailment.
“I can have five different people come in with migraines but they are all caused from something different,” she said. “There’s a root to all symptoms. I correct the cause.”
According to Marr, acupuncture treats more than 150 conditions including fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, chronic fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, acid reflux, depression and more.
“A lot of people think acupuncture only treats pain,” she said, adding another common misconception is that the needles hurt. “Most people are afraid of the needles and they shouldn’t be; it’s a very fine needle made of solid steel.”
For success in acupuncture, Marr said a patient should visit her several times as each treatment builds on the prior one. Then, once a patient is balanced again, they visit during the change of seasons, which Marr said affects an individual’s “chi.”
“Acupuncture is very relaxing,” she said. “[Patients] notice very subtle changes that will increase energy, boost immune system and more, and there are no side effects.”
Marr offers appointments between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; Saturday appointments are available if necessary. Marr also makes house calls for elderly and homebound patients. For more information about Marr and acupuncture, visit cortlandacupuncture.com.
Spa on the River, located at 2372 West Genesee Road in Baldwinsville, is an award winning, full-service salon offering hair, nail, skin care, massage treatments and more. For more information, visit spaontheriver.com.
