Acupuncture is one therapy in the tradition of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) also known as East Asian Medicine (EAM). Acupuncture involves the strategic placement and insertion of ultra thin needles on the body. Many theories explain how acupuncture works, Western Medicine hypothesizes that acupuncture needles cause a micro-injury in connective tissue or muscle. These micro-injuries stimulate the release of endorphins (the body’s naturally occurring pain killers and “feel good” chemicals). Additionally, the release of mast cells which can increase mood, decrease inflammation, decrease blood pressure, and increase cell growth (for wound healing). The released chemicals travel to the brain via the nerves and spinal cord to signal the brain to induce a parasympathetic response (our relaxed state) which decreases our heart rate, improves digestion, etc.

From an Eastern Medicine perspective, acupuncture needles stimulate points on acupuncture meridians to balance or move “Chi” flow or energy flow along these channels. According to TCM, where there is pain or discomfort, there is an energy blockage.

Good question! We tell our clients that acupuncture can support most any condition that you would see a Doctor for. The World Health Organization (WHO) published a list of conditions and symptoms for which acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment. These include: pain (back, joint pain, headaches) neurological disorders (ex: stroke, Bell’s Palsy), respiratory disorders (ex: allergies, COPD), digestive disorders (ex: IBS, ulcers, gastritis, nausea), urogenital disorders (ex: postpartum urinary retention, prostatitis), GYN disorders (ex: dysmenorrhea, PMS, fertility), mental health support (ex: anxiety, depression), and cardiovascular disorders (ex: high or low blood pressure). For a full list of conditions and to read the full report: click here.

Our treatment plans are divided into three phases and each phase has a different treatment frequency:
Phase 1 is “Relief Care.” This is where we typically begin. These sessions are designed to reduce symptom intensity and to achieve relief from your primary health concern. Sessions are typically more frequent during this phase and sessions are often schedule once (or twice per week), for a period of 4 to 6 weeks.

Phase 2, is “Corrective Care.” This phase begins once the underlying conditions that caused your main concern have been addressed and progress has been made. Treatments become less frequent and sessions start to address the prevention or recurrence of the primary health concern. Sessions are scaled back to once every two weeks, for a period of 4 to 6 weeks.

Phase 3, is “Maintenance Care.” Sessions are relatively infrequent, as compared to the first two phases. This phase is structured to maintain your health in its optimal state, and sessions are typically monthly or quarterly.

We often describe starting acupuncture as similar to seeing a new therapist or going to physical therapy . With your commitment to getting acupuncture regularly, you should see improvement with acupuncture for your condition in both the short and long-term. In the first few sessions, we expect that you notice relief from your condition. Symptoms may return at first, but we expect that over time, symptoms return with decreased frequency and with decreased intensity. The longer you have been dealing with a condition, the longer it can take to get better. But, we are here to support you along the way. We will also monitor your improvement in other areas, these include your energy, sleep patterns, digestion and appetite, and mood. These areas, along with your chief health concern, will inform us of how your condition is progressing!

Acupuncture should not hurt. You may feel some sensation during needling or at the site of needling. We call this the “chi” sensation. It can present as a heavy or throbbing feeling. These are all signs that the treatment is working. But, should you feel any pain or discomfort, we ask that you let your practitioner know right away. We do not want our clients to feel any pain or discomfort as a result of acupuncture.

In a cupping session round glass cups are placed on the skin surface and the suction from inside the cups pull against muscle and connective tissue. The cup is set in place for a set time, usually about 10 minutes. Cupping increases blood circulation to the area where the cups are placed. This is done to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote cell repair.

Think of cupping like an inverted massage, instead of pressing into muscles cupping pulls against muscles to release tension. Cupping is often used in modern medicine for pain relief, musculoskeletal injuries, back pain, and inflammation. But, traditionally cupping was used for respiratory conditions, such as asthma or bronchitis. The uses for cupping a wide ranging.

The side effects of cupping is skin discoloration. Skin at the site of the cup placement is usually pink, red or deep red. Any mild bruising or other marks usually go away within 10 days of the session.

Loose clothing is best. Shirts with sleeves that can comfortably roll up to the elbow, or pants that can easily roll up above the knee are best. You are welcome to bring a change of clothing (example: exercise shorts, tank top) to wear for the duration of your session. We also offer our clients disposable gowns and short for your convenience.

The first appointment is a 90 minute session that includes your consultation and an acupuncture session. The meeting with your practitioner is an opportunity to discuss your health concerns in detail, review your health history, and create goals for treatments. We will also create a personalized treatment plan for you, and discuss which treatment modalities would be most appropriate for your goals. You will receive an acupuncture treatment at your first appointment.

Yes, definitely. Make sure you have eaten and are hydrated on the day of your acupuncture session. Have a healthy portioned meal within 2 hours of treatment. But, try not to have an extra large meal right before your treatment. After you treatment, feel free to eat and drink normally.

Absolutely! Acupuncture is a safe and effective therapy to receive while pregnant, as well as to support fertility and postpartum recovery. Many of our pregnant clients see us for support with nausea/morning sickness, fatigue, constipation, low back pain, among other conditions.

Yes, we accept a select number of plans though the Optum, United Healthcare, and Veterans Affairs Community Care Networks. For more information see our insurance page.