This is the number one question I get. The notion of “Qi” (pronounced “chee”) is a concept that is central to Chinese Medicine that many translate as “energy”. Qi the active functioning of something, the useful aspect of air (i.e. oxygen), food (nutrients) and drink (water) and it’s the ability of our organs to use those things in the most efficient manner possible.  The character for Qi also means gas. And if you think about your car, you can start to get it. It’s what makes you go.

Chinese medicine is about manipulating that qi in order to allow the body to use it most efficiently so it can heal itself. It does this by diminishing inflammation in the body, regulating the central nervous system, reducing stress, and improving circulation.  Applying these benefits to different areas of the body facilitates healing and promotes wellness.

Here are some research studies to help you learn how Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can help alleviate different health conditions.

Anyone! Young or old, women, men, and children.  It is often thought that one must “believe” in acupuncture in order for it to work, but this is not the case.  Animals also get good results from acupuncture,  just like people, and while many animals are pretty smart, I’d bet that their “belief” in it isn’t required.

Chinese Medicine includes Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Nutrition, Massage, and exercise (qi gong/tai chi). It is a complete system of Medicine that is more than 2,500 years old, predating written history. It has been used traditionally to prevent, diagnose and treat disease, as well as to improve general health. It is a primary source of health care that is used by more than half of the worlds population, and has been for thousands of years.

I treat a variety of conditions from acute illness like the common cold and ankle sprains to chronic conditions like chronic pain, digestive issues, gynecological problems, autoimmune conditions, allergies and more.

I suggest you try it and see what you think. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Check out the Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine and Nutrition pages to learn more.

Each acupuncture session generally lasts 45 to 60 minutes.  Herbal consults last about 30 minutes. The first visit will be longer as we get to know you. 

An important concept is that acupuncture is CUMULATIVE and DOSAGE-DEPENDENT.  In order to achieve lasting and successful results, an initial series of about 6-10 sessions, close together is necessary. Then ongoing ‘maintenance doses’ can be spread out more.

Many commonly used acupuncture points are located on the lower arms and legs, so it is helpful to wear clothing that allows easy access to these areas. If you are having back pain or shoulder pain, it’s helpful to wear a tank top so we can easily access those areas.  We can also provide you with a gown that allows easy access to your back, stomach and upper chest area.

Herbal medicines include leaves, roots, and flowers of plants, minerals, etc. that are combined into formulas that treat a variety of conditions. Some are prescribed in tea form, some as granules that are mixed with hot water, some are in capsule or tablet form, and some are topical linements, salves or lotions that are applied externally. They are taken just as you would any medicine – as prescribed. I have an herbal pharmacy so in most cases you can leave with your prescription in hand.

You will likely notice some difference after your first visit, even if only subtly. Most everyone leaves felling a great sense of relaxation. The truth is everyone is different, so I can’t really tell you until I have a chance to review your concerns and develop a treatment plan for your specific needs.   What I can say is that it usually takes somewhere between 6 and 30 visits to reach your desired health goals.  This is a therapy much like a treatment therapy for any disease.  I will prescribe a course of treatment for you that will get you to your health goals whether that’s to reduce your pain to a level where you can play with your kids or grandkids, or complete elimination of your acid reflux .  It is important to follow though and keep your appointments as prescribed.   I will continually reassess your progress and ask for your feedback along the way.   Your age, the length of time you’ve had your condition and your current overall health are all factors that play into the number and type of treatments you’ll need.

Absolutely. Often, patients who come in for one issue will notice an improvement in something apparently unrelated. As crazy as it sounds, a problem with your sleep may have a digestive imbalance as the root cause. And because we address both the symptoms and root cause, you may see an improvement in your digestion as well as your sleep. This can happen because acupuncture is reducing inflammation, promoting circulation, reduces stress, promotes better sleep and more energy. It’s like getting a regular tune up!

I am out-of-network with all insurance providers except for the Veterans Administration. Contact your insurance provider to see if your plan covers acupuncture out-of-network ( Learn more here about out what to ask your insurance provider). If it is covered, we’ll need to get the information from your insurance card to verify the specifics like your deductible, copays, etc. Just let us know when you schedule your first visit. 

You can always use your HSA or FSA to pay for Acupuncture treatments whether or not your insurance company includes coverage.

Medicare & Medicare Supplements

We do not accept Medicare or Medicare Supplements.  This is because Medicare will only cover acupuncture for low back pain and only if under the supervision of an MD.  Since we don’t qualify, it is in effect not covered.   We ask that you pay the self-pay rate at the time of service.  And then we can give you a receipt that you can file yourself with Medicare or your Medicare supplement. Here’s more about Medicare’s coverage for Acupuncture.

Veterans Choice

If you are already enrolled in VA health care, the VA Community Care Program allows you to receive health care within your community.  You just need to get authorized by your Veterans Clinic to receive Acupuncture treatments from us through the Community Care program.

If I had a nickel for every time I’m asked this, I’d be rich!   The most common answer is no, and it’s definitely not like getting a shot from a hypodermic needle. Some points you will not feel at all, others might have some sensations (a pinch, warmth, tingle, electric sensation, etc.), and on occasion you might feel a quick ache when the needles are inserted. Once the needles are in you will not notice they are there.

I am trained in several different needling techniques, one of which is called “teishin” which is a Japanese style of acupuncture.  It uses a needle that is held above the skin and it does not go through the skin. It is totally painless.  I frequently use this technique with children and those who are squeamish about needles.   While Acupuncture treatments are not always required, they may be the best for your condition.   Be sure to tell me about your concerns and I’ll do everything I can to make sure your comfort and safety are a priority.  

There are no contraindications to receiving acupuncture. It is a safe and effective therapy for all of us. We do ask however, if you are pregnant that you let us know as we will avoid certain points that can cause uterine contractions. Also let us know if you have any  clotting or bleeding disorders as needling may not be appropriate for you, however we can still treat you with other modalities.  Lastly, if you have a pacemaker, please let us know so that we can use e-stim appropriately.

Depending on your condition and health goals, I may recommend Herbal Medicine, Diet changes, Cupping, Guasha or Tuina (Chinese massage therapy). Other than Herbal Medicine, I don’t do these as stand-alone treatments, but rather incorporate them into your visit as necessary.

I also utilize some specialized acupuncture treatments such as Dry Needling and SAAT.

Dry needling is simply acupuncture that targets trigger points or tender points in your muscles.   It is important to understand the education requirements of anyone offering this technique.  Would you prefer to have someone with 1000 hours of training or someone with 50-60 hours of training? You definitely want a Licensed Acupuncturist do perform this acupuncture technique. Read Myths and Facts about Dry Needling and Acupuncture here.

To treat allergies, I use a technique called the Solomon Auricular Allergy Treatment (SAAT).  It is a simple technique using a very tiny needle in the ear and typically requires only one treatment for any particular allergen (substance causing allergic reaction). This technique has proven to provide the strongest relief from allergy symptoms among all known acupuncture techniques.  Through this refined method of auricular acupuncture, individuals experience elimination or significant reduction in their allergy symptoms. Learn more here.

Yes. We offer eGift Cards that you can purchase by calling us. You’ll have several options:

• Initial Consultation only
• New Patient visit (includes consultation + acupuncture)
• Existing Patient visit
• New Patient Package (Initial visit and 5 additional visits)
• Custom Amount – any amount you want to give.

The eGift Card will be sent to the person you want and they can then use it when they come in.

Give us a call and we can set it up for you.