frequently asked
Questions

Traditional Chinese/Oriental Medicine is a comprehensive medical system that has been treating disease and illness naturally and effectively for over 3000 years. It addresses not only your physical symptoms, but also seeks to find the root cause of illness by exploring the relationship of environment, diet, exercise and emotions to your physical health and wellbeing.

Treatment can include acupuncture, herbs, cupping, bodywork, nutrition, meditation and exercise based on traditional eastern principles of balance and synergy in the body. These therapies work to enhance the flow of vital energy inherent within all living things, encouraging the body to heal itself and function optimally. 

Energy is not a wu-wu’ or esoteric term, it has been measured scientifically and has been shown to flow through meridians or channels through out the body that are connected to acupuncture points with demonstrated therapeutic effects in the body.

By using needles, heat, cups or pressure on certain acupuncture points or locations on the surface of the skin, functional disorders can be corrected, and pain can be reduced.

The larger goal of Chinese Medicine is to prevent illness and improve the quality of your life long-term.

Think of your body as being similar to the electronic devices you use daily. In today’s busy, connected world with multiple streams of information always coming at us, your body is downloading too many “programs” or energetic imprints and some are outdated, unnecessary or even harmful to your system.

Your body, just like your devices, requires frequent re-boots, clearing and updates that acupuncture can safely and quickly provide. Acupuncturists are like software engineers for your energetic system.

The general theory of acupuncture, at a very basic level, is that every living being possesses a universal life energy sometimes called Qi (pronounced “chee”). This energy circulates throughout the body along pathways, or channels called meridians. Meridians connect to specific internal organs in the body and provide signals, regulation, and coordination of body processes.

Pain and illness result when the flow of energy through the body is disrupted or blocked, and this can be caused by many things, including pathogens, trauma, injuries, medications, as well as lifestyle factors such as overwork, poor diet, emotions, lack of rest and stress.

Meridian channels come to the surface of the skin at specific points on the body called acu-points. Scientific research has discovered that these points display a variety of unique bioelectric properties and stimulation with needles, heat or finger pressure can help to adjust the body’s energy flow, triggering the immune system and pain regulating mechanisms. In other words,  acupuncture assists the body in healing itself.

In Western medical theory, acupuncture appears to work by stimulating parts of the brain and body to release natural bio-molecules such as neurotransmitters, vasodilators, and hormones. The exact mechanisms are not completely understood, but the effects are measurable and documented.

Acupuncture:

• Strengthens immunity against disease
• Regulates hormones
• Improves circulation
• Resolves pain
• Speeds healing following injury or surgical procedures
• Promotes relaxation
• Treats emotional issues
• Encourages a feeling of well-being

Everyone experiences acupuncture differently, but most find it to be extremely calming and revitalizing. Acupuncture is nothing like receiving a shot or injection.

The needles I use are less than the diameter of a human hair, resulting in very little discomfort when inserted. Many patients become very relaxed and fall into a restorative sleep during their treatment.

If you prefer, I may be able to use alternatives to needles such as acupressure, laser stimulation, cranial sacral, magnet therapy or herbs to help your condition.

The frequency and number of acupuncture or herbal treatments will differ, depending on the type of condition you have and how long you have been experiencing your symptoms. Some people will feel dramatic relief in the first treatment, but typically with chronic conditions you will need to commit to a series of at least one or two treatments weekly for several weeks as we rewire your nervous system and energy flow in your body.

It’s similar to starting a fitness or diet regime…your results depend on your commitment and efforts to achieving your desired outcome. I am here to help support you and guide your body towards its own innate ability to heal.

During your visit, after discussing your health history I will typically insert between 4-10 micro-fine needles and leave them in place for 15 to 45 minutes while you rest under a soothing infrared heat lamp with soft music and nature sounds (or silence if you prefer).

I will leave the room during your rest time to allow you to go into a deeper meditative state and also reduce the physical contact time so you are safe. Sometimes I will use heat, magnets, cupping or electric stimulation of the acupoints for added results.

Typically 6-8 treatments will give us an indication if acupuncture is working for you and an individualized treatment plan will be discussed during your first visit.  If I can’t help you resolve your issues fully I will do my best to refer you to other practitioners who can assist.

Acupuncture is an art and specialized skill requiring many years of continued medical study and practice. It is extremely safe, and is best performed by a highly trained, licensed professional with a minimum of three+ full years of acupuncture schooling (not just a few courses on dry-needling).

My education included a four year Masters of Science in Oriental Medicine program, with training in both Western medical sciences (anatomy, chemistry, physiology, biology, pharmacology, etc.), Eastern medicine and herbs, and a rigorous national licensing test and California State Bar exam. I am required to do continuing education yearly to keep my skills and license current.

I use individually packaged, sterile, single-use disposable needles so there is virtually no chance of infection. For your protection, in my Blue Soulspace clinics masks are currently worn to protect from airborne contagion.

Many insurance plans now include acupuncture treatments in their policies. Ask your insurer about coverage. I will provide you with a detailed superbill receipt that you can submit to your insurance company for direct reimbursement.