What is Acupuncture?
Several thousand years ago, East Asian practitioners discovered that the body forms disharmonies as a result of the various physical and mental stresses of life. Oriental medical theory explains these disharmonies as an imbalance of opposing forces called yin and yang. This imbalance disrupts the movement of the body's vital energy (qi) along the meridian pathways, which are channels through which the body's energy is thought to flow. Acupuncture restores the smooth flow of qi. By inserting and manipulating needles at specific points on the body, I am able to return the body to its natural balance and promote the body's ability to heal itself.
Does it hurt?
Many first-time patients are concerned that acupuncture needles will feel like hypodermic injections at the doctor’s office. They won't. Acupuncture uses hair-thin, flexible needles. When I gently stimulate the needles they may produce a unique sensation that Oriental medicine calls de qi. Patients often describe de qi as a heavy, achy pressure, or spreading, traveling feeling. You may also feel an "electrical" sensation moving down the meridian pathways, though this is less common. Most patients find these acupuncture sensations deeply satisfying and leave the treatment feeling relaxed both mentally and physically.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The benefits of acupuncture are cumulative, so more then one treatment is necessary. For acute conditions you can expect to have 5 to 10 treatments, but you will usually begin to feel relief after just the first few. Chronic conditions may take longer to respond, depending on the type, severity, and duration of the condition. Preventative treatments and treatments for general well-being may also be scheduled on an as-needed basis.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Yes. Acupuncture is used by millions of Americans every year. My extensitive three year post-graduate training at the New England School of Acupuncture included detailed study of human anatomy and physiology and over 800 hours of clinical internship hours in the student clinic and satellite clinics within Boston area hospitals and community heath centers. I have certification in Clean Needle Technique and have passed comprehensive national board examinations administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). I am licensed by the Massachusestts Board of Registration in Medicine. As required by law, I use pre-sterilized, disposable, single-use needles to ensure your safety.
Your First Visit
Before you arrive for your first acupuncture appointment, I will ask you to complete a comprehensive intake form. The acupuncture intake form asks questions about your current state of health, past illnesses, and family history. These questions are important because the holistic approach of Oriental medicine takes everything into account. Your current symptoms may not seem related to past health issues, but our bodies are complex landscapes and everything that happens to them leaves its mark.
At the begining of the session, we will review your intake form and discuss your condition. At this time, I will be asking many questions to formulate a diagnosis and treatment strategy. I will also examine your pulse and tongue, which are two of the basic diagnostic methods of Oriental medicine. The acupuncture points I choose will depend on your condition and I will gently guide you through the process of needling. Once the needles are inserted, I will leave you to lie comfortably with the needles in place. Many people find acupuncture treatment deeply relaxing, and it is not uncommon for patients to fall asleep during this time.
What Can Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture works by activating the body's own healing powers, so it can be beneficial for many health conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) has documented many symptoms, diseases, and conditions that have been shown in controlled clinical trials to be effectively treated with acupuncture. Below are some common conditions I can treat, but please feel free to contact me about your specific health condition.
Pain-Orthopedic
- Sports injuries
- Muscle pain
- Back, neck and shoulder pain
- Leg, ankle and foot pain
- Arm, wrist and hand pain
- Knee pain
- Hip pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tennis Elbow
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Jaw pain (TMJ)
- Dental pain
- Sciatica
- Arthritis
- Tendonitis
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Headaches and migraines
Digestive Issues
- Heartburn, Acid Reflux
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Chronic indigestion
- Loose stools or constipation
- Peptic ulcer
- Acute and chronic gastritis
- Nausea and vomiting
- bloating
Miscellaneous
- Chronic fatigue
- fibromyalgia
Respiratory
- Sinusitis
- Allergies
- Cough
- Shortness of Breath
- Shallow Breathing
- Common Cold
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Depression
- PTSD
- Addictions
Pre-Post Operation
- pre-op anxiety
- assisting optimal scar repair
- post-op pain
- post-op mobility
Ob-Gyn
- PMS
- painful menses
- irregular menses
- menopausal symptoms
pregnancy support
- sciatica
- turning breech
- heartburn
- stabilizing moods
- fatigue
postpartum support
- anxiety/depression
- exhaustion
- lactation
- nutritional support
Acupuncture boosts the immune system for optimal health and wellbeing
What is Shiatsu?
Shiatsu is a Japanese form of Asian bodywork therapy based on Chinese medical theory. Shiatsu is a hands-on full body massage, stimulating and unleashing the blocked meridian pathways by use of finger pressure, palming, pressing, rocking, and stretching. Treatments may take place on a massage table or on a futon. You will be dressed in loose, comfortable clothing for your comfort. Shiatsu is deeply relaxing, and the feeling one often feels after treatment resembles a post-yoga session. You are guaranteed to leave with a smile on your face.