Acupuncture is the insertion of extremely fine needles into specific points on the body; the body responds by activating its own natural healing ability. It is scientifically proven that acupuncture stimulates an immune response, an endorphin response, and an anesthetic response, as well as increasing circulation and softening scar tissue.

During the initial exam a full health history will be taken. Questions will be asked regarding symptoms, health and lifestyle. Your acupuncturist also may check pulses and your tongue and may conduct a physical exam. This information is then organized to create a complete, accurate and comprehensive diagnosis of where Qi has become blocked or imbalanced. After the interview process, you may receive an acupuncture treatment. Visits with your acupuncturist may last from thirty to ninety minutes.

There are twelve pulse positions on each wrist that your acupuncturist will palpate. Each position corresponds to a specific meridian and organ. Your acupuncturist will be looking for twenty-seven individual qualities that reflect overall health. If there are any problems, they may appear in the pulse.

The tongue is a map of the body. It reflects the general health of the organs and meridians. Your acupuncturist will look at the color, shape, cracks and coating on your tongue.

Herbs can be a powerful adjunct to acupuncture care. They are used to strengthen, build and support the body or to clear it of excess problems like a cold, fever or acute pain. Your practitioner may suggest starting with herbs and then adding acupuncture to your treatment in the future. This is suggested to build up your internal strength so you can receive the full benefits acupuncture has to offer.

Yes. In some instances children actually respond more quickly than adults. If your child has an aversion to needles, your acupuncturist may massage the acupuncture points. This is called acupressure or tuina.

I will work to bring you into full recovery as efficiently as possible. If your condition is acute, maybe one treatment will do. Most disorders can be resolved in 5-10 treatments, preferably 2 times a week. There is usually a steady improvement with no down time.

Rates vary and depend upon what procedures are performed. It is best to consult with your acupuncturist about costs.

Insurance coverage varies from state to state. Contact your insurance provider to learn what kind of care is covered. Here are a few questions to ask:

• Will my plan cover acupuncture?
• How many visits per calendar year?
• Do I need a referral?
• Do I have a co-pay?
• Do I have a deductible?
• If yes, has it been met?

• Write down and bring any questions you have. We are here to help you.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points.
• Do not eat large meals just before or after
  your visit.
• Refrain from overexertion, working out, drugs or alcohol for up to six hours after the visit.
• Avoid stressful situations. Make time to relax, and be sure to get plenty of rest.
• Between visits, take notes of any changes that may have occurred, such as the alleviation of pain, pain moving to other areas, or changes in the frequency and type of problems.

Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is an all-natural, drug-free therapy, yielding no side effects just feelings of relaxation and well-being. There is little danger of infection from acupuncture needles because they are sterile, used once, and then discarded.

Today, acupuncturists undertake three to four years of extensive and comprehensive graduate training at nationally certified schools. All acupuncturists must pass a national exam and meet strict guidelines to practice in every state.

Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems. Below are some of the health concerns that acupuncture can effectively treat:

In acute conditions, results can often be expected in a matter of minutes. In chronic conditions, signs of improvement should be apparent to patient and practitioner within 5 treatments.

Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that is more than 5000 years old.

Many of the patients who come to me have already been failed by traditional treatments, or are looking for a natural way to relieve their pain. Over 85% of my patients have a significant improvement and positive response to treatment.

Yes. Only the highest quality stainless steel disposable needles are used. The needles are pre-sterilized, individually packaged and disposed of after use.

Since the needles are about the thinness of a hair, insertion is often hardly felt at all.  There may be an occasional sharpness or a dull ache, but these sensations are only momentary and are far less unpleasant than a western injection.

Qi (pronounced chee) is what you feel when your body responds to the treatment. You will feel a slight tingling, tugging or pressure sensation which signifies the “arrival of Qi”. In TCM theory.  Qi is your energy system within the body, which travels along meridians or channels and controls the working of every organ system. Qi can become impaired through illness or trauma. Acupuncture directly affects this energy and restores balance to the meridians.