Acupuncture improves how we govern our energy through the insertion of fine pins (about .2mm in diameter) in specific places, reprogramming the body's biorhythmic patterns. The goal is to address the root of a person's dysfunction by re-establishing proper distribution and communication of vital energy (qi). The body is then able to restore itself to optimum health. It is both a form of preventative medicine (to keep things smooth) and a form of therapy for existing chronic and acute conditions.

It is used to treat all manners of conditions, including:

pain (both chronic and acute) of any type or source

sleep disorders

weight control issues

addiction

anxiety

allergies

arthritis

asthma

auto-immune diseases

circulatory issues

chronic disease

cold and flu

depression

as an adjunct in detoxification

digestive issues

emotional instability

fatigue

fertility (male and female)

frozen shoulder

headaches

men's health

musculo-skeletal issues

neuralgia

psychosomatic disorders

stress

tension

women's health (general, fertility, pre and post natal, menopausal)

and more (please contact us if you would like to discuss a specific issue).

Different people and different parts of the body have different levels of sensitivity, but most people report that they don't hurt. Sometimes there is no feeling at all, sometimes there is a tiny pinch upon insertion. There are various methods of needling which fulfill different treatment objectives, some of which call for more stimulation. In these cases, you may feel a deeper tugging sensation while the needle is being manipulated. After the needle is withdrawn most people report that they don't feel a thing.

First visit: Generally speaking, the first treatment will take between 1 and 1.5 hours. We begin by talking about your current health condition, your goals in treatment, and your long term health goals. This is followed by a physical exam which may include: an inspection of the problem area (if it is a physical condition); palpation of some trigger points on your back or abdomen; and checking out your eyes, tongue, and pulse for diagnostic indicators. This will be followed by acupuncture treatment which may consist of one or several stages. If it seems that lifestyle factors are contributing to your ailment, we may go over some possible lifestyle changes that could help improve your wellbeing.

Return visit: A return visit usually will take between 40 minutes and 1.25 hours. It will also begin with some talking: reviewing progress or changes since the previous visit, a review of your systemic functioning, and any other concerns you may have. This will be followed by a checkup of your eyes, tongue, and pulse. Once we have established your current condition we will commence treatment.

The only thing you have to bring is yourself. As far as preparations go, I ask that you:

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes (like sweat pants and a tee-shirt or tank top). There are points all over the body, but the most often used points are on the legs up to just past the knee and on the arms up to the elbow. Clothes that can easily be rolled up (to the thigh or upper arm) will make things easier.

Eat something the day of your treatment, but no less than 1.5- 2 hours before your appointment. It is not good to be treated on a totally empty stomach, nor on a full stomach. You can eat after your appointment (though I recommend no heavy meals for a couple hours).

After your treatment, I ask that you plan on taking it easy. For at least 3 or 4 hours right after your session please try to refrain from heavy physical activity, intoxicants, bathing, and extreme weather. I want you to get the most out of your treatment and the best way to do that is to let your body integrate the new messages we give it without added stress from the above situations. Some people feel relaxed or tired after an appointment, and if you feel like you need a nap and the time is available, I encourage you to listen to your body and give yourself those few extra minutes of rest.

I ask that you try not to wear any scents to your appointment (perfume, cologne etc). This is in regard for the other patients who may be in the clinic after you, as perhaps someone may be sensitive to a particular odor that lingers after you leave.

These are hard questions to answer in a general way because there are so many variables that come into play, such as what the issue that we are addressing is, how long it has been developing, how you in particular respond to acupuncture etc. A very general guideline for chronic disorders is that for every month a disease exists, it will take a week of treatment. However, I have seen a wide range of responses. Some people walk out feeling better in one day, for others it takes much longer. I don't want to give any false expectations. However, usually I hope to see some sort of improvement in 3 to 6 treatments. That being said, most people do report some kind of improvement in their well being right away. Keep in mind that sometimes we have many layers of blockages and dysfunction wrapped up together and it can take some time to set things in order.