Acupuncture —

During your acupuncture treatment, very thin needles are inserted into strategically-selected areas known as “acupuncture points” on the body and either left in place or gently manipulated to elicit a sensation within the muscle. Acupuncture points are chosen based on traditional Chinese medical theory, which uses a combination of diagnostic techniques such as a detailed health intake, physical assessment, palpation, and examining the pulse and tongue, to determine which of the body’s energetic channels (or “meridians”) are experiencing a disharmony. The needles can sometimes be felt on insertion and you may temporarily experience a dull ache once the needle is under the skin. I will ask for feedback throughout the treatment to ensure your comfort.

Once needles are inserted, the person is given space to relax quietly for 20-30 minutes, during which time they may experience a pleasant feeling of “tingling” or “buzzing” around the needles and elsewhere on the body. It is also common for a person to experience heaviness, warmth, or no sensation whatsoever. There is no right or wrong way to experience the treatment and you may find the sensations vary from appointment to appointment.

For more about how acupuncturists use traditional Chinese medicine to identify and treat root causes of pain and disease, click here.

Acupuncture Offerings

Private Acupuncture Sessions

Private, one-on-one acupuncture sessions take place at my office on 5318 Patterson Avenue. Initial sessions are 75 minutes and follow up sessions are 55 minutes. Cupping, trigger point, and traditional acupuncture needling styles are included in private sessions. For rates, view my pricing page.

Community Acupuncture at Vital Qi

Semi-private group acupuncture sessions are available for booking Fridays and Saturdays at Vital Qi, located on 6 South Robinson Street in The Fan. Appointments are approximately 45 minutes and $65, with payment assistance available.