Integrative Medicine

Acupuncture is typically painless or nearly painless. The needles are very fine, and are even flexible!  This allows for a comfortable, relaxing experience for most patients. Some patients find that needle insertion feels similar to a strand of hair being pulled. However, everyone’s perception of discomfort is different, and some patients are naturally more sensitive than others.  Our acupuncturists also offer acupressure for those who are hesitant or nervous about acupuncture. Your provider will meet you where you are, so never hesitate to voice your concerns or apprehensions.

Yes!  Acupuncture is a versatile tool that works well in conjunction with other therapies and medical care.  If you are currently in physical therapy, just let your therapist know you have had acupuncture  or a massage so they can make any adjustments to your session if needed.

Have a light snack before coming for treatment.  Acupuncture on an empty stomach can cause light-headedness for some people.  Take all medications as directed by your doctor – there is no need to skip a dose. Wear loose, comfortable clothing or bring a change of clothes with you.

Be sure to let your acupuncturist or massage therapist know what medications you are on, if you’ve had a medication change, are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant, or if you have any allergies. If there are areas you do not want to be worked on, never hesitate to let your provider know.  Mention any sunburns, open wounds, edema, and/or recent surgical sites, as these areas will need to be avoided.

Most people feel pleasantly relaxed after acupuncture treatment.  Some people can feel tired after treatment, especially if it is your first or second treatment.  This is usually a sign your body is reacting to the stimulation of the treatment, and typically only lasts 1-3 hours.  If you don’t feel tired, or even if you feel energized, still try to take it easy on acupuncture days!  Light to moderate activity is ok, such as light housework and errands, leisurely walking, etc.  The best advice is to listen to your body, and recover if needed.

If trigger points or muscle pain are addressed, you may feel some mild soreness for a day or two.  You can improve or prevent soreness by drinking some extra water, applying gentle heat to the area, or even taking a nice soak in a warm bath with Epsom salts.  Despite any possible soreness, many people feel some relief in musculoskeletal pain the same day following treatment, or the maybe next day.

Treatment frequency is highly dependent on the chronicity and severity of each condition. During your initial consult, our providers will create a personalized treatment plan catered to your specific needs. Note that chronic conditions typically take longer to treat than acute conditions.

Cupping, also called vasopneumatic therapy, is a myofascial therapy (works on your muscles and fascia).  It is often used for neck and back pain, headaches, migraines, and muscle strains. A specialized silicone, glass, or plastic cup is placed on a specific area, usually over muscle tension, and a vacuum is created.  This vacuum will increase circulation to the area, help loosen tight muscles and decrease fascial adhesions, or “sticky” and tight areas in the muscle.  The effects can be similar to the relief and outcome from a deep tissue massage in a shorter amount of time, and without the significant pressure of a massage.

Cupping therapy has been used across cultures for millennia, and still has a place in modern medicine.  Physical therapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, and Olympic athletes even use cupping therapy.  You may have seen the round, red or purple marks on elite athletes on TV.  These marks are not true bruises, and are not sore to the touch.  These are vacuum marks, and are created when the vacuum of the cup increases blood flow to the area.  These marks often resolve in 2-5 days, depending on the patient.