Frequently Asked Questions

What is Acupuncture?

Most people have at least a general understanding of what acupuncture is, as the insertion of thin needles into points in the skin. But what they don’t know is “how it works”. The truth is, we don’t know exactly how it works, but we know that it does. It is an ancient branch of Chinese medicine, practiced for centuries - over 2500 years! Chinese medicine has its roots in Taoist philosophy, mirroring the wisdom that we are in essence beings that reflect the cosmology of the natural world. Through observation of complaints and professional diagnostics, disharmony can be observed in how we are out of rhythm with that natural balance. Acupuncture accesses specific points on meridians, or channels, that run through the body, similar to blood vessels or nerves. Those acupuncture channels circulate qi throughout the body. Qi is your lifeforce, the energy that circulates throughout your system and energizes every action from your organ functions to body movements.

Each point on the acupuncture channel has its set of unique functions and accesses different organs of the Chinese physiology (Chinese interpretations of the organs are similar but also very different than Western physiology). Inserting needles into these specific locations will adjust the organ network and influence a harmony, depending on what is out of balance in the system. If you are coming in for issues of physical pain, I will choose additional points such as trigger points, and other points surrounding the painful areas that may or may not be on the acupuncture channels.

In addition to the more traditional concerns of organ function, acupuncture has other more relatable benefits including reducing inflammation and swelling, softening contracted muscles and tissues, promoting relaxation, and supporting physiological homeostasis. It’s used for every health concern under the sun and then some!

Why choose Chinese Herbal Medicine?

Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) has been used for thousands of years and is considered helpful by many due to a combination of traditional principles, holistic approaches, and emerging scientific evidence. Here are some key reasons it's considered beneficial:

Holistic Healing

CHM focuses on balancing the body's internal systems rather than just treating isolated symptoms. It considers your body constitution, environment, and emotional state, aiming for overall harmony and long-term health.

Personalized Treatments

Formulas are often tailored to the individual's condition, unlike Western medicine's one-size-fits-all model. For example, two people with insomnia might receive very different herbal prescriptions based on their underlying patterns of imbalance.

Supports Chronic Conditions

Many people turn to CHM for managing chronic conditions like digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances, fatigue, or autoimmune issues—especially when conventional medicine offers limited relief.

Minimal Side Effects (When Used Correctly)

When prescribed by trained practitioners, CHM tends to have fewer side effects than pharmaceuticals, since the formulas are balanced to minimize harsh reactions.

Synergistic Formulas

Herbs are rarely used in isolation. Instead, multiple herbs are combined in formulas to enhance efficacy and reduce side effects. This synergistic approach is unique and contributes to better outcomes.

Emerging Scientific Support

Modern studies have begun to validate some Chinese herbs. For instance:

Astragalus has shown immune-boosting properties.
Ginger and licorice root have anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.
Some herbal mixtures are being explored for cancer support, antiviral effects, or metabolic regulation.