What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of several different treatment modalities within Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into specific points along channels, or meridians, just under the skin to balance the flow of energy, or qi (pronounced “chee”), through these channels. There are hundreds of known acupuncture points on the body. The connections between the acupuncture points ensure that there is an even circulation of qi, a balance between Yin and Yang. Acupuncture needles access acupuncture points to help guide qi to areas where qi is insufficient and disperses qi away from areas where qi is stagnant. Over the past three decades, electromagnetic research has confirmed the existence and location of many acupuncture point

Does it work?
The World Health Organization has recognized the ability of acupuncture to treat nearly four dozen common ailments, including:

  • Arthritis/Joint problems

  • Back Pain

  • Muscle Aches and Pains

  • Allergies

  • Insomnia

  • Fertility

  • Weight Loss

  • Hypertension

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Digestive Issues

  • Nicotine Addiction

  • Headaches

  • PMS/Menstrual Cramps

  • Sciatica

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Tennis/Golf Elbow

  • And much more!


What should I expect during the first treatment?
The initial treatment usually takes about 1.5 hours. During your first visit a significant amount of time is taken to establish an accurate and detailed health history. A number of diagnostic tools will also be employed, including tongue analysis, pulse diagnosis and muscle tests if necessary. All patients receive 10-20 minutes of Tui Na prior to an acupuncture treatment. Tui Na is a form of medical massage, and while it can be relaxing it also provides diagnostic information to the practitioner about your body’s structure and energetic balance.

After a complete assessment is made, the acupuncture treatment may begin. Most of the commonly used acupuncture points are located below the elbows and below the knees. Therefore, patients usually just have to roll up their sleeves and pant legs and lay down on the table. If additional points are required, gowns and draping are provided. Each point is then cleaned with an alcohol swab and the fine sterile disposable acupuncture needle is inserted. Acupuncture needles commonly remain in place for fifteen to forty minutes depending on the acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture treatments tend to be very relaxing and many people fall asleep during treatments.

After your treatment we will discuss strategies to help you maintain the effectiveness of the treatment. These may include breathing exercises, dietary and nutritional information, essential oil therapy or any of the tools available through Classical Chinese medicine.


What does it feel like? Does it hurt?
Reactions to acupuncture differ from person to person, even from treatment to treatment. The needles used in acupuncture are much thinner than those that most of us are familiar with from visits to the doctor’s office. While there is often a sensation upon insertion, it is not the excruciating pain of a thick, hypodermic needle. Once the needles are placed, you may feel a sensation of energy moving through the meridians or dullness or heaviness at the area of the needles. There is sometimes a nerve sensation or tingling. With tendino-muscular conditions, the needles may be stimulated to get a response from the muscle. This can sometimes be uncomfortable, but often results in immediate relief. Generally, people feel relaxed and sometimes fall asleep.