What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient healing medicine from Asia that has been in practice for thousands of years. It has the ability to treat and heal physical complaints while helping to balance and calm the mind. Acupuncture has an amazing effect on treating, managing, and eradicating pain.

What Can Acupuncture Treat?

Mental/Emotional --- stress, low energy, anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorder, healing from past abuse and trauma, PTSD, addiction, healing from grief and loss, anger issues, irritability, dissociative and personality disorders.
 
Body Pain/Arthritis --- neck pain, back pain, head pain and headaches, TMJ, arm pain, leg pain, knee pain, ankle pain, carpal Tunnel syndrome or wrist pain, numbness and tingling, weakness, eye pain, abdominal pain, chest pain, hip pain, sacroiliac pain, healing from injuries, sciatica, shoulder pain, tendonitis, muscle tension.
 
Digestive Complaints --- IBS, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, ulcers, colitis, indigestion, acid reflux/GERD, hiccup, constipation, diarrhea, liver inflammation, gallstones, food allergies and sensitivities.
 
Women’s Health --- irregular menstruation, painful periods, ovarian cysts, polycystic ovarian syndrome, infertility and help with conceiving, fibroids, breast lumps, PMS, endometriosis, incontinence, menopause, mastitis, weight loss, pelvic inflammatory disease, hormonal support, miscarriage support, postpartum support and recovery, urinary tract infections.
 
Immune System/Respiratory --- chronic fatigue syndrome, MS, fibromyalgia, HIV, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, herpes, frequent colds or coughs, asthma, COPD, allergies, sinusitis, bronchitis, weakened immune system.
 
Metabolic/Hormonal Support --- fatigue, weight control, diabetes, edema, hair loss, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, insomnia, sluggish metabolism, varicose veins.
 
Cardiovascular --- hypertension, palpitations, poor circulation, edema.
 
Neurological --- headaches, vertigo, hearing loss, dizziness, chronic illness, Parkinson’s, tinnitus, stroke recovery.
 
Common Everyday Complaints --- stress, anxiety, insomnia, toothache, headache, common cold and flu symptoms, achy or stiff back and neck pain, constipation, diarrhea, and many more.

Do you accept insurance for Acupuncture?

Yes, we are in network with several insurance companies and we do the billing for you.  
Please contact us and we’d be happy to find out more about your particular plan and benefits.  

Is Acupuncture Safe and Sterile?

Yes. We only use sterile, unopened packages of needles. Each needle is accounted for and disposed of with medical waste. It’s also safe to use in conjunction with Western medicine. It can complement the treatment you may already be receiving and can help to mitigate side effects from medications.

Is Acupuncture Safe for Pregnant Women and Children?

Yes, absolutely! Acupuncture is safe and effective, and can be of great help for morning sickness, nausea, and body pain when pregnant. Some women also use it for cervical ripening and to induce labor. We treat people of all ages, including children, teens, and babies. We tend to use less invasive therapies and techniques, which are still very effective.

What are Chinese Herbs?  

Chinese herbs have been used for thousands of years and are made of all natural materials, including plant, mineral, and animal sources. Chinese herbal medicine can treat the full range of human disease, from acute colds and flus, to chronic digestive disorders, infertility, and chronic serious disorders. The four basic forms of Chinese herbs are pills, powders, tinctures, and teas made from bulk herbs. All of the forms are effective, but you should discuss with your practitioner which will work best for you.

What is Shiatsu?

Shiatsu meridians follow similar pathways as acupuncture meridians. By opening up these pathways, lymphatic and blood congestion can be drastically reduced. By using the thumb, palm, elbow, or knee, a Shiatsu practitioner can help move the accumulation and guide it out of the body. This will enhance the blood and lymph fluid to flow properly within the body, strengthening the muscles and internal organs. Shiatsu also has an amazing effect on the mind and emotions.

How many treatments will I need?

This usually depends on the nature of the injury or disease, how long you’ve had it, and how severe it is for you. On average most patients need to come in once a week for 4-6 weeks. With more acute conditions, it may be recommended to come in 3-4 times the first week to achieve quicker, immediate results. It’s also ideal to continue treatment as maintenance or a form of preventative care by coming in once a month, or seasonally.

What should I do to prepare for my treatment?

- Take all prescription medications as prescribed on schedule.
- Please eat a light meal within 3 hours before your appointment.
- Wear light fitting clothing.
- Drink plenty of room temperature water before and after acupuncture.
- Avoid consuming alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and recreational drugs before and after the treatment.

What’s typically included in my visit?

Acupuncture is not just needles. We also use a holistic mix of modalities to amplify the positive effects of the treatment.

- Talk therapy: Time to vent and be heard. Anything that’s going on in your life that you want to focus on and bring healing to can be something we address in our healing work together.

- Cupping therapy: Small, glass cups are applied with a flame to create a suction. This suction is usually placed on the back to relieve tension, acting as negative pressure, enhancing blood flow, and soothing the nervous system. It can open up the pores, draw up toxins, and enhance the respiratory system.

- Gua Sha therapy: Has similar effects as cupping, but uses a small, ceramic spoon to gently scrape the skin.

- Heat/Moxa therapy: Moxa is an herb, Mugwort, which is burned above the skin to promote healing to an area and is amazing for body pain. It helps the body speed up healing by increasing the circulation of white blood cells to the area.

- Shiatsu/Acupressure: Touch is healing. Shiatsu practitioners find all of those tender, sore spots just begging for circulation. Shiatsu moves and circulates the qi/vital energy. It has a profoundly calming effect on the mind and emotions as well.

- Treatment planning: We offer lifestyle advice, nutritional advice, Chinese herbs, and self-care advice to get you feeling better quicker!