Frequently asked questions

  • Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical practice that involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of energy, or Qi, along meridians or channel pathways. Each meridian corresponds to specific organs and bodily functions, forming an intricate Qi flow network in the body. When Qi is stagnant or deficient, it can result in pain, illness, or other health problems.

    When an acupuncture needle is inserted during treatment, the brain receives signals that a micro-injury has occurred and sends blood to the insertion point to investigate. The body responds by circulating blood, oxygen, and resources both to the point of insertion and to other areas that may help the body recover. The stimulation of these points is believed to trigger the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, and other neurotransmitters. Essentially, acupuncture accelerates the healing process by increasing blood circulation and directing it to the areas needing repair. Acupuncture is recognized as a safe and effective treatment that can be used alongside many other healing modalities. During treatment, different needle sensations may be felt, but acupuncture should be relaxing and not painful.

    Acupuncture has been used for several millennia in China and throughout East Asia yet has only been legal in the United States for about 50 years. The legacy of acupuncture in the U.S. is also rooted in political activism and the democratization of accessible and affordable medical care for marginalized people.

  • If this is your first appointment with me, we'll take some time to conduct a general health assessment and discuss any current symptoms or concerns you may have. I will use tongue and pulse diagnostic tools to determine your diagnosis and design a personalized treatment plan. Acupuncture is most effective with consistent treatments over time. You may notice an immediate improvement after your first visit, but I like to create a 3-6 week treatment plan, at minimum, to assess what is working and what isn’t.

    In addition to acupuncture needling, I may use other modalities during treatment including E-stim, moxibustion, gua sha, cupping, and other manual therapies. Some clients may experience mild soreness, slight skin irritation, or bruising around the needling site, but this should resolve within a day or two. If it does not, please reach out to me.

    Please bring in any medical records you would like to share and notify me if you have a pacemaker, are on blood thinners, have any bleeding disorders, are pregnant, or plan on becoming pregnant.

  • Please complete the Patient Intake Form prior to your appointment. This can be filled out after creating a profile on the Jane booking site.

    If possible, wear loose-fitting clothing (access to arms and lower legs is best) or bring a change of comfortable clothes. I will also drape appropriately to access different areas of the body to make sure you feel the most comfortable and at ease. If there are any areas of the body that you do not want me to work on, please let me know before the treatment. You are in control of your experience, and it is my priority to create a safe and comfortable environment for healing.

    It is important to have something to eat at least 30 minutes before coming in for an acupuncture treatment. A light meal is best; I do not recommend getting acupuncture on an empty stomach. Stay hydrated before and after your treatment, and if possible, avoid caffeine within 3 hours of your visit.

    Do not brush or scrape your tongue before coming in for treatment.

    Please plan to arrive on time. Your appointment is specifically reserved for you, and if you are late, you will receive a shortened treatment time in order to accommodate other clients whose appointments follow yours.

  • I currently do not accept insurance.

    I am not in-network with any insurance provider nor do I submit for out-of-network claims, therefore I cannot submit medical claims on your behalf or assist you with claim resolution. Upon request, I will provide a super bill that you can submit for reimbursement directly from your insurance provider, but we cannot guarantee any or all of our diagnosis and/or treatment codes are covered under your plan.

    I can provide a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) at your request before services begin.

What kind of issues can acupuncture treat?

  • Arthritis

    Back & Hip Pain

    Neck Pain

    Muscle Pain

    Muscle Weakness

    Muscle Cramping

    Sciatica

    Frozen Shoulder

    Plantar Fasciitis

  • Abdominal Pain

    Acid Reflux (GERD)

    Bloating

    Constipation

    Diarrhea

    Indigestion

    Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

  • Premenstrual Syndrome

    Perimenopausal Symptoms

    Menopausal Symptoms

    Infertility

    Hormone Changes

  • Anxiety

    Depression

    Insomnia

    Nervousness

    Neurosis

    Mood swings

  • Asthma

    Bronchitis

    Common Cold

    Sinusitis

    Smoking Cessation

    Tonsilitis

    Seasonal Allergies

  • Acne

    Dermatitis

    Eczema

    Psoriasis

    Scar Management

  • Headaches

    Migraines

    Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction

    Parkinson’s Disease

    Post-Operative Pain

    Stroke

  • Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

    Incontinence

    Kidney Stones

  • Insomnia

    Menopausal Sleep Disturbances

    Restless Sleep

  • Addiction Support

    Athletic Performance

    Blood Pressure Regulation

    Chronic Fatigue

    Immune System Toning

    Stress Reduction