Who can benefit from acupuncture treatment?

The simple answer is that everyone can benefit.  Acupuncture works to heal disorders of the body, mind and spirit.  So no matter what labeled disorder or disease you are struggling with, acupuncture has a point for that!  Additionally, anyone can benefit from acupuncture treatment without having a named illness. Instead, you may simply have a general awareness that you don’t feel well, or could somehow feel better.  Acupuncture will encourage you back to balance so that peace, ease and harmony can be restored.  Acupuncture has also proven to be helpful where other treatments have been unsuccessful.  Is it a very safe, natural treatment to use in conjunction with other forms of treatment and powerful on its own.  Acupuncture has been effective in treating a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Disorders of the body              Disorders of the Mind                     Disorders of the spirit

​Chronic pain                                                   Depression                                                              Lack of creativity
Arthritis                                                           Anxiety                                                                     Heartbreak
Headaches & migraines                               Insomnia                                                                  Joylessness
Digestive disorders                                       Excessive Worry                                                      Lack of self esteem
Menstrual disorders                                     Stress related symptoms                                       Irritability
Chronic Fatigue                                             Lack of focus                                                            Hopelessness
Allergies                                                          Lack of concentration                                            Debilitating fear         

Fibromyalgia                                                  Poor memory                                                          Feeling of being stuck
Immune deficiency disorders                     Difficulty making decisions                                   Disconnected
Chemotherapy side effects                         Addictions                                                                Lack of will
Recovery from surgery                                Paranoia                                                                   Obsession

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​How Many Treatments Will I Need?

The frequency and number of treatments differ from person to person. Ideally, you will be seen in weekly, one-hour sessions for 6-8 visits. During this time, significant signs of progress will likely appear. Some people experience dramatic relief in the first treatment. For complex or long-standing chronic conditions, more treatments may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer treatments are required. An individualized treatment plan that includes the expected number of treatments will be discussed during your initial visit. As patients experience improvement in their condition and enjoy a greater sense of ease in life, treatments may be extended to every other week, every three weeks, monthly and eventually seasonally. In general, you should expect to feel better with only a few treatments.

What Happens During An Appointment?

The first appointment is a two-hour consultation which includes the first treatment. During this visit, we will speak at length about your health concerns and address any questions you may have about acupuncture and the healing process. We will also discuss your health and personal histories in detail. We will look at your tongue, feel your pulse and conduct a brief physical assessment. This will be followed by the first needle treatment. The primary goal of the first appointment will be to assess and diagnose the underlying imbalances that have led to your current condition. Each following acupuncture treatment will be uniquely designed to address your particular imbalances and how they show up. We will discuss how you've been feeling since your last treatment and assess how your symptoms are progressing. We will also put together a treatment plan that may include lifestyle coaching and nutritional suggestions to help your body heal and prevent future symptoms. Overall, each visit will be a space for deep listening of your concerns and a dedicated partnership for your healing.

What are the benefits from acupuncture?

The benefits from acupuncture can range anywhere from complete clearing of your symptoms to deep personal transformation. After treatment, most patients feel very relaxed and they report sleeping much better. They experience total or partial relief of their symptoms and report an overall sense of greater well-being and peace. Other common benefits from treatment are decreased frequency of illness, fewer use of medications, increased vitality and stamina, reduction of stress, quicker recovery from illness, increased clarity and focus, more harmonious personal and professional relationships and an increased ability to take care of one's own health.

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Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?

No. Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses and other animals. These animal patients do not understand or believe in the process that helps them get better. A positive attitude toward wellness may reinforce the effects of the treatment received, just as a negative attitude may hinder the effects of acupuncture or any other treatment. A neutral attitude ("I don't know if I really believe in this.") will not block the treatment results.

Is acupuncture Safe?

Absolutely.  I use FDA-approved, single-use, sterilized needles. After your treatment, the needles are properly disposed of and never used again.  I am also nationally certified in Clean Needle Technique by the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CCAOM). Acupuncture is safe and effective. Rarely, if ever, are there any "side-effects". At most, a small bruise around a needling site may occur. If you ever have any concerns or questions, please just ask.