The needles used in acupuncture are so thin that about 10 of them can fit inside of a hypodermic needle. Most of the time you won’t feel the needle being inserted. However, you may feel the sensation of the energy being stimulated; this can feel different depending on the person and location, but some common sensations include tingling, warmth or a dull ache that resolves in seconds to minutes.

Yes, acupuncture during pregnancy is safe when performed by a trained and licensed practitioner.

I am trained in prenatal care and will keep you safe by:

• Avoiding contraindicated points

• Adjusting treatments by trimester

• Using gentle needling techniques

• Coordinating care with your healthcare team when appropriate

The number of sessions needed varies depending on your unique health goals, how long you’ve been experiencing symptoms, and the severity of your concerns. Acupuncture works cumulatively, meaning that consistent treatments over time often create the best results.

For this reason, new clients are typically encouraged to begin with weekly sessions. As your body responds and we begin to see progress, we can gradually space treatments further apart while continuing to support your health.

While every person’s treatment plan is different, many clients begin to notice meaningful changes within the first several sessions, with a typical initial course of care ranging from approximately 5–10 treatments.

The first treatment is a comprehensive intake of your health history, the goal of which is to get a sense of who you are and to figure out the root cause of your symptoms. I will ask you a bunch of questions about your different body systems. Additionally, I will feel your pulses, look at your tongue, and perform a physical exam to gather further information. During this first treatment you may or may not receive needles – this depends on how long it takes us to get through your health history and diagnostic examination. Typically, this appointment takes about 1.5-2 hours.

I am committed to making Chinese Medicine accessible to individuals with a range of different financial realities. In order to do this, my prices are based on a sliding scale of:

Initial visit $85 - $120

Follow-up treatments $70 - $100

Herbal Follow-ups $40-55

What is a sliding scale? It means that you choose your treatment price according to your personal financial situation - this includes more than just your income; it also should take into account your privilege, debts, assets, and family assets.

Click here to view a graphic which can help you decide where you fall on the sliding scale. Please be honest when making your choice.

From a western medical perspective, acupuncture works by decreasing inflammation and stress, increasing circulation, stimulating the immune system, decreasing muscle tension, and stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system.

The body contains 12 primary meridians, which are connected by different acupuncture points throughout the body. From a Chinese medicinal perspective, disease and illness occur when these become obstructed. Acupuncture works by restoring the healthy flow of energy along these meridians.