Acupuncture

Practiced for 3,000 years in asia.

As an ideal adjunct to chiropractic care, we use acupuncture when we see health problems that seem caused by disruption to energy pathways in your body called meridians. This centuries-old healing procedure focuses on the integrity of bodily systems, not specific conditions.

Choosing an acupuncturist can be an overwhelming experience for some people, but it doesn’t have to be if you know what to look for. Ideally, asking friends and family for a recommendation is the best way, though this is not always possible. It’s important to know if they are a licensed acupuncturist, or a board certified acupuncturist.

Many Medical Doctors and Chiropractors who practice acupuncture are not Licensed Acupuncturists, and are only required to obtain between 50-150 hours of training in the technical use of acupuncture prior to using it as a treatment. Currently, the state of California requires a minimum of 3,000 hours of education and clinical training prior to sitting for the California Acupuncture License Exam. Licensed Acupuncturist’s also practice internal Chinese medicine, which focuses on the underlying cause of a problem rather than just treating symptoms. As a result, their treatments go beyond simple pain relief offered by most chiropractors and medical acupuncturists

Licensed Acupuncturists must also have a Masters degree in either Acupuncture or Oriental Medicine. The distinction between the two is that a practitioner with a Masters in Acupuncture is trained primarily in acupuncture. A practitioner with a Masters in Oriental Medicine is trained both in acupuncture and in traditional Chinese herbal medicine.
What About the Needles?

The most common question we get is about the needles we use. Most people have encountered hypodermic needles and sewing needles. Both types are gigantic compared to the ones we use. In fact, five of our needles could easily fit inside a hypodermic needle!
Feels Great

When we first insert these ultra-fine, sterile needles at special energy points on your body, most people report a small prick, like a mosquito bite. When there is discomfort it is usually created by vivid imaginations, not our needles!
How Does it Work?

No one knows for sure. We just know it does. Perhaps the best way to think about acupuncture is to imagine rivers of energy throughout your body, organized by meridians. These meridians can experience a “log jam” and energy flow is restricted. The needles help loosen the logjam and allow energy to circulate properly.

Acupuncture visits can take up to 15-20 minutes, but usually the session is 45 minutes. Most people experience a variety of post-session feelings, which range from energized to a deep sense of relaxation and well-being.