Do the needles hurt?

Acupuncture needles are hair-fine, and meant to maneuver around underlying tissues. They are tapped in very gently, using a guide tube. Most likely, the only thing you feel is the pressure of the guide tube lining up on your skin over the acupuncture point. They come in sterile packs, are one-time use, and disposed of in a Sharps container immediately after use.

What is a typical session like?

First, we establish your top complaint. Pulse and tongue diagnostics are an important part of Chinese medicine, so we look at these next. These results lead us to a “differential diagnosis”, which I am always happy to share. You will lie on my work table and, hopefully, relax, while needles are gently inserted in your arms, legs, stomach, or shoulders (typically). Depending on our diagnosis, needles may be inserted in your scalp or ears. 


How long does it take?

The full cycle of the flow of energy, or qi, can take up to 45 minutes through the entire body. You may feel fully “percolated” after 10 or 20 minutes. 

What do I wear?

Please wear loose clothing that allows access to your arms and legs.


How is manual therapy incorporated?

Usually the treatment starts with palpation of trigger points which are then needled.  I stimulate the needles to provide release of the tissue.  They are doing internal work for us.  This is followed by deep tissue manipulation of your injury or area of chronic pain. This is the external portion of your treatment.  I typically work all the muscles affected, mostly surrounding a specific joint.  During this time, we investigate together chronic habits that may be inhibiting recovery.  This is an amazing treatment, where people literally feel pain melt away.

What is Neuro-acupuncture?

This is used for traumatic brain injury, stroke, neurological disease, fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, etc. It is a specialized training I am currently enrolled in from Drs. Jason and Linda Hao, in New Mexico. They are pioneers in this modern technology and have been practicing for 35 years. Traditional acupuncture techniques are applied to the scalp above regions and lobes of the brain corresponding to current neuroscience. For more information, please visit: neuro-acupuncture.org or scalpacupuncture.info

How many treatments will I need?

When first starting, we are aiming for RELIEF. As symptoms are relieved, we aim for maintenance. Results begin at your first visit. During your course of therapy, the relief of symptoms and the length of time of increased wellness will improve, until your body holds the changes on its own. If a condition has become chronic, it will take more treatments. Some patients opt to visit only during flare-ups, while others prefer to maintain homeostasis through regular visits.