Acupuncture

Tiny Needles, Big Results

Whether you call it acupuncture or dry needling, here's what actually happens: I place hair-thin needles at specific points on your body that tell your nervous system to get its act together. It doesn't really hurt. It really works. And yes, you'll probably fall asleep on the table like everyone else.

Acupuncture has been around for over 3,000 years—which is either incredibly reassuring or slightly terrifying, depending on how you feel about ancient medical practices. For the record: it's reassuring. Modern research has caught up and confirmed what Chinese medicine has known all along: this stuff works.

What Does It Actually Do?

Science version, translated into human.

Releases Endorphins

Your body's natural painkillers. Acupuncture triggers their release, which is why you feel like you just had the best nap of your life afterward. It's a legal high, basically.

Reduces Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is behind most pain and a shocking number of diseases. Acupuncture calms the inflammatory response at the source—no ibuprofen required.

Regulates Your Nervous System

Stuck in fight-or-flight mode? (Most of us are.) Acupuncture flips the switch to rest-and-repair, helping your body actually heal instead of just surviving.

Improves Blood Flow

More blood to the areas that need healing means faster recovery, less stiffness, and better function. Your cells are basically getting a grocery delivery.

Balances Hormones

From menopause mayhem to thyroid tantrums, acupuncture helps regulate your endocrine system. Your hormones learn to use their indoor voices.

Calms the Gut-Brain Axis

Your gut and your brain are in constant conversation. Acupuncture makes sure that conversation is productive instead of a screaming match.

What a Session Looks Like

(Spoiler: it's more relaxing than you think.)

The Detective Work

I ask you questions. Some will seem obvious ("where does it hurt?"), others will seem random ("how's your sleep? do you run hot or cold?"). Trust the process. It's all connected.

The Needle Part

I place needles thinner than a strand of hair at specific points. Most people feel a tiny sensation, then nothing. Then deep relaxation. Then... snoring. It's a whole journey.

The Nap

You rest with the needles for 20-30 minutes while they do their thing. This is the part where your body shifts into healing mode. Many patients say it's the most relaxed they've felt in months.

Acupuncture vs. Dry Needling

"So... is acupuncture the same as dry needling?"

Short answer: same needles, different training. Dry needling focuses on trigger points for pain. Acupuncture does that AND treats your whole system—digestion, sleep, hormones, stress, the works. Think of dry needling as a single tool. Acupuncture is the whole toolbox.

Also, acupuncturists have about 3,000+ hours of training in needling. That's... not nothing. If someone's putting needles in you, you probably want the person who spent the most time learning how.

Your Needle-Related Questions

Yes! Acupuncture needles are nothing like the needles at your doctor's office. They're thinner than a strand of hair—about 40 of them could fit inside a standard hypodermic needle. Most needle-phobic patients are shocked by how comfortable it is. Some become my most enthusiastic fans.

Many people notice changes after their very first session. For chronic issues, plan on 4-6 sessions to see significant improvement. Acute problems often resolve faster. We'll check in regularly and adjust the plan based on how you're responding.

The main "side effects" are feeling deeply relaxed, sleeping better that night, and occasionally a tiny bruise at a needle site. Some people feel a bit floaty after treatment—in a good way. Compared to the side effects list on most medications, acupuncture is basically a vacation.

Many insurance plans now cover acupuncture, especially for pain. I'd recommend calling your insurance to check your specific coverage. I can provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement as well.