​What can acupuncture help me with?

We've helped patients heal from a wide variety of issues. People come see us for headaches, chronic or acute pain, muscle tension, TMJ, stress, anxiety, digestive issues, IBS, hormonal imbalances, sinus and respiratory problems, fertility support including those going through IUI and IVF, preparing for labor, postpartum support, allergies, fatigue, better focus, motion sickness, poor sleep, Bell's Palsy, dermatology and skin issues, or when something just feels "off" and you can't quite put your finger on it.

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People who come in looking to treat one thing are often pleasantly surprised when they discover how acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can help with other nagging issues they never thought could change.

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How many appointments will I need?

This isn't a "one size fits all" answer.....it depends!

Acupuncture has a cumulative effect (which means each session adds onto the previous one) so we find that treatment is most effective after a handful of appointments done in close succession (weekly to 10 days apart tops). While many patients DO see a shift in their condition after just one or two treatments, additional appointments are usually necessary when treating long-standing, chronic problems or when patients are seeking long-lasting results. At the start of each session, we will evaluate your progress and decide what is best for you moving forward.

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How does acupuncture work?

Research has shown acupuncture can reduce inflammation, increase circulation and blood flow to the organs and muscles, reduce cortisol release (our fight/flight/freeze hormones) and increase the release of endorphins (our "feel good" neurotransmitters), and can help to reduce pain by regulating the nervous system and changing the way the brain processes pain.

This is the way "conventional medicine" explains it.... ask us during your appointment for the explanation according to Chinese Medicine!

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How big are the needles? Does acupuncture hurt?

We use needles that are thinner than a human hair! They are like nothing you've seen before in a regular doctor's office. Acupuncture needles are made of stainless steel, solid, and are used only one time before being discarded.

 

First timers are often surprised when they don't feel the acupuncture points go in at all. You might feel a heaviness, a tingle, a deep ache or warmth, or a sensation move to a different part of their body upon insertion. All of these feelings are considered "qi sensations".... which is a good signal to us that the body is paying attention to the work we're doing together! Many people feel so relaxed that they even fall asleep on the treatment table once everything is placed.

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Can acupuncture help with stress and anxiety?

Yes! We treat stress and anxiety daily in clinic. Acupuncture can help regulate and calm the nervous system, improve mood, influence sleep, and help you feel more grounded in mind and body.

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What should I wear to my appointment?

We recommend wearing comfortable clothing with easy access to your arms (from your elbow down) and legs (from your knee down). It’s best to avoid arriving on an empty stomach.

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Do you take insurance?

We do not bill insurance directly, but some of our patients are able to get reimbursed for our services by submitting a “superbill” to their insurance provider. This is an invoice we write up with specific insurance coding that you would then submit to them yourself. Find out if this is an option for you by learning what questions to ask your provider here.

​We do, however, accept HSA or FSA cards! We simply run your card like any typical credit card (and even microneedling is often accepted!) 

 

Where do I park and where is the entrance?

There is metered, on-street parking available around the office on Julia Street and the surrounding side streets for $3/hour. Note that the parking lots and garages around the area usually charge more. There are plenty of places to lock up your bike around the area as well. The streetcar is also 1/2 a block away on St Charles Avenue.

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Our main entrance is at 639 Julia Street, about mid way down the block in between St. Charles Avenue and Church Street (which is a small side street). We're across the street from The Little Easy Restaurant.

 

Our door is next to a large glass window showcasing the stairs that go up to our suite. Once you reach the top of the stairs, our door is on the right!