Services
Acupuncture
Acupuncture uses thin, sterile, single-use needles placed at points your acupuncturist chooses after listening to you and checking your tongue and pulse.
People of many ages come in. Some arrive with a tight back or neck after a long week at work, some with headaches that return or nights of poor sleep, and some because a neighbor or relative sent them. Many come for herbs and add needles later.
A visit, in order
Afterward you may feel relaxed, sleepy or lightly sore, and a small bruise can show up at a needle site.
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Step 1: We talk
Your acupuncturist asks about your health, your sleep, your digestion and what you take, then looks at your tongue and feels your pulse.
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Step 2: You get comfortable
You lie on a padded table, dressed or draped. Loose clothing that rolls above the knee and the elbow is enough.
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Step 3: The needles go in
A few needles are placed and left in for about 20 to 30 minutes. Most people feel a brief pinch or a dull ache. Tell us if anything is uncomfortable.
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Step 4: You rest
The room is quiet and your acupuncturist checks in. When the needles are out we talk about what comes next, including a formula if you would like one.
Tell us first
Say these before we begin
Say any of these when you book, and again in the room.
Pregnancy
If you are or might be pregnant, some points are avoided and your acupuncturist explains the risks.
Blood thinners
If you take a blood thinner, bruising and bleeding at a needle site are more likely.
A bleeding disorder
Tell us if you bleed or bruise easily, so we can plan the visit around it.
A pacemaker or implant
Some visits pass a small electrical current through the needles, which is not suitable with a pacemaker.
Lymph nodes removed
If you have had lymph nodes removed, we keep needles out of that arm or leg.
Worry about needles
Say so. We can begin with cupping, warmth or herbs, or go very slowly, and you can stop at any time.
How many visits, and what this does not do
Your acupuncturist suggests a plan after the first visit and looks at it again as you go. It depends on what you come in for and how you feel, and it is a plan, not a promise.
What acupuncture does not do
It does not replace your doctor, your medicines or emergency care, and we cannot promise a result. If a visit is not helping, we say so.
When to see a doctor instead
Go to your doctor first, or call 911, for chest pain, trouble breathing, a sudden severe headache, weakness or numbness on one side, a high fever or pain that is getting worse and wakes you at night. If you are not sure, call us and we will tell you plainly.
Next step
Ask about acupuncture
Tell us how to reach you and when you are free. We call back to find a time.