Acupuncture can be an extremely powerful low risk option to resolve many common health issues such as chronic or acute structural pain, digestive disturbance, insomnia, headache, PMS, depression and anxiety. Acupuncture, combined with dietary and lifestyle adjustments can also significantly improve your overall state of health. Because it is particularly effective in the management of pain, it can represent a valuable alternative to pain medication including the need for anti-inflammatory medication. In cases where the pain is severe and enduring, it can reduce the amount of pain medication required to provide relief.

The objectives are to:

• eliminate or reduce pain
• restore function
• improve overall state of health
• support the body’s ability to naturally correct its own imbalances, provides a “tipping point”

According to the World Health Organization and the National Institute of Health, acupuncture is useful in the treatment of:

• Disorders of bones, muscles, joints and nerves such as Bells’s palsy, arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, neuralgias, migraines, dizziness, low back pain, neck and shoulder pain, headaches, spine pain, sciatica, muscle spasms, facial spasm, numbness and tingling, fibromyalgia and fasciitis.
• Sleep and stress disorders such as insomnia and fatigue.
• Circulatory disorders such as hypertension, hypotension, angina, pulmonary heart disease, cardiac neurosis, palpations, atheroschlerosis, and anemia.
• Gastrointestinal disorders such as food allergies, abdominal pain, peptic ulcers, constipation, chronic diarrhea, indigestion, anorexia, gastritis, nausea and vomiting, biliary colic, dysentery, ulcerative colitis and irritable colon syndrome.
• Gynecological disorders such as irregular, heavy, or painful menses, PMS, polycystic ovary syndrome, fibrocystic breast disease, menopause, morning sickness, malposition of fetus, induction of labor, infertility, herpes zoster, hypo-ovarianism, and lactation deficiency.
• Urogenital disorders such as stress incontinence, urinary tract infections, retention of urine, renal colic, prostatitis, and sexual dysfunction.
• Respiratory disorders such as emphysema, sinusitis, bronchial asthma, whooping cough, allergies, and bronchitis.
• Endocrine disorders such as diabetes, hypo/hyperthyroidism, and obesity.
• Addictions such as alcohol, nicotine, drug and food addiction.
• Depression including depressive neurosis, chemical or otherwise.
• Skin disorders such as acne vulgaris, pruritus and neurodermatitis.
• Myofascial pain including crainomandibular disorders and temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ).
• Stroke rehabilitation.
• Postoperative pain.
• Performance enhancement such as athletic and strength assistance.
• Supportive therapy for many other chronic and painful debilitating disorders.
• Adverse reactions to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy Dental pain and temporomandibular dysfunction.

Acupuncture needles are very fine, flexible needles, no bigger around than the width of a human hair or piece of thread. The insertion of the needle is very gentle and produces little or no sensation at all. When the needle makes contact with your Chi, you may feel a “Chi” sensation such as warmth, expansion or heaviness. These are good sensations and a sign that the body is responding to the treatment. Most first time patients are surprised how comfortable and relaxed they feel during their treatment.

Your first appointment will take an hour and a half. We will discuss, in detail, your current health concerns and health history. I will also read your tongue and wrist pulses before beginning your treatment. Your return visits will take one hour. Before each treatment we will talk briefly about your progress as well as reading your tongue and pulses. Most patients rest with their needles in for 20-30 minutes.

The tongue and pulses are windows into the state of your overall health. The size, coating and moisture content of your tongue reveal information about your organ systems and their related meridians. (Please do not brush your tongue before a treatment.) Your tongue and pulses combined with your overall presentation and what you tell me create a specific picture of the kind of treatment you need that day.

Each patient is different. Acute problems tend to experience some relief right away while chronic conditions may respond more slowly. Many of the common conditions patients suffer from did not appear overnight.  Often, when the symptoms begin to interfere with daily life is when we seek treatment. Some patients respond favorably after one or two treatments. Some may not experience significant improvement until the third or fourth treatment. Complex cases may require a few treatments per week for several months for maximum results. The key to remember is that these treatments are helping your body restore necessary balance at your pace. I will always refer you to the appropriate health care professional if I don’t think acupuncture is going to provide you with the results you are looking for.

Yes! For your protection, the laws governing acupuncturists require us to follow strict safety measures regarding needles. I use only single use, sterilized needles that are manufactured, packaged and shipped in strict compliance with these laws.