- What is acupuncture?
- Acupuncture is one component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It refers to the insertion of stainless steel needles into the body as certain and specific points. A licensed acupuncturist uses the body's own healing mechanisms including the nervous, immune, reproductive, and digestive systems to re-regulate the body and reduce chronic and acute conditions. Though the exact mechanism of action is unknown, numerous case studies, research studies and patient success stories solidify acupuncture as a key component of modern day medicine.
- Does acupuncture hurt?
- Acupuncture is typically very gentle. It can feel like a small pinch or a sudden pressure against the skin. Because acupuncture needles are filiform (solid) they will never feel like the insertion of a typical hollow needle which is what is used for shots, vaccines, and other injections. Acupuncture needles are also very thin - they are thinner than a piece of hair! However, if you have any hesitation about acupuncture, please reach out.
- What should I expect during my first visit?
- During your first acupuncture visit, you and I will review your intake form if I need any clarification or more information. This will help me to better understand how your issues are affecting your quality of life, and what the best treatment plan will be for you specifically. We will also review your goals for treatment so I can help you understand what acupuncture can (and cannot) help with. Once the intake portion is complete, we will move on to your treatment. Your treatment time will vary depending on how long our intake takes, but is typically between 30-35 minutes.
- During your first acupuncture visit, you and I will review your intake form if I need any clarification or more information. This will help me to better understand how your issues are affecting your quality of life, and what the best treatment plan will be for you specifically. We will also review your goals for treatment so I can help you understand what acupuncture can (and cannot) help with. Once the intake portion is complete, we will move on to your treatment. Your treatment time will vary depending on how long our intake takes, but is typically between 30-35 minutes.
- How should I prepare for my first visit?
- It's best to eat within two hours of each treatment, especially if you are needle sensitive or nervous. Wear loose comfortable clothing if possible. Most of the acupuncture points I use are on the limbs, back, head, and face. Though I will always ask, please let me know if there is anything new you would like to work on during your follow-up treatments. If acupuncture, gua sha, cupping, or Chinese herbs can help, I've got you! If not, I'll refer you to another practitioner that can help
- Do you take insurance?
- I do not currently take insurance. However, I can provide you with a superbill that you can send to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Please note that Medicare patients do not qualify for superbills.
- What can acupuncture help with?
- Acupuncture can help with a variety of both chronic and acute conditions. Below are some the most common conditions it is used for:
- Nausea/vomiting related to chemotherapy, radiation, medication side-effects
- Low appetite or change in appetite
- Digestive changes including bloating, reflux, constipation, diarrhea, gas
- Peripheral neuropathy in extremities (hands and feet)
- Bone pain, soft tissue pain, post-op pain, scar tissue or post-radiation pain
- Changes in sleep patterns, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, lethargy
- Mood changes including irritability, low mood, sadness, stress, anxiety, apathy
- Chronic and acute soft tissue pain, muscle tension, acute sport-related injuries
- Reproductive health including amenhorrea, dysmenorrhea, PMS, menopause, PCOS
- Chronic headaches, chronic migraines (including cluster, ocular, with or without aura, intractable and not intractable), whiplash related pain, neurological conditions
- Digestive changes including bloating, reflux, constipation, diarrhea, IBS, GERD
- Difficulty sleeping or change in sleeping pattern, fatigue, lethargy
- Chronic and acute stress, changes in mood related to hormonal health, or external stressors