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.
Acupuncture Fees
Initial Consultation and Examination (45-60 min) $80
Subsequent Acupuncture Treatment (45-60 min) $60
Specialized Service Fees
Meizen Facial Acupuncture Session (60 min) $120
Cupping & Acupressure Treatment (30 min) $70
Cupping & Acupressure Treatment (60 min) $120
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.