Acupuncture
Chinese Style
Acupuncture is performed by using very thin disposable needles that are inserted at specific points to help resolve your ailments. There are over 365 acupuncture points on the body, they range from the tip of your head to the bottom of your foot. The acupuncture points access your body’s Qi . Qi flows both deep within the body and near the surface through ‘channels’, also known as meridians. When the Qi is blocked it can result in pain and stagnation. Improving the flow of Qi allows the body to heal itself. Most people find acupuncture to be deeply relaxing.
Japanese Style
The basic principles, including the idea of meridians, are the same as in the Chinese style system. However, in general, Japanese practitioners use finer needles, stimulate more superficially and gently, and often do not consider the strong de-qi sensation (a sensation of numbness, heaviness, or distention at the area of needle insertion) to be of primary importance. Traditional diagnostic techniques used by Japanese practitioners are also the same as in TCM, although the technique’s emphasis can be slightly different. Where the Chinese style acupuncture relies on tongue and pulse diagnosis, Japanese style utilizes pulse and abdominal palpation to guide the treatment.
Auricular Acupuncture
Auricular acupuncture is one of the more widely used microsystems within eastern medicine. Microsystems use one aspect of the body for example the ears, hands or feet to treat conditions that are present anywhere in the body. Auricular acupuncture may be used as a primary mode of treatment or in conjunction with other treatments such as acupuncture, bodywork or herbal medicine.
Chinese Herbs
Chinese herbal therapy is frequently combined with acupuncture for a variety of conditions. The combination of these techniques can often speed healing. Herbal formulas are customized to the individual and their particular pattern of disharmony. Please call or email me for more information on herbal therapy.
Cupping
Cupping is an ancient technique, used in many cultures, in which a special cup is applied to the skin and held in place by suction. The suction draws superficial tissue into the cup, which may either be left in place or moved along the body. Cupping brings fresh blood to the area and helps improve circulation. Traditional cupping, sometimes referred to as “fire cupping,” uses heat to create a vacuum-like suction inside of glass cups. Alternatively, cups that use a small pump to create suction are now often used.
Gua Sha
Gua sha involves palpation and stimulation where the skin is pressured, in strokes, by a rounded-edged instrument (usually a spoon); that results in the appearance of small red petechiae called ‘sha’. This technique increases circulation, releases tight muscles, boosts the immune system and breaks up scar tissue. It is often used in areas such as the back of the neck, shoulders and upper back to release tension.
Rates
Initial Consultation: $95
Review of health history and health goals. You will get a treatment recommendation based on our discussion. This may be acupuncture, herbal medicine or a combination of both. There is no treatment during this appointment. This appointment is to determine if acupuncture or herbal medicine is the right fit for you and if I am the right practitioner for you.
Acupuncture only: $95/visit multi visit packages are available. Acupuncture session based on the treatment plan we agreed upon during the initial consultation. 45 minutes.
Herbal Treatment: Pricing is based on month to month basis. Depending on what we are treating it may take several months. The monthly herbal pricing includes all herbs required, plus weekly herbal check-ins. If changes to herbs are necessary, that is included as well.
Acupuncture & Herbal Combo: For people that would prefer to have both acupuncture and herbal medicine, or where we determine in the initial visit that this is the best way forward. Pricing includes everything mentioned in the herbal only treatment, plus weekly acupuncture visits for one month.
Payment Types Accepted:
Cash, Credit Cards, FSA/HSA
Modern Assistance Program (Local 26 and Ironworkers Union)
Mass Laborers Union
Insurance: I do not accept insurance. If your plan has Out of Network benefits for Acupuncture, I can give you a superbill, (a receipt with the necessary insurance codes), that you can submit to them for reimbursement. I cannot give a superbill for packages of visits or herbal medicine treatment; that is an insurance rule.
Please Note: I do not accept worker’s compensation or personal injury cases.
