Acupuncture Style
We specialize in Japanese Style Acupuncture using gentle yet powerful techniques using the thinnest needles and very shallow needle insertion with stimulation. Sometimes we use no needles at all. For those who are very sensitive, including children under 10 years old, we use blunt tools to stimulate points or stroke the surface of the skin.
Much emphasis is focused on pulse diagnosis and palpation of the abdomen and meridians to identify the root patterns underlying your symptoms. By identifying patterns of tightness, pain, coldness, heat, dampness, dryness, or other findings, we determine which meridians should be the focus of the treatment. Before you leave your appointment, you will directly feel the changes that have occurred throughout the treatment.
What is Community Acupuncture?
For centuries, Traditional East Asian Medicine (acupuncture and herbal medicine), was practiced in the home or a community gathering place such as a tea house. Either the patient would come to the doctor, or the doctor would go to the patient. If patients were seen at the doctor’s house, as many folks as possible would squeeze into the room and any that did not fit inside, would wait outside, chatting with their friends or other patients until they could enter. Only quite recently, in the West, have patients come to be treated alone in a room or small cubicle.
This has had several negative consequences. First, the patient is isolated for much of the time, healing alone without the comfort and good energy of a larger group of people. Have you ever done an activity as part of a larger group such as play music in a band, sing in a choir, play team sports or meditate? Have you noticed how you feel different than when you do the same activity alone? That is the power of group energy. We are social beings and not meant to be alone, particularly when struggling with illness or pain.
Second, if the acupuncturist can only see one person at a time or one person an hour, this severely limits how many people the acupuncturist can help. With fewer patients to support the acupuncturist, who must make a living somehow, then each patient has to offer more support, usually in the form of higher fees. This makes acupuncture more expensive, and often out of reach of the average citizen. Yet, medicine is needed by everyone, not just those who can afford it.
Therefore, we provide community acupuncture. This means that you will receive your treatment in a room with several others. You do not need to disrobe, just roll up your pants to your knees, and sleeves to your elbows, find a table and lie down. You and your acupuncturist will speak quietly before you get treated and you can stay as long as you want. We love this as it means that you can afford to get treated as often as you need, you can be treated at the same time as your family and friends, you can feel comfortable rather than isolated, and create a collective energy making your treatment more powerful and effective. What can be better than that?
Acupuncture is a process. Occasionally there will be a miracle ‘1 treatment cure’, but this is rare. Acupuncture works by bringing increased blood flow, oxygen, and nutrients to the injured areas of your body, thus stimulating your natural healing process. These effects typically last about 24 – 48 hours after each treatment. As your health improves, each treatment will seem to last longer and longer. It is gentle, safe, and usually gradual. Ask about our Affordability Program which enables you to choose an amount that is light and right for your financial situation and enables you to come as frequently as you need to reach your health goals. We want you to get well, and STAY well!