How I Practice
For pain and movement concerns, I assess the area involved, muscle guarding, nerve pathways, and how the body responds to movement.
For stress, anxiety, sleep, digestion, and IVF support, I may also use Chinese Medicine diagnosis, including the pulse, tongue, and how the symptoms relate to one another.
My training in Naturopathic Medicine and Chinese Medicine guides how I select and combine electroacupuncture, manual acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, gua sha, and cupping.
Electroacupuncture
Focused treatment for pain and movement.
Electroacupuncture uses a gentle electrical current between selected acupuncture needles. The location, frequency, and intensity are chosen according to the area involved and your response.
The stimulation activates peripheral nerves and influences pain-processing pathways in the brain and spinal cord. It also supports the release of endorphins, enkephalins, and dynorphins, chemicals the body uses to regulate pain.
I commonly use electroacupuncture for:
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Neck, shoulder, and back pain
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Muscle tension and guarding
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Joint and myofascial pain
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Sports and repetitive-use injuries
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Headaches
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Nerve-related pain
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Restricted movement
Gua sha or cupping may be added when muscle tension or tissue restriction is part of the problem.
Ashi Points, Trigger Points, and Dry Needling
Patients sometimes ask whether dry needling and acupuncture are the same. In the United States, they refer to different services, although both may use thin filiform needles and address trigger points.
In acupuncture, tender or reactive areas are known as Ashi points and have long been part of pain treatment. Depending on what I find, I may use Ashi points, motor points, traditional acupuncture points, or electroacupuncture.
If you were advised to try dry needling, let me know what problem it was intended to address. I will assess the area and determine whether an acupuncture-based approach is appropriate.
Traditional Acupuncture
Manual acupuncture uses fine needles without electrical stimulation. I often use it for stress, anxiety, sleep, and IVF support, as well as concerns that fit a broader Chinese Medicine pattern.
Point selection may be guided by your symptoms, health history, pulse, tongue, and response to treatment. Each visit is adjusted according to what is happening at that time.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal formulas may be recommended for anxiety, sleep, digestion, menstrual concerns, and other patterns identified during your care.
I review your health history, medications, and supplements before making a recommendation. Each formula is selected individually and adjusted as your symptoms change.
What to Expect
Fine needles are placed at selected points. If electroacupuncture is used, you may feel a mild pulsing or tapping sensation. The intensity remains comfortable and can be adjusted at any time.
After treatment, you may feel relaxed or tired. Drink water, give yourself time to rest, and notice how your body responds.
Please tell me if you have a pacemaker, implanted electronic device, or metal hardware so I can determine whether electroacupuncture is appropriate.
Appointment Fees
Initial Acupuncture | 60 minutes | $250
Follow-Up Acupuncture | 60 minutes | $150
Your appointment may include manual acupuncture, electroacupuncture, gua sha, or cupping based on clinical need. Chinese herbal formulas and supplements are billed separately.
This is a cash-pay practice. Superbills are available for eligible acupuncture services, and HSA/FSA cards may be used.
