Acupuncture

The practice of acupuncture, a component of Traditional Chinese Medicine, originates from ancient China over 2000 years ago and is used to treat a myriad of health conditions. Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin disposable needles at specific points on the body and left in place for a period of time before removal.

 

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, disease is caused by disruptions to the flows of “qi”, the life force that moves blood circulation through the body along pathways called meridians. Smooth flow of qi and blood is essential to good health as proper circulation is required to nourish the organs and rid the body of toxins. Impaired qi flow can lead to pain, lack of function, or illness. Acupuncture unblocks qi stagnation allowing the body to regain balance and harmony.

 

In Western medicine, acupuncture is explained by concepts of neuroscience. Needle insertion at acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals and hormones which act to reduce pain and inflammation, in addition to stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities to promote physical and emotional well-being. 

What can Acupuncture Treat?

Acupuncture is used to treat many different diseases, disorders and pain conditions.

 

Common conditions that respond well to acupuncture include neck and back pain, sciatica, joint pain, frozen shoulder, tendonitis, arthritis, headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome, stress and anxiety, sinus and lung issues, digestive disorders, menstrual and fertility issues.

 

Furthermore, Dr. Thao is proficient in Zhu’s Scalp Acupuncture (ZSA) and Meizen Cosmetic Acupuncture (MCA). ZSA can help treat various neurological disorders including post-stroke symptoms, Bell’s palsy, Meniere’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and neuropathy.

 

MCA is a natural anti-aging approach for facial rejuvenation. In addition to treating pain and illness, acupuncture often is used preventively as a kind of “tune up,” in the maintenance of health and well-being.   

Techniques We Use

At each visit with Dr. Thao, patients will receive a personalized treatment consisting of one or more techniques listed. 

Body Acupuncture

Disposable sterile needles are inserted at specific acupuncture points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi throughout the meridians.

 

The needles are retained for 20-30 min. The application of manual stimulation, heat, or electrical stimulation may further enhance the effects.

Body Acupuncture

Guasha

A modality of Chinese Medicine that is used to improve Qi and blood flow through the meridians and organs.

 

The treatment involves using a tool to scrape the skin in long strokes. Guasha may help to break down scar tissues and adhesions, help reduce muscle tension and improving movement in the joints.

Guasha

Zhu’s Scalp Acupuncture (ZSA)

ZSA is a specialized technique that involves the insertion of very short, fine needles on the scalp to achieve the desired therapeutic effects on the different parts of the body.

 

Based on Chinese medicine and neurology, ZSA has become recognized worldwide as an effective method to treat various pain and neurological disorders.

Zhu’s Scalp Acupuncture (ZSA)

Cupping  

A modality of Chinese Medicine that is used to improve Qi and blood flow through the meridians and organs.

 

The suction from the cups promotes increased circulation and lymphatic drainage, calm the nervous system which helps to relieve muscle tension, neck and back pains, lung congestion, migraines, fatigue, and anxiety.

Cupping

Moxibustion (Moxa)    

A modality of Chinese Medicine that is used to strengthen and stimulate the flow of Qi and blood through the meridians and organs. The technique involves burning the herb mugwort on or near acupuncture points.

 

Alternatively, our office also employs the Premio 10 moxa device which emits infrared heat similar to burning mugwort.    

Moxibustion (Moxa)

Meizen Cosmetic Acupuncture (MCA)

Rooted in Chinese Medicine, MCA is a natural and safe option for facial rejuvenation. Each session consists of needling points on the face or neck as well as the body.

 

As such, cosmetic acupuncture not only brings more youthfulness to the face but also promotes beauty and wellness on a holistic level to the body’s entire ecosystem.

Meizen Cosmetic Acupuncture

(MCA)

Acupuncture Fees 

Initial Consultation and Examination (45-60 min)              $80

Subsequent Acupuncture Treatment (45-60 min)              $65

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Specialized Service Fees

Meizen Facial Acupuncture Session (60 min)                      $120

Cupping & Acupressure Treatment (30 min)                       $80    

Have a Question?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a natural approach to healing which originates from China and has been practiced there for thousands of years to treat various health conditions. During the second half of the twentieth century acupuncture began to spread rapidly in Western Europe, the United States and Canada. Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles through the patient’s skin at specific points on the body and left in place for a period of time before removal. Acupuncture can be effective as the only treatment or as an adjunct to other therapeutic interventions.



What conditions can Acupuncture help with?

Acupuncture can be effective as the only treatment or as an adjunct to other therapeutic interventions. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of:

  • Neurological and muscular disorders: headaches, neck and back pain, sports injuries, sciatica, osteoarthritis, neuritis and facial pain
  • Digestive disorders: irritable bowel, constipation, diarrhea and gastritis
  • Menstrual and reproductive problems: dysmenorrhea and perimenopausal symptoms
  • Urinary tract disorders: prostatitis and bladder dysfunction
  • Respiratory problems: sinusitis, asthma, sore throat and recurrent respiratory tract infections
  • Stress and psycho-emotional problems
  • Addictions

Is Acupuncture safe and will it hurt?

When performed by a trained and licensed practitioner, acupuncture is very safe. Serious side effects are rare. Only single use, sterile, disposable needles are used. The needling of acupuncture needles in general is very comfortable. Many times patients are not even aware that a needle has been inserted. Certain acupuncture points are more sensitive than others due to tissue thickness and degree of blood and nerve supply present at the site. At times needle insertion may elicit some tenderness or discomfort but would quickly resolve within seconds once the needle is in place.



How many treatment sessions will I need?

It completely depends on the condition that you’re seeking acupuncture treatment for. An acute tendonitis may resolve within 8-10 sessions whereas frozen shoulder could take months to fully recover. Furthermore some conditions can resolve fully after a course of treatments whereas others require periodic maintenance care to prevent symptoms from reoccurring. Acupuncture is very effective for treating pain but its role in regular wellness care should not be overlooked. Many patients continue to seek acupuncture for overall well-being after their pain have fully resolved.



What happens during treatment?

During a treatment session, very thin solid needles are inserted through the patient’s skin at specific points on the body and left in place for a period of time, 15-30 minutes, before removal. At times the practitioner may attach a small electrical device to one or more needles to aid in treatment. Other modalities such as cupping, tuina and moxibustion may be used depending on patient's syndrome differentiation and treatment plan.



How does Acupuncture work?

The Contemporary Medical Acupuncture approach is based on neuroscience. The scientific explanation of acupuncture is that needling certain points in the body stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the brain, spinal cord and muscles. These chemicals will change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body’s own internal regulating system. Furthermore, the biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities, and thereby promoting physical and emotional well-being.