Live a Pain-Free Life with Our Acupuncture Therapies
Acupuncture can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to:
- Chronic pain (e.g., back pain, neck pain, joint pain)
- Headaches and migraines
- Anxiety and depression
- Insomnia
- Digestive issues (e.g., IBS, acid reflux)
- Women's health concerns (e.g., menstrual cramps, fertility issues)
- Respiratory problems (e.g., allergies, asthma)
- Neurological disorders (e.g., neuropathy, stroke recovery)
- Addiction (e.g., smoking cessation)
- Side effects of cancer treatment (e.g., nausea, fatigue)
Acupuncture may also be helpful for other chronic and painful conditions with no clear explanation or origin.
Acupuncture has a rich history that goes back over 2,000 years and aims to restore the body's natural balance and energy flow. From a modern Western medical perspective, acupuncture works by inserting needles into specific points to stimulate the nervous system and trigger the release of biochemicals such as endorphins, neurotransmitters, and immune system cells in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals not only relieve pain but also regulate involuntary bodily functions such as blood flow, immune responses, digestion, and body temperature. By influencing the nervous system and bodily functions, acupuncture can promote natural healing and self-regulation of the body.
At your first visit to an acupuncturist, you can expect a thorough evaluation of your health history and a detailed investigation of your main health concern. The acupuncturist will perform a physical examination to determine the best course of treatment, which may include acupuncture and other techniques such as cupping, bodywork, electro-stimulation, or moxibustion. This initial evaluation may take up to 60 minutes to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific health condition while focusing on your main concern. Subsequent treatments will be adjusted according to your progress and typically last between 30 to 45 minutes.
To prepare for an acupuncture treatment, it is recommended to wear loose and comfortable clothing that allows easy access to acupuncture points. If needed, the clinic provides gowns and towels. It's best to have a light meal before the treatment and stay hydrated, while minimizing caffeine intake as it may increase sensitivity to needles. After the treatment, it's advised to avoid overexertion, drugs, or alcohol for up to six hours and to take time to relax and rest as needed. It's important to take note of any changes that occur between visits, such as pain alleviation, changes in symptoms or frequency, or pain moving to other areas.
Acupuncture is a unique experience for each individual. In most cases, acupuncture is not painful or causes minimal discomfort. Unlike hypodermic needles used for injections, acupuncture needles are thin and solid, resulting in very little pain. During the insertion of needles, some people may feel a quick twinge, followed by sensations of tingling, numbness, warmth, or heaviness, which is a desired effect and should not cause discomfort. Many patients feel so relaxed during an acupuncture treatment that they fall asleep. The needles typically remain in place for 15 to 40 minutes, depending on the patient and the overall treatment plan. At the end of the session, the acupuncturist removes the needles quickly. Symptom relief may occur immediately after treatment or within a few days. For complex or longstanding complaints, multiple treatments may be necessary.
The benefits of acupuncture may be felt immediately after the first treatment. However, acupuncture is a process that builds on itself and works towards restoring the body to a state of health. As treatment progresses, the length of time that its effects last may increase.
The frequency of acupuncture treatment varies depending on the nature and severity of the patient's condition, as well as their overall health, constitution, and lifestyle. Acute conditions may require frequent sessions in the beginning, followed by a gradual decrease in frequency as the condition improves. Chronic conditions generally take longer to resolve and may require more frequent treatments over a longer period.
In general, patients may begin with weekly or bi-weekly sessions and then gradually reduce the frequency of treatments as their condition improves. However, some patients may benefit from more frequent treatments or periodic "tune-up" sessions to maintain their health and wellbeing.
Ultimately, the frequency of acupuncture treatment is determined on a case-by-case basis by the acupuncturist, who will work closely with you to develop a customized treatment plan that meets their individual needs and goals.
Acupuncture is often used to treat pain, including chronic pain, acute pain, and pain associated with specific conditions or injuries. Acupuncture can help to reduce pain by stimulating the body's natural healing response and promoting the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals, such as endorphins. It may also help to reduce inflammation and improve circulation, which can contribute to pain relief.
Many people find acupuncture to be a helpful complementary therapy for pain management, particularly for conditions that may not respond well to other treatments or medications. Acupuncture has been used to treat a wide range of pain conditions, including back pain, neck pain, headaches, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia.
At Be Well With Acupuncture, our licensed acupuncturist has completed an extensive 4-year master's degree program plus a first-professional doctorate that includes over 4,000 hours of evidence-based research, classroom, and extensive clinical training, plus annual continuing education in acupuncture. Additionally, they have passed a rigorous national board examination administered by the National Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) as well as the California Licensing exam (CALE). In contrast, other healthcare practitioners, such as chiropractors, medical doctors, or physical therapists, may only have as little as 10 hours of training in acupuncture or dry needling. While they may offer acupuncture as a part of their practice, licensed acupuncturists use acupuncture and its underlying theories as their primary therapy, allowing them to provide expert, effective, and comprehensive acupuncture treatment to patients.
Cupping involves placing cups on the skin to create a suction effect. The suction created by the cups draws the skin and underlying tissue upward, promoting blood and fluid circulation to underlying layers. Cupping therapy is often used to treat pain. It may also be used to treat respiratory conditions, such as asthma and bronchitis, and to improve digestion and circulation. Cupping therapy is also believed to have a calming and relaxing effect on the body, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
During a cupping therapy session, the cups are typically left in place for several minutes, and may be moved around to target specific areas of the body. The suction created by the cups can cause temporary marks on the skin, which may look like bruises, but these usually disappear within a few days. Cupping therapy can be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with other forms of therapy, such as acupuncture or massage. It is important to seek out a qualified and experienced practitioner for cupping therapy to ensure its safety and effectiveness.
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy that involves burning dried mugwort (moxa) near or on the skin. The heat generated from the burning mugwort is believed to stimulate the body's natural healing processes and promote overall health and well-being.
Moxibustion can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, arthritis, digestive disorders, respiratory conditions, menstrual cramps, and infertility. It is also believed to boost the immune system, improve blood circulation, and alleviate stress and anxiety. Patients who receive moxa treatment will experience a warm, pleasant sensation that penetrates deep into the skin, with no pain, blistering, or scarring.
Infrared heat therapy is a type of therapy that uses infrared light to generate heat in the body. This is typically done using special lamps, mats, or saunas that emit infrared radiation. The heat generated by infrared therapy is believed to have several benefits for the body.
One of the primary benefits of infrared heat therapy is improved circulation. The heat causes blood vessels to dilate, which can increase blood flow to the area being treated. This can help to deliver oxygen and nutrients to cells more effectively, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.Other potential benefits of infrared heat therapy include pain relief, relaxation, and improved skin health. It may also be helpful for conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a non-invasive therapy that uses low-level light therapy to stimulate cellular function and promote healing. It involves exposing the body to specific wavelengths of light, typically in the red and near-infrared spectrum.
When these wavelengths of light penetrate the skin, they are absorbed by the mitochondria in the cells, which helps to increase ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production. ATP is the energy currency of the body and is needed for cellular repair and regeneration.
PBM has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
Pain management: PBM has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation in conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and neuropathy.
Skin conditions: PBM has been used to improve skin tone, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and treat acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
Wound healing: PBM can help speed up the healing process of wounds and injuries, such as cuts, bruises, and sprains.
Sports performance: PBM has been used to enhance athletic performance, reduce muscle fatigue and soreness, and aid in post-workout recovery.
PBM is a safe and non-invasive therapy, and many people find it to be a helpful complementary therapy for managing their symptoms and improving their overall well-being.
Gua sha is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool to improve circulation and promote healing. The term "gua sha" means "scraping sand" in Chinese, and it refers to the sand-like red spots that appear on the skin after the treatment.
During a gua sha session, the practitioner applies a lubricant to the skin and then uses a specialized tool to scrape the skin in long strokes, usually along the muscles or meridians. The pressure and speed of the strokes vary depending on the individual's condition and tolerance.
Gua sha is used to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation. It can also be used to treat a variety of conditions, including muscle pain, tension headaches, migraines, and respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis. Additionally, gua sha is sometimes used to improve the appearance of the skin, by reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and promoting lymphatic drainage.
If your insurance policy covers acupuncture, we can provide you with the required documentation, such as a superbill, for reimbursement purposes. You can also use your healthcare savings account, flexible spending account, or healthcare reimbursement account to pay for acupuncture services. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any inquiries about pricing or payment alternatives for acupuncture.
- Consultation (30 minutes) - $50
- Initial exam plus treatment: $125
- Individual follow-up treatment: $100
- 4 Session treatment plan: $350
- 8 Session treatment plan: $600