What is Acupuncture?

This network connects every organ and part of the body, providing balance, regulation, and coordination of physiological processes.
Pain and ill health result when the flow of Qi through the body is disrupted or blocked. This can be caused by many things, including disease, pathogens, trauma/ injuries, and medication (side effects), as well as lifestyle factors such as overwork, poor diet, emotions, lack of rest, and stress.

Stimulation of the appropriate acu-points through acupuncture treatments helps to restore sufficient, continuous, and even flow of Qi and other nutrients throughout the body, restoring health and balance to the body while relieving pain and symptoms.

The acupuncturist uses a sophisticated and complex system of diagnostic methods that take into consideration the person as a whole, discerning the body’s pattern of disharmony rather than isolated symptoms. The aim is not only to eliminate or alleviate symptoms, but more importantly to treat the underlying cause, increase the ability to function, and improve the quality of life.

The nature of acupuncture allows it to treat a wide variety of conditions, including pain, headaches, digestive problems, menstrual cramps, sports and work-related injuries, among many others. However, it generally can be used as the treatment of choice for muscle stiffness, pain, sprains and strains, allergies, poor digestion, menstrual problems, menopause, headaches, neck and back pain, fatigue, stress, and other minor and self-limiting illnesses. Asian Medicine is also a wonderful adjunct for speeding recovery from major trauma, surgery, and strokes, treating the side effects of cancer chemotherapy, enhancing the effectiveness of alcohol and substance abuse recovery programs.

• Allergies
• Weight Loss & Detoxification
• Pain Relief
• Facial Rejuvenation
• Stop Smoking
• Frozen Shoulder, Sciatica Pain
• Insomnia
• Improve Immune System
• Depression, Anxiety
• Decreased Libido
• Fatigue
• Personal Injury ; Auto Accidents

Your first visit is approximately 1 ~ 1.5 hours and involves a complete examination and evaluation of your body and health condition. The initial visit often includes an acupuncture treatment if appropriate. Follow-up visits generally last 1 hour.
During your visit, We will ask a variety of questions regarding your specific complaint and general health. Asian Medicine utilizes four methods of diagnosis: looking (observing the face, body, and tongue), hearing (listening to sound and pitch of the voice, cough, breathing), asking (asking questions regarding history of disease, present symptoms, and questions to determine overall body balance), and feeling (pulse diagnosis, palpation of points). Using this approach, a diagnosis is made and a treatment plan is devised.

It is recommended that patients eat a light meal or snack before coming for an acupuncture treatment. Be prepared to refrain from vigorous exercise for at least two hours before and after treatment.

The number of visits will be determined on a case by case basis depending on the severity of the condition, the patient’s response to treatments and the patient’s compliance in following the recommended treatment plan. After the initial visit, I will determine a treatment plan with the number of treatments suggested.

Acupuncture is very safe when performed by a Licensed Acupuncturist. There is little danger of infection from acupuncture needles because they are sterile, used once, then discarded.

The sensation caused by an acupuncture needle varies from person to person. The sensation can also vary depending on the location of the body that is being acupunctured and from treatment to treatment; a variety of factors are involved in the experience. Some people do not feel the needle being inserted at all. Some people feel a momentary pain as the needle is inserted, but the pain quickly subsides. The needles are very thin, just a little larger than a human hair. Once the acupuncture needle is inserted, you may feel a variety of sensations from a vague heaviness, numbness, tingling, or dull ache. Sometimes people feel a sensation of energy moving from the needle. All of these sensations are good and a sign that the treatment is working. The needles are left in place for 15-20 minutes while you relax and listen to soothing music. Most people feel very relaxed and will fall asleep during the treatment.

In many cases, you will truly not feel the needles being inserted. Nonetheless, if you are sensitive to needles, I can work with you in many other ways to restore balance and health. Non-needle modalities include acupressure, moxibustion, gua sha, cupping, Asian herbal medicine, nutritional counseling and lifestyle suggestions.

After an acupuncture treatment most people feel relaxed, revitalized and experience a sense of wellness. The most common side effects that can occur are from the needle insertion, such as bruising or temporary local discomfort. All such side effects will resolve within a couple of days.