Traditional Chinese Medicine is a 3,000 year-old medical system that uses acupuncture to treat acute and chronic diseases, prevent illness and improve overall well-being. The theory behind acupuncture recognizes that the body is an integrated, whole system. Health is maintained when there is a smooth flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”) throughout the body. Qi is the Chinese word for energy; it is often defined as “life force.” Qi circulates through the body and connects with specific organs, organ systems, and body structures. If circulation of Qi is disrupted, normal function is impaired, resulting in illness, pain, or disease processes.

According to Chinese medicine, there are many factors that can contribute to Qi becoming weak or blocked. These factors include physical or emotional stress, inadequate nutrition, injury, inactivity, genetic predisposition, and exposure to toxins or environmental factors such as extreme heat or extreme cold. Acupuncture works by moving energy to strengthen and balance the body’s functioning, and it is this process that allows the body to regain equilibrium. Acupuncture can be useful in treating many complaints and illnesses affecting different systems in the body. It is effective when used alone or in conjunction with Western medicine.

Conditions that respond to acupuncture include:

•  allergies

•  arthritis

•  asthma

•  back pain

•  carpal tunnel syndrome

•  circulatory problems

•  constipation

•  depression/anxiety

•  digestive disorders

•  fatigue

•  general weakness

•  headaches/migraines

•  hep c

•  infertility

•  insomnia

•  menopause

•  menstrual disorders: including menstrual pain, irregular cycles and pms

•  musculo-skeletal problems

•  nausea/vomiting

•  stress

•  transgender specific issue

This is a partial listing. Please call and inquire if you have any questions about any other conditions.

FAQs

What can I expect from my first appointment?

During your first visit, Jen will talk with you at length about your main complaint, as well as the general condition of all your systems. After the information has been gathered and your questions have been answered, you will have a treatment.

You will lie on a table similar to a massage table either wearing loose clothing or wearing undergarments covered by a sheet or a blanket. Jen will wipe the selected acupuncture points with alcohol. After palpating the points with her finger, Jen will guide you to take a breath in, and then out. On the exhalation, she will insert the needle. The needles will stay in 20-45 minutes, depending on your condition/s.

Are the needles safe?

All needles are sterile and are stored in sealed blister packs. To ensure safety, the needles are removed

from their packages only moments before insertion. The needles are disposed of in biohazard containers

and are not re-used.

Will it hurt?

The needles are very thin and rarely cause any discomfort. When many people hear the word ‘needle’ they think of the larger types used in western medical offices. Because acupuncture needles do not put anything into your body or remove anything they are not hollow-shafted. Being solid-shafted allows them to be very thin and easy to insert.