Ancient wisdom for modern life 

Acupuncture is a natural healing system that has developed over thousands of years as part of the traditional medicine in China, Japan, and other Asian countries. It focuses on accessing the body’s energy systems to restore and maintain health of the mind, body and spirit. Today there are over 3 million acupuncture practitioners worldwide.

Acupuncture is a gentle and effective method of stimulating the body to heal itself. Our health depends on the balanced functioning of our body’s Qi (vital energy). When we are in optimum health, our Qi, or life force, flows harmoniously through our body along a system of pathways called meridians. Illness arises when the flow of energy becomes disturbed in one or more meridian and manifests in a diverse array of symptoms. Acupuncturists focus on creating a smooth flow of Qi through the body by inserting thin needles into specific points on a meridian called acupoints. In this way, imbalances or obstructions of energy in the meridians are corrected and associated symptoms are resolved.

The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system.

The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.

Investment

Initial Consultation & Treatment - $130 (90 minutes)

Followup Treatment - $100 (60 minutes)

Cosmetic Acupuncture - $150 (90 minutes)

Community Acupuncture - Sliding scale $25-$45

Extended Medical coverage available. Please check with providers.

Needling

Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing to improve functioning. Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin stainless steel needles through the skin at strategic points on the body. The point of the acupuncture needle is smooth, unlike hypodermic needles that are hollow with cutting edges. Application of heat or electrostimulation can also be employed if warranted.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion is a form of heat treatment which involves burning the Chinese herb Moxa (otherwise known as Mugwort or artemesia vulgaris), on or above the skin at acupuncture points. The burning of moxa expels cold and warms the meridians which activates the Qi and Blood of the body. It is effective for the treatment of disease or general health maintenance. Moxibustion is very useful if the patient is a typically cold person or if cold has invaded the body. It is effective for a wide variety of conditions such as: muscular pain, menstrual cramps, turning a breech baby, colds and the flu, asthma, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disturbances.

Cupping

In a typical cupping session, glass cups are warmed using a cotton ball soaked in alcohol then placed inside the cup. Burning a substance inside the cup removes all the oxygen, which creates a vacuum. As the substance burns, the cup is turned upside-down so that the practitioner can place the cup over a specific area on the patient's body. The vacuum anchors the cup to the skin and pulls it upward on the inside of the glass as the air inside the jar cools. Drawing up the skin is believed to open up the skin’s pores, which helps to stimulate the flow of blood, balance and realign the flow of qi, break up obstructions, and create an avenue for toxins to be drawn out of the body. It is a very relaxing experience and is effective for back pain and general stiffness in the body.

Dietary Therapy

The premise behind this therapy is that food is medicine. In Chinese medicine, there is no such thing as good and bad foods, rather diet is highly individualized depending on the needs of the particular individual. Factors such as personal constitution, lifestyle, environment, and season are all taken into consideration when prescribing a dietary therapy plan. In many cases, herbal therapy and supplements are not necessary if dietary changes are employed.