Family Tree Acupuncture

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes over 100 conditions for which acupuncture is effective based on controlled research. In addition, The National Institute of Health (NIH) issued a Consensus Statement in 1997 identifying similar conditions for which the efficacy of acupuncture has shown: Addiction, Allergies, Anemia, Anxiety, Arteriosclerosis, Arthritis, Asthma, Back Pain, Bronchial Conditions, Candida, Chronic Fatigue, Circulatory Disorders, Colitis, Common Cold, Constipation, Depression, Dermatological Disorders, Diabetes, Diarrhea, Dizziness, Ear Disorders, and several others.

Yes we do! No appointment is necessary. Our last seating is at 6:30, so come anytime between 5 and 6:30pm.

Moxibustion is a very warm and relaxing addition to an acupuncture treatment, and is often used instead of acupuncture for those who are especially sensitive to needles. In fact, there are some properties to moxibustion that exceed the capabilities of the acupuncture needles. Depending on the condition being treated, we might use more moxibustion than acupuncture or vice versa. Moxibustion is so good at boosting energy and improving immunity, that we sometimes teach patients how to moxa themselves and send them home with the tools and instructions for doing so.

In traditional Chinese medicine, Qi (pronounced “chee”) is the energy or life force present within everybody. Qi is the force behind our awareness, the functioning of our internal organs, the circulation of blood and lymph throughout the body, and many other things. We are able to access and manipulate Qi using acupuncture needles, herbs, and other modalities in order to prevent and combat disease.

Shiatsu is a holistic massage therapy that views illness as a result of an imbalance of the natural flow of energy in the body. The Japanese word Shiatsu translates as “finger pressure” and includes a variety of techniques designed to smooth and circulate the flow of qi, blood, and body fluids while relaxing the nervous system. Both physical and psychological complaints are addressed using rhythmic pressure, stretches, deep breathing, and rotation and stretching of the joints. Shiatsu is a clothed massage and treatments last from 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Cupping is an ancient healing modality that uses suction created by thick glass cups to promote circulation and expel certain pathogenic influences. We most often use this modality for respiratory conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, and pain. Cupping can also loosen muscles and sedate the nervous system, making it an excellent treatment for high blood pressure.

Moxibustion (also referred to as “moxa”) is a form of heat therapy that is used in Chinese medicine to invigorate the flow of “qi” (energy), blood, lymph, and other body fluids while dispelling certain pathogenic influences. The substance we use is an herb called mugwort or Artemisia vulgaris, which we burn and hover close to the skin over specific acupuncture points. This herb is so integral in Chinese medicine treatments, that the ancient Chinese character for acupuncture (“zhenjiu,” which is pronounced “juhn-jee-yew” ) is translated literally as “acupuncture/moxibustion.”

The practice of cupping is very safe, but the suction can often result in circular bruising. While these bruises are not typically painful, they can leave you with some explaining to do! Cupping is often used in combination with acupuncture during treatment, but can also be used on its own depending on the condition being treated.

A provider creates suction, by lighting an alcohol-soaked cotton ball on fire, then inserting it into the cup and removing it quickly before adhering the cup to the skin. This process expels the oxygen from the inside of the cup, creating a vacuum. Sometimes the cups are moved gently across the skin, and other times we might leave them in place for up to 10 minutes.

We do accept most insurance upon approval. We encourage you to reach out to your carrier when you initiate care with us to familiarize yourself with the limits of your policy concerning acupuncture coverage. Although we will often submit a claim to insurance companies on behalf of our patients, if your insurance requires you to pay a co-payment or deductible, this amount is due at the time of service. If a carrier denies payment services for any reason, the patient will be held accountable for those charges.

In your initial visit, we spend a great deal of time discussing your concerns and your health history to formulate a diagnosis and create a treatment plan. Your treatment will include acupuncture as well as other modalities as needed, including moxibustion, cupping, therapeutic massage, and lifestyle and nutritional counseling.We will also spend time answering your questions and, if you are new to Chinese medicine, we will explain what you can expect to feel during and after your treatment.

Acupuncture needles are solid, surprisingly thin, and therefore cause very little pain. In fact, as many as 40 acupuncture needles can fit into the head of a standard hypodermic needle.

Chinese medicine is a complete system of medicine with a history spanning thousands of years. Chinese medicine seeks to uncover and correct imbalances, deficiencies and blockages in the body as a whole, which leads to the alleviation of symptoms. This system of medicine recognizes that our bodies have the innate ability to overcome disease and illness. Through acupuncture, herbal medicine, proper nutrition, exercise and other treatment modalities, Chinese medicine stimulates natural healing and maintains health.

Every person experiences acupuncture differently. The Acupuncture Physician selects between 2 to 8 acupuncture points to needle during a single session. When the needles are inserted, some people feel nothing while others notice a slight twinge. This is often followed by a tingling sensation, numbness, calmness and relaxation.

Acupuncture treats health conditions by stimulating “acu-points” found at specific locations on the surface of the body. Acupuncture Physicians stimulate the acu-points by inserting very thin needles through the skin to produce physiological effects. Other methods are also used to stimulate acu-points, such as heat or finger-pressure. The general theory of acupuncture is that proper physiological function and health depend on the circulation of nutrients, substances and energy called Qi (pronounced “chi”) through a network of channels or meridians. This network connects every organ of the body, providing balance, regulation and coordination of physiological processes.

Chinese herbs are effective and safe when prescribed by a well-trained herbal practitioner. Our comprehensive training in herbal medicine guides our careful attention to dosage, combinations of herbs and any known drug-herb interactions. We only purchase our herbs from reputable suppliers who adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).

A significant amount of patients start to experience changes to their symptoms after their first treatment, while others require between six and ten treatments. However, the rate at which a patient responds to Chinese medicine depends on a number of different factors; including the nature of the condition, how long it has been present, other potential complicating factors (diet, lifestyle, etc.), and the frequency with which you receive treatments.

Acupuncture is totally safe. We use sterile, single-use disposable needles, which are sealed by the manufacturer and opened immediately prior to use. Acupuncture has relatively few side effects, if any, which may include slight bleeding, soreness or bruising at the acupuncture site.

We use thin, sterile, filiform needles made of superior quality stainless steel. Each needle is used one time and then safely disposed.