Acupuncture

Originating over 5,000 years ago, acupuncture is the oldest continuously practiced medical system in the world. Acupuncture stimulates specific points on the body by inserting thin needles to address ailments, move energy and balance the body.

Complimentary organic tea is served after every session for your relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used systems of healing in the world. Originating in China over 3,500 years ago, only in the last three decades has it become popular in the United States. In 2000, the FDA estimated that Americans made up to 20 million visits per year to acupuncture practitioners and spent upward of a half a billion dollars on acupuncture treatments.

Traditional Chinese medicine holds that there are as many as 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body, which are connected by 20 pathways (12 main and 8 secondary) called meridians. These meridians conduct energy, or Qi (pronounced “chi”,) between the surface of the body and its internal organs. Each point has a different effect on the Qi that passes through it. Qi is believed to help regulate balance in the body. It is influenced by the opposing forces of yin and yang, which represent positive and negative energy in the universe and human body. Acupuncture is believed to keep the balance between yin and yang, thus allowing for the normal flow of Qi and restoring health to the mind and body.

Human beings are complex bioelectric systems. This understanding has been the foundations of TCM practice for several thousand years. Energy circulates throughout the body along well-defined, documented pathways. Points on the body, along these pathways are energetically connected to specific organs and body systems. If this energy circulation is disrupted, optimum function is affected and this results in pain or illness. In treatment, acupuncture points are stimulated to balance the circulation of energy, which ultimately influences the health of the entire being. Several theories have been presented as to exactly how acupuncture works. One theory suggests that pain impulses are blocked from reaching the spinal cord or brain at various “gates” to these areas. Since a majority of acupuncture points are either connected to (or located near) neural structures, this suggests that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system. Another theory suggests that acupuncture stimulates the body to produce narcotic-like substances called endorphins, which reduce pain. Other studies have found that other pain-relieving substances called opioids may be released into the body during acupuncture.

Unlike hypodermic needles, acupuncture needles are solid and hair-thin, and they are not designed to cut the skin. They are also inserted to much more shallow levels than hypodermic needles, generally no more than a half-inch to an inch depending on the type of treatment being delivered. While each person experiences acupuncture differently, most people feel only a minimal amount of pain as the needles are inserted. Some people reportedly feel a sensation of excitement, while others feel relaxed. If you experience significant pain from the needles, it may be a sign that the procedure is being done improperly. When practiced by a licensed, trained acupuncturist, acupuncture is extremely safe. As a system of health-care, acupuncture already has some inherent safeguards. Because the treatment is drug-free, patients do not have to worry about taking several doses of a medication or suffering a possible adverse reaction. Properly administered, acupuncture does no harm. However, there are certain conditions you should notify an acupuncturist about before undergoing treatment. If you have a pacemaker, for instance, you should not receive electroacupuncture due to the possibility of electromagnetic interference with the pacemaker.

As with most health practitioners, the first visit to an acupuncturist usually begins with the practitioner taking a detailed history. Since traditional Chinese medicine takes a more holistic approach to patient care that Western medicine, you may be asked questions that appear unimportant (questions about your sleep habits, your ability to tolerate heat or cold, your dietary habits, etc.) but are actually vital to the type of care you will receive. After reviewing your history, the practitioner will begin diagnosing your ailment. Depending on your condition, you may be subjected to an examination of the tongue, as well as the pulse – a major diagnostic technique in traditional Chinese medicine. Using all of the information obtained during the history and diagnosis, the practitioner will then determine the cause of your symptoms. Depending on the condition, needles will be inserted into specific acupuncture points on the body. Generally, the patient does not have to disrobe for the needles to be inserted. The clothing can typically be manipulated to account for the space the needles require. The acupuncturist may use ‘moxa’ or electrical stimulation to enhance acupuncture’s therapeutic effect. Depending on the seriousness and the length of your condition, your first visit may take between 60 – 90 minutes. Follow up visits generally last 45 – 60 minutes.

Each individual responds differently to the acupuncture techniques. Your response may vary from immediate to delayed progression. In addition to the length of response, changes may be dramatic or slow and subtle. The only way to distinguish your rate of response is through your own awareness of change.

The number of treatments needed to alleviate a disorder varies depending on the individual and their type of disorder. Generally, acute conditions can be treated effectively within a few treatments. Chronic conditions, which have been developed over years, may lengthen the period of time for positive results. With pain conditions, look for any diminished effect regarding the intensity. With treatment of functional disorders, such as allergies, the desired effects may progress slower than anticipated.

Occasionally, symptoms of an illness may temporarily increase after treatment starts. This is known as “the healing crisis.” The body is rallying its strength and is a positive sign to altering its old patterns.

As early as the 19070’s, the World Health Organization recognized the ability of acupuncture to treat nearly four dozen common ailments. The following is a list of conditions commonly treated with acupuncture.

Emotional:
Depression
Anxiety
Mania

Addictions:
Drugs
Nicotine
Alcohol
Sugar

Circulatory:
Hypertension
Angina Pectoris
Anemia

Respiratory:
Bronchitis
Asthma
Sinusitus
Allergies
Cold/Flu

Neuro-Musculoskeletal:
Arthritis
Neuralgia
Insomnia
Dizziness
Tendonitis
Bursitis
Repetitive Stress Injury
General Pain
Sciatica
Sports Injuries
Migraines

Gynocological:
Infertility
PMS
Cramps
Fibroids
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Ovarian Cysts
Labor Induction
Breech Baby
Difficult Labor
Amenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea

Gastrointestinal:
Food Allergies
Ulcers
Gastritis
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Diarrhea
Constipation
Nausea
Morning Sickness
Motion Sickness

Other:
Hepatitis
Weight Loss
Side effects of Oncology Support

Offerings Vary by location

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Pricing & Memberships

Initial Acupuncture (80 Min)

If it's your first acupuncture with us, or it's been more than 12 months, this session is for you. Includes a 20 min consultation with an acupuncturist to review medical history, check vital signs, discuss goals, develop a treatment plan, and is followed by a private acupuncture session.

Private Acupuncture (50 Min)

This comprehensive service begins with a brief update on progress and your priority for the session, followed by insertion of tiny sterile needles along the acupuncture meridians. Known to be effective for neurological, musculo-skeletal, gynecological, digestive, respiratory, emotional and other conditions.

Group Acupuncture (40 Min)

Enjoy a semi-private setting while fully clothed in recliners or massage chairs. Great for general stress, headaches, migraines, pain management, allergies, addiction, depression and anxiety.

Private Acupuncture+ (80 Min)

Other therapies can be added to your acupuncture session, such as cupping, gua sha and more to enhance a 50 minute session.

Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture (80 Min)

Increase collagen, tighten, brighten, and moisturize your skin while simultaneously treating underlying factors of aging. For optimal results, suggested treatment is 12 sessions done 1-2 times weekly. Maintenance sessions can prolong results for 5-10 years.

Note: effects of cosmetic fillers within the last 2 months may be negated by this service.