Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture

     When most people think about Chinese Medicine they think of Acupuncture. Acupuncture is the method in which needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points along very specific meridians (aka channels). The acupuncture point prescription is carefully chosen based on my assessment of your health. The point prescription can change from treatment to treatment depending on the medical diagnosis made during each health consult.
     Please do keep in mind that a Chinese medical practitioner have training beyond acupuncture. Non-needle therapies include cupping, gua sha, massage (Tui Na), acupressure, moxibustion, nutritional & lifestyle counseling, Chinese herbal botanical medicine and supplement recommendations. Many of the times, clients will seek out Chinese Medicine when they've exhausted their efforts with standard Western Medicine. Other times, patients will receive Chinese Medicine as an adjunctive care to other types of care that they are receiving. 
     There are variety of Chinese herbal botanical medicine that are available. Chinese botanical medicine teas can be customized to your specific needs. Most commonly preferred by our clients are capsules, teas and topical medicines.  Because your Chinese medical diagnosis can change as you begin to get better or if another health condition occurs, your herbs may also need to change. 

Is it okay to get massage and acupuncture within the same day?

There is no contraindication in receiving the 2 treatments within the same day or even back to back.

Will acupuncture hurt?

It is normal if you feel very short pain from the insertion of the needle through your skin. Having said that, the needle is as thin as 1 strand of hair. Many clients who express that they have anxiety about the needles will, for the most part, not even feel the needles that are inserted. Other sensations that are normal to experience during your treatment includes: heavy, dull, achy, radiating symptoms, and a sensation that there's a needle where there actually isn't one.

How should I dress?

Come dressed in loose and comfortable clothing. A gown is provided if you need to change into a gown. During your appointment, I will explain to you about your treatment and which parts of your body she will need access to in order to treat. Only the necessary body parts will be uncovered. Do note that acupuncture points are not chosen just at the site of the problem. For example: lower back pain will not be treated with just needles local to that area.