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Acupuncture

Are you new to acupuncture? Unsure what to expect and what it can treat? Or just curious about my approach?

Scroll down to read more—or click the "schedule now" button if you're ready to set up an appointment online.

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What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific points along meridians (or channel pathways) that have a regulatory function on the body. It's one of the five branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine, along with herbology, Qi Gong, dietetics, and massage. My training is in all five branches, and I incorporate them in my treatments as appropriate—though acupuncture is the primary modality most of my patients seek me out for.

What does Acupuncture treat?

Common conditions aided by acupuncture:

 

  • Stress & tension

  • Headaches

  • Musculoskeletal pain, acute or chronic
    (e.g. back, neck, or shoulder pain; Carpal Tunnel syndrome, Tennis Elbow, Frozen Shoulder, Sciatica, Plantar Fasciitis)

  • Post-surgical pain & healing

  • Allergies

  • Insomnia

  • Bell's Palsy

  • Anxiety & depression

  • Fatigue, mental fogginess, joint & muscle aches

  • Digestive disorders
    (e.g. IBS, Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, heartburn/reflux, bloating, constipation, diarrhea)

  • Women’s health
    (e.g. irregular menses, painful periods, PMS, fertility issues, pregnancy support, menopausal symptoms)

  • Side effects of chemotherapy & radiation
    (incl. anxiety, insomnia, nausea, and peripheral neuropathy)

  • Recovery & performance optimization for athletes

What to expect from an Acupuncture treatment

Before your first appointment, I’ll ask you to fill out an in-depth health questionnaire, so I can gain a thorough understanding of your health concerns and goals. During your initial visit, we’ll have an extended conversation about your chief concerns, health history, lifestyle, stress levels & emotional wellbeing, and any other influencing factors. I’ll look at your tongue and feel your pulse and will devise a treatment plan unique to you.

 

Each treatment will include acupuncture and may include any combination of additional modalities, such as cupping, gua sha (gentle scraping of the skin to release stagnant energy and tension), massage, herbal & supplement recommendations, and dietary or lifestyle advice.

 

Once the needles are placed, you will be left to rest for a period of 20-40 minutes. This time is where the magic happens! Most of my patients report relaxing more deeply than they do even at night in bed and come away feeling profoundly restored.

 

During follow-up visits, we’ll check in on your progress and any new or fluctuating concerns. Each visit will be tailored to your needs as they present that day, while keeping longterm goals in mind.

 

A new patient visit lasts approximately an hour and a half, while follow-up visits are approximately one hour. I offer extended acupuncture follow-up visits for those who wish to spend more time on any component of the treatment—bodywork (cupping, massage, gua sha), emotional support & guidance, or deep rest time.

How many treatments will I need?

This depends entirely on the issue you’re presenting with and the progress you’re hoping to make. Many of my patients will come weekly for a period of 6-10 weeks while we work on resolving an acute issue, then scale down the frequency of care as their condition improves. Some incorporate weekly or bi-weekly treatments into their wellness program year-round, while others will come for a “tune-up” a few times a year or whenever a problem arises.

 

Together, we can devise the ideal treatment protocol for you based on your budget, availability, and needs.

Ready to schedule an appointment?

Head on over to my scheduling page by clicking the button below.

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