F.A.Q.’s

The easiest way to explain it is that acupuncture points stimulate your nervous system to tell your brain to heal certain areas.  MRIs have shown that certain acupuncture points stimulate very specific areas of the brain. We gently place very thin needles in specific places that allow the body to relax and self regulate.

Acupuncture activates the body’s natural healing mechanisms and triggers the same responses that would be activated after any illness or injury.

Not really. Most of our patients find the experience very relaxing and are able to fall asleep soon after the insertion of the needles. We use sterile, single use, disposable needles. These needles are very different from those used by your western medical practitioner when you get an injection. They are very fine and have a hair-like appearance.

After the initial poke most people describe the feeling as heavy, tingly, electric or nothing at all.

It can vary. At the first appointment we will probably chat a little longer. The usual treatment lasts about 40 minutes; if you have somewhere to be please let the acupuncturist know what time to wake you up. Needles can be left in for as little as 20 minutes and you will still get good results.

After treatment most people feel refreshed and energized (some say Zenergized). Other people don’t feel anything until the next day. There is no right or wrong experience with your own healing.

Acupuncture is a PROCESS. You can expect to see some positive changes within 3-4 sessions.  This does not mean that your symptoms are completely gone within this period of time. Only that your pain or symptoms are less severe, you are sleeping more restfully, your mood is brighter, you are having more “good days” than you did before, etc.  

Young people in good health with acute problems (for example a cold or minor ankle sprain) often only require 2-3 treatments.  Older individuals and those with chronic health problems typically require a much longer course of treatment.  In these cases, treatment is divided into three phases:

Corrective care – During this phase, treatments are scheduled weekly (or 2-3 times per week in severe cases).  The goal during this phase is to relieve symptoms and to start the process of addressing the underlying cause of pain or health problems.

Convalescent care – During this phase, treatments are usually scheduled every two weeks.  The goal during this phase is to maintain symptomatic relief while focusing on resolving underlying conditions and preventing future problems.

Maintenance care – During this phase, treatments are scheduled once a month or four times per year (usually at the change of seasons).  The goal during this phase of care is to maintain the progress we have made and to support your vitality and overall wellbeing.

The length of time you spend in each phase depends on a number of factors, including:

1.  Whether your problem is acute or chronic.
2.  How long you have had the problem.
3.  Whether you can avoid the conditions that caused your problem.
4.  Your age.
5.  Your general state of health.

Progress will be faster if you faithfully follow your treatment plan by keeping your appointments, taking your herbal medication every day (if applicable), and following any advice that you are given about dietary or lifestyle changes.

Your acupuncturist will discuss a treatment plan with you on your first visit, that based on our experience, will give you the best results.

It’s quiet and comfy. Our clinic is a large open space with nooks of comfy massage tables spaced 6 feet apart. We have curtains dividing the nooks, with Swiss Hospital Grade Air filters, music and soft lighting being used as a backdrop to promote relaxation.

In whispers we ask a few questions about what you are experiencing. We use points primarily on your arms, hands, legs, feet and scalp.

You may bring a blanket from home to add to your nook experience while you rest.

We have options for everyone.  There is an initial, one-time paperwork fee of $15 for first time visit in addition to your initial visit fee of $50 ($15 plus $50).

We don’t take insurance, but can offer you digital receipts. We accept cash, or credit. Gift certificates are available!

Please stay clothed! While there may be times we need to access points on the upper leg or arm — it is best to wear loose fitting clothing (wide leg pants, long skirts and short sleeves or loose sleeves that can be rolled up).

We’ll need access to areas just above your knees and just above your elbows.

It is best to eat a light meal or snack an hour or two prior to your appointment – you will be most comfortable if you are neither hungry nor stuffed.

Always stay hydrated, but you may want to use the restroom before the needles go in.

At this time we are operating by appointment only.  We have appointments available every 10 minutes during a shift. Community acupuncture works best when we work as a community, and it helps us at MAP to know who to expect, and when.

With that said, if you want to try to come in, but your schedule is in flux for the day, please check our online schedule, you may book online up to one hour prior to the time you want, if there are slots available.  

Bring all your personal items with you into the treatment room; in your treatment nook we have bins for you to store your belongings during your treatment.

Please keep your shoes on until you are resting on your treatment table.

YES, and it has been proven time and time again via multiple research studies in the past couple decades. 

Scientists at Homerton University Hospital discovered that the pregnancy rate of those who utilized acupuncture with their fertility treatment was 46.2%. Which was more than double the pregnancy rate of those who did not receive acupuncture (21.7%). 

Our goal is to bring the body back into balance, including the reproductive system. Everything in the body is connected, so when someone comes to us for help with conceiving and carrying a baby, we look at the big picture in addition to discussing her specific fertility history.

 In every fertility treatment the focus is on bringing you, the mother-to-be, to optimum health while also using specific points to bring circulation to the reproductive system.

We look at the long-term when it comes to fertility – we want your body to be running at its best before, through and post pregnancy.  We suggest that you expect to receive treatments and nourish yourself for at least three months to a year before conception. These months would be used to treat imbalances like improper diet and nutrition, irregular menstrual cycle, weight management, stress management, and any other irregular symptoms that one can be experiencing. This treatment is done to ensure the smoothest pregnancy possible. During this time, you still can try to conceive, but this way it takes the pressure off and helps you focus on your well-being. 

If you have a date set for your intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF), we can help. Research has shown that implantation rates could be increased by as much as 60% with acupuncture on either side of the Embryo Transplant. We’ll discuss a targeted – often accelerated – treatment plan with you. We’ll also cover what do after your transfer and develop a treatment plan for your pregnancy.

Often fertility patients come to us at their wit’s end, frustrated from their lack of results and stressed because of the amount of pressure they’ve put themselves under. Know that we are here to help! We will help you re-focus on the beauty of bringing new life into the world; while regaining a calmer perspective overall. 

Most definitely! Acupuncture has been used for pregnancy in order to help the following: conceiving— both naturally and with assisted reproductive technology, such as IVF, with fatigue, general pain and discomfort from pregnancy, pelvic discomfort, headaches, heartburn, constipation, hemorrhoids, stress, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, sciatica pain, and even to correct breech position and help induce labor if needed.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used with great efficacy for those who are about to embark or are already on their pregnancy journey.

Cosmetic acupuncture works by addressing the root causes of aging; poor sleep, digestion issues, as well as emotional and hormonal imbalances.  These internal issues reflect on the face and can show up in the form of wrinkles, puffiness, dark circles and acne.
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Working on the root cause by doing a full body acupuncture treatment in combination with the facial needles transforms your appearance on the outside to reflect the healing on the inside.  
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The specific needle placement and needle techniques stimulate your central nervous system and circulatory system, which delivers nutrients and oxygen to your skin cells, nourishing skin from the inside out.
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This combination of internal and external work helps even out your complexion while promoting your skin to glow by:

• Increased collagen production
• Tightening/Toning skin
• Reducing blemishes
• Improving Texture