Acupuncture works by using needles to access the Qi (pronounced “chee”) or vital energy at acupoints, and manipulating that energy in specific ways. One can either supplement, drain, or move the Qi in order to restore the proper flow of energy through the meridians (pathways for Qi) in the body.
We frequently use electroacupuncture, especially for pain and fertility enhancement. We have many years of experience using this evidence-based modality to help with neuromuscular conditions as well as fertility diagnoses like impaired uterine blood-flow, thin uterine lining, and anovulation in PCOS.
Experience matters when it comes to acupuncture! While generally safe, needling performed by providers without acupuncture training (ie, chiropractors and Physical Therapists who practice “Dry Needling,” with very few hours of training) can lead to injury. Licensed acupuncturists receive thousands of hours of academic and clinical training, and practitioners with many years of experience, like our providers, know how to get the best results without a heavy hand, thick needles, or painful insertion.
As seasoned practitioners, we can also perform what’s popularly known as “Dry Needling” as well. Basically, dry needling is a trigger point acupuncture strategy which we use to resolve musculo-skeletal issues like knots, spasms, and chronic pain. We combine dry needling with TCM-style acupuncture, massage, cupping, gua sha, herbs, and/or supplements to provide holistic, long-lasting results to resolve your pain.
Acupuncture Rates
Initial Visit & Treatment
Follow-up Treatments
8-Visit Package
On-Site Acupuncture
Your Acupuncture Treatment
When you come for an initial visit, we spend 45 minutes or so going over your health history and intake, discussing current health concerns, and making a diagnosis. After that, you’ll lie on the table where we take your pulses, check your tongue (all part of Chinese medicine diagnosis), and create a strategy for needle placement. We may also integrate cupping, massage, gua sha, moxibustion, and electro-acupuncture into your treatment. Then we’ll insert needles, checking in with you as we go to make you feel as comfortable as possible.
After needles are placed, you will rest for 20-30 minutes with the needles retained while you listen to soothing music or a guided meditation. Our tables are equipped with extra padding and table warmer and we use wonderful TDP far infrared heat to warm body parts or treat pain as needed. Red light therapy is available as an add-on as well!
When Jane started to practice in the 1990s, acupuncture was still considered very “alternative” (or maybe even full-on woo!). Over the past two decades, more and more research and outcome studies have been published, especially in the area of infertility and women’s health. Many hospitals now integrate acupuncture into their services and doctors routinely refer their patients to us. One of our favorite studies by a colleague and friend investigated how “Whole Systems TCM” impacts fertility outcomes. Some other great resources where you can find the down-low on acupuncture research include Evidence Based Acupuncture and Jane Lyttleton’s wonderful Research & Reviews webpage, which highlights many studies on acupuncture for fertility, women’s health, and in pregnancy.
Common Questions about Acupuncture
Here are some common questions regarding acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Please visit our clinic info page for rates, hours, and clinic policies.
What are the needles like?
Acupuncture needles are far different from the hypodermic needle used to give injections. The needles are solid and are inserted into the skin from 1/8 to several inches deep. They are pre-sterilized, individually packaged, disposable needles, absolutely insuring that there is no contamination or transmission of disease possible. They are usually painless upon insertion, but you may feel a slight pricking, numbness, heaviness, or distended sensation in the area around the needle when it is planted. The sensations usually last only a moment.
What are acupuncture points and meridians?
Acupuncture points are those areas on the body that have been shown to have an influence on pain or body function when stimulated by a needle, pressure, or heat. These points are quite small, and exact location is important for attaining maximum benefit from a given treatment. By inserting needles into points on the meridian pathways, the normal flow of energy may be restored and balanced. The points are organized into twelve classic meridians which are named after the organ systems to which they correspond. There are also eight extra meridians which have distinct functions and address specific conditions.
How many treatments are necessary?
It is usually recommended that a series of 8-12 treatments be given, initially, especially for fertility patients. However, every case is unique, and some (like pain) can be resolved in only one or two treatments. We will be happy to discuss your case and treatment plan with you frankly and in detail.
What are the side effects of acupuncture?
One of the greatest advantages of acupuncture is the absence of serious side effects associated with its use. Rarely, there may be some slight bruising around the area where a needle was placed.
How long does a treatment take?
The initial visit lasts one and a half hours due to the time required for the extensive intake questions and acupuncture treatment. Follow-up treatments take only one hour.