Acupuncture is not a miracle cure, nor a "quick fix." Some patients may experience immediate results, while other may not notice any progress until later in the course of treatment. It is important to remember that acupuncture addresses the underlying cause of a problem rather than fixing a symptom. It often takes time to have an effect and, therefore, requires trust and acceptance of as well as commitment to the process of healing.

Yes.

Traditional Oriental medicine views the body as a dynamic energy system in which qi (pronounced "chee") flows throughout the body along pathways called meridians -- also called channels. If the energy flow gets blocked for some reason, we experience illness and pain.

There are a number of reasons. Poor nutrition, trauma, medications, emotional distress and high levels of stress can cause imbalances.

Research indicates that acupuncture and acutherapies are beneficial in treating many health conditions, relieving pain and calming the nervous system. They help alleviate the symptoms associated with many conditions, as well as side effects of medications. The National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization recognize acupuncture's effectiveness in treating more than 40 disorders.
Links from the World Health Organization and the National Institute of Health about acupuncture's effectiveness:
WHO
NIH

Acutherapy has a calming effect on the nervous system and helps alleviate symptoms associated with these conditions. Auricular (ear) acupuncture and needle-free auricular acupuncture have been particularly helpful as complementary treatments for clients with ADD and ADHD. Because the effects of acutherapy are cumulative, clients benefit from treatments over time.

People respond to acutherapy differently. In general, however, most people experience some change within five treatments. Acutherapy usually provides relief in a short period of time for people who have acute conditions -- conditions that don't last long and have sudden onsets. People with longer lasting, persistent and often recurring chronic conditions usually see results over time with continued treatments.

The average acupuncture program requires three to four years of rigorous study. Typically, a licensed acupuncturist has earned a degree from an accredited college and passed the national certification exams administered by the National Commission for Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, NCCAOM.  Once licensed, Acupuncturists maintain their licenses by taking authorized continuing education courses. Click here (pdf) to learn more.

No. Traditional Chinese medicine is not part of a religious or spiritual practice.

No. As with any form of treatment, there are no guarantees.

No. This is not faith-based medicine or healing. You don't even have to believe in the underlying energy flow theory of traditional Oriental medicine to receive the benefits.

Traditional Oriental medicine (also called traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM) is a different way of looking at the body and treating illness. Unlike Western medicine, TCM pays close attention to the many factors that contribute to your health and wellbeing. We take all those factors into consideration to build the "big picture" and create a personal therapeutic regimen that promotes overall health and wellness.

Different styles of acupuncture and acutherapy treat some conditions more effectively than others. For example, some physicians and chiropractors use a style of medical acupuncture that is primarily helpful for treating musculo-skeletal pain. However, a more holistic approach is needed to treat an internal imbalance, such as irritable bowel syndrome, hypertension and other conditions. Licensed acupuncturists are trained to diagnose conditions within the wider framework of traditional Chinese medicine, making it possible to treat a full range of disorders.

Yes, but we are Out-of-Network.  Please check with your insurance carrier to see if acupuncture by a Licensed Acupuncturist is a covered benefit. If acupuncture is covered we will submit a superbill on your behalf for reimbersement directly back to you. Payment in full is expected at time of service.

Meridians -- also known as channels -- are a network of pathways that carry qi (energy), blood and fluids around the body. They are lines of communication that link all parts of the body, creating a unified whole. There are specific acupoints along the meridians. Practitioners stimulate these acupoints to promote health and wellness.

This Oriental medicine technique emphasizes specific movements and breathing exercises to direct and cultivate the flow of qi (energy) to improve health and vitality.

Yin and yang are abstract concepts that describe how pairs of natural opposites are actually interconnected, constantly interacting and dependent on one another. Examples of opposites are sun and moon, day and night, male and female, hot and cold, dry and wet, etc. Traditional Oriental medicine practitioners use these principles to address imbalances in the body and restore health.