Chinese medicine is a comprehensive medical system that includes a wide variety of therapeutic techniques, often used together. Methods of treatment include acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, manual therapies, moxibustion, cupping, and lifestyle recommendations.

Acupuncture is a form of treatment that employs fine needles at specific points to stimulate the body’s healing response.

- How many treatments will I need?
A standard course of acupuncture therapy generally consists of 12 treatments of 20-40 minutes over 1 to 2 months. These are estimates, however, as specific therapy depends on your condition. Our goal is to get you well as quickly as possible.

- Will it hurt?
The individual response to acupuncture varies, but because the needles are so thin, their insertion is generally painless. During a treatment it is common to experience local or traveling sensations of “pulling,” “grabbing,” or tingling. The most common response to acupuncture is relaxation.

- Is it safe?
Acupuncture is extremely safe. One of the best aspects of acupuncture, and Chinese medicine in general, is its remarkably low incidence of adverse effects. Each needle is sterile and used only once.

Electro-acupuncture refers to the use of mild electric stimulation at acupuncture points in order to reduce pain and increase function.

LED therapy employs a machine that penetrates tissue with a strong light to reduce pain and inflammation.

Chinese herbal medicine constitutes the longest, most documented form of medicine in history. Herbal prescriptions are sophisticated and individualized, and take into consideration the patient’s constitution, medical condition, and potential risks and benefits that may arise from interactions with dietary supplements and other medications.

Manual therapy includes a wide range of bodywork, stretching, and massage techniques to promote healing, and reduce pain and stress.

Moxibustion employs the herb mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), burned near specific points of the body, for its warming and blood-invigorating properties, usually in conjunction with acupuncture.

Cupping is a method that uses suction to increase circulation and stretch tissue.

Lifestyle recommendations are a key component of many treatment plans. Dietary, exercise, and sleep habits are the cornerstone of health. They can amplify the benefits of any intervention, and help us to take an active role in our physical and emotional well-being.