Chinese Medicine is an ancient holistic therapy and a complete medical system, largely grounded on the concept of Qi – the body’s essential life force. It is also rooted in a theory of five elements (fire, earth, metal, water and wood) and the Yin and Yang. It combines science with art and philosopy as an integrative treatment program that recognizes the body as a whole. Chinese Medicine has demonstrated significant therapeutic efficacy for thousands of years, addressing the underlying cause of disease and drawing on the body’s inherent capacity to balance and heal itself.

During your first visit, we will review your medical history, create a complete plan for your treatment, and explain expected outcomes. As part of this review, we will perform pulse and tongue diagnosis, as these provide a map to the health of the meridians and organ systems of the body. Depending on what you are coming in for, your treatment plan may incorporate two or more of the modalities we offer. We will also discuss the recommended frequency of treatments in order for you to receive optimal results.

Plan to be in the office for at least 90 minutes for your first visit and please eat something light before your appointment as acupuncture is most beneficial when not on an empty stomach.

The effects of treatment vary depending on the person and are both immediate and long term. Immediately after or during a treatment, some people feel calm and restful, while others might experience a sense of euphoria. For some, the effects of acupuncture set in right away, while for others they are more pronounced after a day or two. The long term effects are to restore balance and harmony to the body, treating the underlying cause of illness and easing the associated symptoms.

Typically, the recommendation is 1-2 treatments a week for 3-6 week, depending on the symptoms and severity of the condition. After this initial set of treatments, you will usually be able to slowly reduce the frequency of treatments over time. In general, acute conditions require fewer treatments, while chronic conditions require longer, consistent treatment. However, since every patient is unique, the number and frequency of treatments will vary.

According the World Health Organization, Chinese medicine has been found to be useful in the treatment of a variety of common disorders, including but not limited to:

Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders – neck, back, shoulder and knee pain, arthritis, tendonitis, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, migraine headaches

Gastrointestinal Disorders– IBS, ulcer, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, gastritis
Respiratory Disorders – allergies, asthma, sinusitis, bronchitis, colds/flu

Gynecological Disorders – menstrual disorders, PMS, menopause, PCOS, infertility

Urogenital Disorders – stress incontinence, urinary tract infections, sexual dysfunction

Circulatory Disorders – anemia, hypertension

Autoimmune – lupus, rheumatic arthritis

Emotional and Psychological –anxiety, depression, insomnia, ADD/ADHD

Addictions – alcohol, nicotine, and drugs

Certainly. Chinese Medicine is useful even when there are no signs of illness. It can boost the immune system, helping to prevent colds and flus. It can also keep the mind calm and relaxed, reducing stress and anxiety and helping to correct any subtle imbalances before the appearance of symptoms.

Most people do not experience discomfort during Acupuncture, finding it to be a gentle treatment. Because Acupuncture needles are extra thin and flexible, insertion of the needles should be nearly painless. Some patients feel heaviness, warmth or tingling sensation around the point of insertion and/or along the meridian. However, during and after treatment, you should feel easeful and relaxed. If you are particularly sensitive to needles, communicate with us and we can make sure to be attentive to your needs during treatment.

Acupuncture needles are sterile and disposable, providing a safe, effective treatment for which side effects are very rare. Although not common, some people may experience minor bruising where the needle was inserted. However, this is not a sign of harm and should not be a cause of concern.

Yes. Acupuncture can be used on its own, in combination with other Chinese medical treatments, or in conjunction with conventional biomedicine, naturopathic or chiropractic treatments. Please inform us of other treatments you may be pursuing.

Yes. In some instances children actually respond more quickly than adults. If your child has an aversion to needles, we may instead Acupressure on the Acupuncture points or use other modalities.

Some health insurance companies do cover Acupuncture. In fact, coverage of alternative treatments like Acupuncture is becoming more and more common. You may call your provider to confirm or we are happy to verify your coverage for you.