Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture

     A Chinese medical practitioner is trained in a variety of modalities to help bring someone out of illness and to maintain health. Among these are acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, Tui Na (massage), acupressure, moxibustion, nutritional counseling, lifestyle counseling, qi gong, and herbal prescribing. There are many forms and practices of acupuncture. I specialize in Electroacupuncture medicine. This form of acupuncture provides the most effective therapy to healing. When following the action plan provided by me, here are some of the benefits you may notice:
  • increase speed of healing and recovery
  • improve or decrease blood flow to areas of the body that needs it
  • improve immune system and decrease pathogenic load
  • improve muscle tension
  • improve joint mobility and function
  • improve internal diseases
  • Improve pain and inflammation by triggering your own body's production and release of anti-inflammatory and pain relief substances such as ACTH and beta-endorphins. Beta-endorphins are 18-33 x more potent than morphine and is non-addictive. 
  • improve soft tissue problems
  • improve the health of red blood cells
  • improve scar tissue and pain from scar tissue

Is it okay to get massage, chiropractic treatments, or physical therapy in the same day or as an adjunct therapy to acupuncture?

There is no contraindication of utilizing these 4 different types of therapies at the same time. 

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.