what is acupuncture?

Approximately three thousand years ago, East Asian practitioners discovered that the body forms disharmony as a result of the various physical and mental stresses of life. Oriental medical theory explains these disharmony as an imbalance of opposing forces called yin and yang. This imbalance disrupts the movement of the body's vital energy (qi) along the meridian pathways, which are channels through which the body's energy is thought to flow. Acupuncture restores the smooth flow of qi. By inserting and manipulating hair-thin needles at specific points, the body will return to its natural balance and promote the ability to heal itself.

What does Acupuncture treat?

Many conditions including: Addictions, Allergies, Acne, Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Carpal tunnel, Chronic fatigue, Colitis, Common Cold, Constipation, Digestive issues, Depression, Emotional issues, Facial paralysis, Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Fertility issues, Headaches, Hormone imbalance, IBS, Low back pain, Menopause, Migraines, Morning sickness, Nausea, PMS, Sciatica, Side effects from cancer care, Shoulder pain, knee pain, stress reduction, sleep issues, tendonitis, and weight loss.

Do the needles hurt?

Acupuncture needles are very tiny about the size of a human hair. Each patient has their own level of sensitivity, but most of the needles you may not feel at all, and some may have a very brief sensation - at most a brief little pinch. Some points may be on more sensitive areas or the needling technique may be intended to be stronger, and these times will be explained in advance.

When we gently stimulate the needles they may produce a unique sensation that Oriental medicine calls de qi. Patients often describe de qi as a heavy, achy pressure, or spreading, traveling feeling. You may also feel an "electrical" sensation moving down the meridian pathways, though this is less common. Most patients find these acupuncture sensations deeply satisfying and leave the treatment feeling relaxed both mentally and physically.

Is it safe?

All needles at Gentle Acupuncture are sterilized, single-use, stainless steel, and about the width of a strand of head hair. Acupuncture has been used in other parts of the world for over several thousand years, and when performed by a licensed acupuncturist, incredibly safe. 

How many treatments will I need?

Everyone is different, but typically you should notice positive changes within 4-6 visits. I usually recommend more consistent treatments in the beginning. Once we stabilize your body and its symptoms your treatments become less and less frequent. For acute (new) issues, patients tend to see results very quickly. For chronic (older) issues, it may take a little longer. For general rule of thumb, the longer you’ve been dealing with an issue, the more treatments it will take to fix it. Preventative treatments and treatments for general well-being may also be scheduled on an as-needed basis.

Why choose Gentle Acupuncture?

Our principle is the Japanese style Acupuncture in which the needles are very thin and inserted superficially, and in some instances, they are not inserted at all (by using Teishin: non-insertive needle). For Japanese practitioners, the most energetic and influential aspects of Qi are at the surface of the body. This gentle needling technique is great for highly sensitive people as well as small children.

Gentle Acupuncture also works in multiple styles of acupuncture, allowing for a set of tools that targets the patient's unique needs. This includes Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kiiko Matsumoto style of Japanese Acupuncture, and Acupuncture Physical Medicine (APM) with trigger point release.

Our practice includes the integration of Shiatsu, Swedish massage, CranioSacral, Ortho-bionomy and other hands-on works customized for each client’s needs to assist them in finding the holistic balance and improve homeostasis.

Does Insurance Cover?   how should I pay? 

We don’t take insurance at this moment. You can pay by personal check or cash.

Our insurance policy: We are an out of network provider. We do not accept insurance directly but will work with you to make the insurance reimbursement as easy as possible by providing a Superbill for services that may be submitted to an insurance company for processing. Please contact your individual medical insurance carrier to assess reimbursement policies.

if i need to cancel my appointment?

If you cancel your appointment less than 24 hours before it is scheduled to take place, you will be subject to a penalty of $50. Please provide a cancellation notice at least 24 hours before your appointment to avoid a cancellation fee. No-shows or cancellations made after the start of the session incur the full fee.

Gentle Japanese Acupuncture understands there are times when cancellations may be necessary on short notice and reserves the right to waive fees under certain circumstances such as illness or emergencies.

 what is your late policy?

Appointment times have been reserved exclusively for you. If you arrive less than 30 minutes late, your session may be shortened in order to accommodate patients whose appointments directly follow your session. Regardless of the length of the treatment, you will be responsible for the rate of the full session.