Is acupuncture appropriate for me?
Yes. We treat all ages and types of people and can address most conditions. View a list of frequently treated conditions here.

Each holistic treatment comprehensively assesses patterns for each individual and can have far reaching affects, addressing even more conditions than typically listed. No matter your specific concern or history, acupuncture and oriental medicine can help you feel better naturally.

Is treatment during pregnancy ok?
Yes. Acupuncture and shiatsu treatments are modified in the case of pregnancy or a suspected pregnancy to ensure the health of you and your baby. Herbal formulas are also tailored to promote healthy development of mom and baby. Treatment is generally encouraged during pregnancy to prevent miscarriage and manage any accompanying symptoms such as morning sickness, fatigue, constipation, pain, sciatica, heartburn, insomnia, edema, headaches and anxiety or depression.

How do you treat kids?
We try to meet each child wherever they may be and ensure that they are comfortable and relaxed during treatment. Depending on the age, temperament and constitution of your child we might use a variety of treatment modalities. In addition to acupuncture we might use non-inserted needles, a specialized pediatric system called Shonishin, cupping, gua sha, bodywork and massage, herbal medicine, or lasers. More information on pediatric care can also be found here.

Is acupuncture safe?
Yes. We use only sterile single-use needles that are disposed of properly in bio hazard containers. Licensed and certified Acupuncturists and Chinese Herbal Medicine practitioners require years of graduate level training, extensive clinical internships and licensing that is overseen by the MA Board of Medicine.

What are the side-effects and risks? How will I feel afterwards?
The most common side effect of acupuncture is a feeling of deep relaxation and euphoria. Many patients also report an improvement to their sleep, digestion, mood, energy, and periods. Other possible adverse effects might include slight bruising from either needles, cupping or gua sha, achiness from bodywork or acupuncture, fainting (if you are prone to fainting) easily, and feeling tired. Occasionally in the course of treatment less than 5% of patients might experience a slight flare-up of symptoms similar to a herxheimer reaction or the way it feels as you begin to detox. However, should this occur it’s usually a natural part of the healing process that resolves as treatment progresses. Most patients leave feeling much better than when they first came in.

Does acupuncture hurt?
We’re here to ensure your comfort as much as possible. The needles used in acupuncture are incredibly fine, flexible and not hollow like hypodermic needles used in flu shots but more like a cat’s whisker. Insertion of needles is typically painless and after a while patients don’t usually feel them at all. Most patients are surprised to find they feel so relaxed they fall asleep during treatment. If you can’t adjust to the idea of needles we can help you with other modalities including cupping, gua sha, herbs, diet, mindful movement, shiatsu, and bodywork.

How much treatment do I need?
This varies from patient to patient and depends on what we are treating as well. Acupuncture generally works cumulatively—the effect of each treatment builds upon the next. It is rare for one treatment to completely resolve a condition and usually a course of treatments is advised. The length of treatment and your prognosis are affected by different factors, including your age, overall health, and the length of time symptoms have persisted. However, we will evaluate your course of treatment regularly to check for indications it is working for you.

Should I tell my Dr. or other health care professionals?
Yes. We like to work collaboratively and help you establish a team of excellent health care providers who can work together. We like to know about all of the treatment you are getting and what is working well and are happy to coordinate care with anyone else on your team.