Acupuncture is an ancient healing method with a history spanning over 3,000 years. An acupuncturist uses extremely thin needles, about the width of a human hair, carefully inserted into specific points on the body. This stimulates the body’s innate healing ability by attempting to restore balance and energy flow throughout the body and its different systems.

Your First appointment is 75 minutes, wich gives me extra time to learn more about you and what brings you to the clinic. The first part of the appointment includes time to review your health history and discuss the condition you would like to have treated. The treatment generally lasts 30-40 minutes and may include more than just acupuncture, other modalities such as electro-acupuncture, acupressure, tui na (Chinese Medical Massage), gua sha (scraping), cupping, and the application of medicinal herbal oils and linaments may be used.

A typical acupuncture session involves an intake where the patient's health history and information about the condition being treated are discussed. The acupuncturist may take your pulse and examine your tongue, as well as observe the areas of the body causing your problem, if necessary. After the intake, the acupuncturist will develop a treatment plan that may include a combination of modalities, such as acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, acupressure, tui na (Chinese Medical Massage), gua sha (scraping), cupping, and the application of medicinal herbal oils and linaments, among other modalities.

Your acupuncturist will then discuss with you which areas of your body they would like to access, which may include your head, legs, arms, back, abdomen, hips, and any other relevant parts of your body. You get to decide what parts of your body you are comfortable with being worked on. There are always different points that we can use to treat a condition, so if you are uncomfortable with certain parts of your body being exposed, we can modify the treatment plan to accommodate your preferences.

Needles are placed for approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on the time available. Most people do not feel anything more than a slight prick, similar to a mosquito bite, when needles are inserted, and only a minor sensation if the needle is manipulated. After the needles are placed, your acupuncturist may leave the room so you can rest. Usually, the lights are dimmed, and relaxing music is playing. Many people say it is like a healing nap.

If you are uncomfortable with needles, let your acupuncturist know. Just as there are multiple points to treat a condition, there are also multiple ways to treat it, including non-invasive methods.

Other modalities, such as cupping or tuina, may be performed before or after the needles are placed and removed.

After the needles are removed and the treatment is complete, your acupuncturist will provide any necessary follow-up instructions, as well as any herbal recommendations or prescriptions.