What conditions are commonly treated by acupuncture?

• Addiction
• Anxiety & Depression
• Arthritis, Tendonitis, & Joint pain
• Asthma & Allergies 
• Cardiac Palpitations
• Chemotherapy related side-effects
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Common Cold & Influenza
• Degenerative Disk Disorders
• Diet, Nutrition, & Weight Control
• Fibromyalgia
• Headaches & Migraines
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
• Indigestion, Gas, Bloating, Constipation
• Infertility
• Insomnia
• Menopause Symptoms
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Nausea
• Orthopedic Conditions
• Pregnancy related conditions
• PMS & Menstrual Irregularity
• Repetitive stress injuries
• Sports Injuries
• Tension / Stress Syndromes
• Tinnitus
• Whiplash
• Pediatric conditions: Colic, ear infections, chronic colds, ADD/ADHD, bed wetting, asthma, poor appetite, constipation, pain.

If your condition is not listed, consultation appointments are available to address your specific concerns.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?

The ancient Chinese developed this unique medical system through careful analysis of the interaction between the mind, body, and the environment.  An energetic substance known as “qi” regulates and nourishes the body. It is influenced by the universal properties of yin and yang which are complementary yet opposing forces. This gently effective medicine is based on the theory that qi flows within channels throughout the body. Emotional, physical or environmental stresses create deviations in the natural flow of qi which leads to poor health. 

Acupuncture needles are used as conductors. When placed in specific areas, they access energetic channels to restore the natural qi flow. Acupuncture works with the body’s innate ability to heal itself; once pathways have been unblocked, the body’s natural healing response takes place. Every individual is unique; therefore each treatment is customized to meet their specific needs.

Aside from acupuncture, supplementary techniques that may also be used during the treatment include cupping, gua sha, moxibustion (heat therapy with the herb Artemesia), herbal formulas, and nutritional recommendations.

What should I expect from my first acupuncture treatment?

A comprehensive intake of your health history will be taken to learn more about how your symptoms interrelate. Every detail sheds light on the root cause of your condition. Other diagnostic tools include observing the tongue, taking the pulse and palpating the abdomen. After the needles are inserted, I will leave you to relax for about 30 to 45 minutes.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments required to resolve a condition depends upon the nature of the condition and your lifestyle tendency and constitution.  Most patients usually notice some type of shift in their condition within the first treatment and even greater changes after the fourth or fifth. Acupuncture treatments have a cumulative effect.  After evaluating your goals for treatment, a plan will be established to re-evaluate your progress. 

When administered by a licensed practitioner, acupuncture is a safe way to improve your health. All acupuncture needles are pre-sterilized, pre-packaged and disposable. In Massachusetts, licensed acupuncturists are regulated by the Board of Registration in Medicine. Licensure in Massachusetts requires a Masters Degree in the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine.  This is composed of a minimum of 1,450 hours of clinical and didactic instruction, over 700 hours of clinical internships, as well as the successful completion of Board Exams which are administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).