Acupuncture is the oldest, continuously practiced medicine in the world. Developed in China thousands of years ago, this simple medicine has continued to evolve and is effective in treating many modern-day ailments, from chronic pain to insomnia, depression to acid reflux. Tiny needles at well-chosen points can provide powerful healing – healing that goes far beyond the removal or masking of symptoms. All treatments are tailored to the individual and are designed to treat the root cause by re-establishing harmony within the body’s energy systems.
Illness and dis-ease, in all their forms, can often be an opportunity for profound healing and growth. When we look at our symptoms with curiosity instead of immediately silencing them in some way, we can learn from them how to live our best lives and go beyond simply getting by to thriving.
At your first visit we’ll discuss your current health, your medical and social history, and your treatment goals. I’ll listen to your pulse and look at your tongue, which tells me a lot more about what may be going on! The first session lasts about an hour and a half and also includes your first treatment. Most people, even those with an aversion to needles, are completely fine with acupuncture needles. They are small, slender and flexible, about the width of a few human hairs. Sensations can include nothing at all, a slight tingling, a dull ache and rarely, a momentary sting. Oftentimes the needles are left in for about twenty to thirty minutes while you rest quietly. Most people find the experience deeply relaxing!
This medicine is cumulative – sometimes people will have a dramatic shift immediately, and more often changes occur over a handful of treatments. Weekly sessions for about six to eight weeks will usually result in signs of progress. After that treatments can be spaced out to two weeks, three weeks, four weeks and eventually seasonally or whenever your body needs a tune-up.