Vibrant Wellness

How does acupuncture work?

Several thousand years ago, East Asian practitioners discovered that physical disharmony is 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 and the five elements. 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. This blockage can disable the bodies natural healing and remodeling mechanisms. Acupuncture restores the smooth flow of qi and promotes blood circulation. By inserting and manipulating hair-thin needles at specific points, we return the body to its natural balance and promote the body's ability to heal itself. 

Do the needles hurt?

Although it may sound scary to lie down and have needles placed in your body, getting acupuncture is actually very relaxing. The needles are hair thin and very flexible. They are nothing like the hypodermic needles used in western medical settings. When the needles are gently stimulated they may produce a unique sensation known as de qi, a sensation indicating activation. Most of the time patients don't even feel them being inserted. You may feel "de qi" sensation like pressure or warmth but then the sensation dissipates. Instead of feeling pain or discomfort most patients drift into deep relaxation and even end up falling asleep. 

Is it safe?

Yes. Acupuncturists are required to undergo extensive education, including detailed study of human anatomy and training in Clean Needle Technique. In addition to an extended clinical Masters degree, students must pass four comprehensive national board examinations administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). I am also licensed by the state. As required by law, I've completed a Clean Needle Technique course. I use pre-sterilized, disposable, single-use needles to ensure safety. My injection solutions are sterile.

Are there side effects?

Acupuncture is safe and highly effective with little to no side effects. The most common negative side effects are fatigue, lightheadedness and occasionally minor bruising. Most patients report positive side effects like euphoria, relaxation, decreased anxiety, enhanced sleep quality and reduced body pain. 

How many treatments will I need?

Each individual has a different diagnosis and prognosis. We will determine your diagnosis and length of treatment in following our examination. Generally, for acute conditions it is recommended to be treated once to twice a week for 3-10 weeks. Chronic conditions may take longer to resolve depending on the severity of the condition. Patients should begin to feel relief form their symptoms within the first few treatments. Some experience resolution of their symptoms after one visit. Everyone heals different.
 

What does acupuncture treat?

Diseases, symptoms of conditions for which acupuncture has been proven through clinical trials to be an effective treatment (ACCORDING TO THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION)

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• ADVERSE REACTIONS TO RADIOTHERAPY AND/OR CHEMOTHERAPY

• ALLERGIC RHINITIS (INCLUDING HAY FEVER)

• BILIARY COLIC

• DEPRESSION (INCLUDING DEPRESSIVE NEUROSIS AND DEPRESSION FOLLOWING STROKE)

• DYSENTERY, ACUTE BACILLARY

• DYSMENORRHOEA, PRIMARY

• EPIGASTRALGIA, ACUTE (IN PEPTIC ULCER, ACUTE AND CHRONIC GASTRITIS, AND GASTROSPASM)

• FACIAL PAIN (INCLUDING CRANIOMANDIBULAR DISORDERS)

• HEADACHE

• HYPERTENSION, ESSENTIAL

• HYPOTENSION, PRIMARY

• INDUCTION OF LABOUR

• KNEE PAIN

• LEUKOPENIA

• LOW BACK PAIN

• MALPOSITION OF FETUS, CORRECTION OF

• MORNING SICKNESS

• NAUSEA AND VOMITING

• NECK PAIN

• PAIN IN DENTISTRY (INCLUDING DENTAL PAIN AND TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DYSFUNCTION)

• PERIARTHRITIS OF SHOULDER

• POSTOPERATIVE PAIN

• RENAL COLIC

• RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

• SCIATICA

• SPRAIN

• STROKE

• TENNIS ELBOW
   

First Timers

• For your first appointment please arrive at least 10-15 minutes early to complete paperwork.

• I will develop a comprehensive treatment plan for you after our initial consultation.

• First time patient appointments take approximately 90 minutes. Follow up appointments will take anywhere from 45-60 minutes. Treatment includes acupuncture and either electrostimulation, cupping or tui na massage.

Tips

• Eat a light meal prior to your appointment.

• Wear loose comfortable clothing, I may need to access areas on your back, upper legs and abdomen. Please remove smart devices and chunky jewelry.

• Avoid alcohol and anti-inflammatory pain meds on day of treatment.

• You can return to daily activity after treatment. 

Payment & Cancellation Policy

• 24 hours prior cancellation: if you can not provide a 24 hour notice for cancellation you will be charged a $45 no show fee which must be paid prior to your next treatment.

• Please feel free to text or call me letting me know you are running late- it's okay, I understand!

• If you arrive late, you will still be charged for the full cost of your treatment but your treatment may be shortened to accommodate the next patient scheduled.

• If you are over 20 minutes late it will be considered a no show and I will not be able to take you for a treatment at that time. You will be charged the no show fee of $45.

• Payment is due at the end of each treatment. In some cases an invoice can be created.

• I accept cash, check, major credit cards and Tap to Pay.

• I do not currently accept insurance, but I am happy to create a superbill for your insurance provider.

Clinic Etiquette

• Cell Phones: Please refrain from using electronics once you are in the treatment room. Please turn your phones on silent (no vibration) or completely off. Smart devices must be removed. The treatment room is a place of peace to disconnect and relax.

• Fragrances: Please avoid wearing perfume, cologne or scented lotions to your appointment. Our office is free from toxic chemicals and fragrances. We use only 100% pure therapeutic grade essential oils in the office.

• Music: There will be spa music playing during your treatment, if you wish to not have music you can either let me know or bring your own ear buds/plugs.

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**Holly and Theo the therapy dogs are often hanging out at the clinic, they are usually on-duty Monday-Wednesday. These two are very social, well-behaved, hypo-allergenic and just love to greet and cuddle with patients before and after treatments.**