Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points of electrical sensitivity on the skin, which have the ability to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions in order to achieve a desired effect. Inserting needles at these points stimulates various sensory receptors that, in turn, stimulate nerves that transmit impulses to the hypothalamic-pituitary system at the base of the brain.

The hypothalamus-pituitary glands are responsible for releasing neurotransmitters and endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers. It is estimated that endorphins are 200 times more potent than morphine. Endorphins also play a big role in the functioning of the hormonal system. This is why acupuncture works well for all types of pain and also for P.M.S. and infertility.

The substances released as a result of acupuncture also regulate serotonin in the brain, which plays a role in mood. This is why depression, anxiety and sleep disorders can also be effectively treated with acupuncture.

Some of the physiological effects observed throughout the body during and following an acupuncture treatment include:

• increased circulation
• decreased inflammation
• relief from pain
• relief of muscle spasms
• increased T-cell count

A lot of this depends on your condition, how long you have had it, and exacerbating factors. For pain conditions, and recovery from surgery, we generally recommend 8-12 treatments within a 2-3 month window.  For hormone balance, fertility and other internal medical conditions that may take more time to regulate, we often recommend 3-9 months of treatment. This may sound like a long time, but retraining and fortifying subtle functions in the body can take consistent support.

Acupuncture has a cumulative effect, so each treatment will build upon the last, often becoming more effective and longer lasting as time goes on. If treatments are helping, you will notice improvements within the first few sessions. If it doesn’t seem like acupuncture is having a positive impact on your condition, we will talk with you about it, and may recommend other therapies that could be a better fit.

 It sounds cliché, but regular acupuncture is truly very regulating, particularly for our nervous system and also for the many cycles in our lives, including circadian, cortisol and digestive cycles (daily cycles), hormone cycles (monthly), and other longer cycles in life (seasonal, annual and the seasons of our lives).

The frequency of acupuncture can be thought of as the dosage of treatment. The more severe or urgent the condition, the more frequent we will recommend seeing you in the beginning. At least once a week, but 2-3 times per week in cases with severe pain, or in quickly changing conditions like upper respiratory infections*. As you get better, the frequency of treatment will go down.

*Currently we are only seeing upper respiratory infection cases via telemedicine, and prescribing herbal formulas, which can reduce the severity and progression of these infections.

A.B.O.R.M stands for American Board of Reproductive Medicine. It is an international organization supporting best practices in acupuncture and oriental reproductive medicine. A.B.O.R.M fellows are skilled Chinese Medicine clinicians, who  have advanced training in western and eastern reproductive medicine, have passed a rigorous certification exam, and can support you in conceiving naturally or work collaboratively with your physician to ensure you receive the best possible care and potential outcomes.

Your first visit will include a thorough review of your health history, physical exam, diagnosis and acupuncture treatment. A complete treatment plan and expected outcomes will be explained and any concerns addressed. At this time, we may also recommend basic dietary changes, exercises or stretches that you can begin at home to speed your progress, or prescribe herbal medicine. Generally the first visit takes about an hour and a half (follow up visits are about an hour).

Acupuncture is generally very relaxing. It involves lying on a soft treatment table, in a comfortable, private room, listening to music, while the acupuncture takes effect. Other modalities such as massage, special stretches, moxibustion, cupping, and micro-current may also be included, depending on your condition.

• Chinese herbal medicines are multi-herb formulas that are prescribed for you to treat your pattern (in Chinese medicine we diagnose according to what we call “patterns”, or qualities of a specific imbalance). One of the benefits of multi-herb formulas is that they are multifaceted, and address many aspects of your condition at the same time, synergistically, with a very low incidence of side effects. Many herbs found in the grocery store are single herbs that tend to have very general indications, making them less targeted and more prone to side effects.
• Chinese herbal medicine has been in use and development for over 2,000 years, and has evolved far beyond the rudimentary single herb use stage.
• Most traditional Chinese medicines can only be prescribed by a trained practitioner, therefore they tend to be more potent, safer and more effective for you.
• All of our herbs come from reputable companies and manufacturers who test for the correct identity of the raw herbs, so we know what’s on the label is what’s in the bottle, and for chemical and microbial contaminants, in the raw herbs and the finished formula. All are GMP certified and often their purity  limits go beyond GMP standards. You can find out more about safety and quality control practices  from the  herb companies we use.
  • Evergreen Herbs
  • KPC
  • Sun Ten
  • Classical Pearls
  • Blue Poppy Classics

Yes. Acupuncture is a covered service in most auto and Workers Compensation insurance plans in California. We can bill your insurance and handle all claims for you.