How Can Acupuncture Help Me?

Acupuncture, under the scope of Chinese medicine, is a very broad and adaptive medicine which allows me to treat patients with a wide range of conditions, successfully. More than treating your everyday aches and pains, many people are surprised to learn that Classical Chinese medicine can provide the context for a deep and profound personal transformation. Often the reason people come to see me is but one expression of an underlying pattern, treating this fundamental imbalance alleviates the multitude of symptoms as well as the original cause. Someone will come see me for migraines but we end up also resolving her digestive issues and insomnia.

Chinese medicine is all about creating health, more than treating specific symptoms. How can we shift your biological responses to be more refined, healthier and harmonized is the goal. If you’re curious whether or not acupuncture can help you with that, chances are, it most likely can. Let’s leave emergency care to Western medicine but most other conditions are effectively supported with Eastern medicine. From high blood pressure to sciatica, anxiety to digestive issues - you can find support with Chinese medicine. Feel free to email me with questions or set up a free consultation.

How Do I prepare for My Appointment?

It’s best to not to arrive on an empty stomach or after a large meal, avoid caffeine, alcohol or sexual activity just prior to your appointment. Avoid scheduling your appointment around any strenuous activity, or rushing back to work.

Feel free to wear or bring loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.

Please bring any relevant blood work, lists of medications and supplements, imaging and other medical documents.

Don’t forget to turn off your cell phone!

Is Acupuncture Safe During Pregnancy?

Absolutely. Acupuncture is a safe and effective way to alleviate pregnancy symptoms such as:

Nausea / Morning Sickness

Heartburn

Fatigue

Low Back Pain

Sciatica

Headaches

Insomnia

Chinese medicine, namely Moxabustion, can also help with turning a breech baby, and promote a more efficient labor overall. Acupressure is an amazing alternative for mom’s who prefer to avoid needles.

How Does an Acupuncturist Make a Diagnosis?

Our main diagnostic tools include examination of the tongue, reading the pulses, listening to the heart rate and breath and to the stories of how you got here. We consider these to be The Four Pillars of Chinese Medical Diagnosis: Look, Listen/Smell, Ask, and Palpation. Depending on the issue, we draw from a wide scope of diagnostic practices:

Orthopedic Evaluation 

Neurological Testing

Abdominal Palpation

Channel Palpation

Facial Diagnosis

Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis 

Does it Hurt?

Generally, most of my patients take a nap during the session. Pain is not a common effect of acupuncture, although it’s normal to feel varying sensations during your treatment - such as a dull ache, movement, a warming or tingling feeling at the insertion site. It's common to feel some points more than others, depending on the location and level of sensitivity.

We’ve developed many ways to bring comfort to those of us who are afraid - such as breathing techniques. I find patients feel more relaxed when I walk them through the whole process, showing and demonstrating how it works.

Do You Accept Insurance?

Not yet! However, I’m happy to provide patients with receipts to submit to insurance providers until I do.