Nurturing Spirit Acupuncture Healing ~ Growth ~ Vitality

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient form of natural medicine that was developed in China and has been practiced for thousands of years. It is based on the laws of the nature and its aim is to clear away any physical, mental, or spiritual obstacles that prevent a person from living to his or her greatest potential.

Acupuncture's greatest advantage is that it involves a holistic and extremely individualized approach to health care. Holistic means that as an acupuncturist, I pay attention to the big picture. I look at how all aspects of your body, mind, and spirit are functioning as a whole rather than seeing you as a collection of disconnected parts and symptoms. Individualized means that every treatment is custom-designed to meet your unique needs, based on your constitution, your history, and your personal experience of the health problems you are seeking to heal.

Acupuncture treatment involves the gentle insertion of extremely fine needles at various points on the body. This simple procedure stimulates the body's innate capacity to repair, regulate, and heal itself.

How does Acupuncture Work?

From an Eastern medicine perspective, acupuncture works by correcting imbalances in the flow of energy, or qi, in the body. Qi flows through the body via pathways called meridians.  Meridians are like irrigation channels that distribute the qi evenly throughout the whole body, ensuring that every part remains vital and well-nourished. When you are healthy, your qi flows smoothly through your meridians like water flowing along a riverbed.

When your qi becomes blocked along its natural course, you begin to experience symptoms of ill health.  Injuries, pathogens, exposure to toxic substances, improper diet, overwork, stress, and unhealthy emotional patterns can all contribute to these blockages.

By listening to your description of your symptoms and by observing other diagnostic signs like your pulse and tongue, I will be able to assess where and how your qi has become blocked. I will then assist your body in correcting these blockages by treating specific points along the meridians that have become imbalanced. This process reminds your body how to restore proper circulation and function to areas in need of healing.

From a Western medicine perspective, studies have demonstrated a number of acupuncture's mechanisms of action. We know that acupuncture stimulates our bodies to release endogenous endorphins. These naturally occurring compounds relieve pain, reduce stress, and promote a sense of well-being. Acupuncture also increases blood flow to the areas treated, which can improve tissue function and speed up healing of injuries. Needle stimulation of acupuncture points has also been shown to improve the functioning of our fascia (connective tissue). Fascia conducts both fluids and electrical signals through the body and plays a role in muscular pain and tension. When our fascia is in good shape, we have less muscle tightness and pain and better communication between our bodies' tissues and organ systems.

You can learn more about modern studies of acupuncture's effectiveness in general and for specific conditions at evidencebasedacupuncture.org.

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Yes. Millions of Americans choose to support their health and wellbeing with acupuncture every year. When performed by well-trained practitioners, acupuncture has an excellent safety track record.

Becoming a licensed acupuncturist requires a Master's degree that includes courses in anatomy, physiology, Eastern medicine theory, training in Clean Needle Technique, and many hours of supervised clinical practice. In addition to earning my Master of Acupuncture degree, I have passed national board exams given by the National Certification Board for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (NCBAHM, formerly called the NCCAOM). I have maintained my national certification status over the years by keeping up to date with all of NCBAHM's continuing education requirements. I am licensed to practice acupuncture by the Boards of Medicine of both the Commonwealth of Virginia and the District of Columbia.

For my patients' safety, I use only single-use needles that are pre-sterilized and disposable, as the law requires.

What Conditions Can Acupuncture Help?

Because it activates your innate power to heal by regulating the flow of qi to all parts of your body, acupuncture can be beneficial for many health conditions. I frequently use acupuncture to help people with all of the conditions listed below.

If you have questions about your specific health issues or needs, please feel free to book a free phone consultation so that we can discuss how acupuncture might benefit you personally.

Pain

• Headaches and Migraines
• Jaw Pain and Tension / TMJ
• Dental Pain
• Facial Pain
• Nerve Pain
• Post-Surgical Pain
• Arthritis
• Tendinitis
• Muscle Pain
• Myofascial Pain Syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Back, Neck, and Shoulder Pain
• Leg, Ankle, and Foot Pain
• Sciatica
• Hip Pain
• Knee Pain
• Arm, Wrist, and Hand Pain
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Tennis Elbow
• Athletic Injuries
• Repetitive Strain Injuries

Mental and Emotional Symptoms

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Panic Attacks
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Addictions
• PTSD / Trauma
• Grief and Loss
  
  Learn more about acupuncture for recovery from trauma and PTSD and healing from anxiety and depression.

Digestive Issues

• Heartburn / Acid Reflux / GERD
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Acute or Chronic Gastritis
• Ulcers
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Crohn's Disease
• Chronic Loose Stools or Constipation
• Gastroparesis or Slow Gut Motility
• Low or Excessive Appetite

Respiratory Problems

• Allergies
• Asthma
• Chronic Sinus Infections
• Susceptibility to Frequent Colds

Women's Health, Infertility, and Prenatal Care

• PMS
• Irregular Periods
• Painful Periods
• Infertility
• Morning Sickness
• Pregnancy-Related Aches and Pains
• Breech Positioning
• Swollen Hands and Feet in Pregnancy
• Hot Flashes, Perimenopausal, and Menopausal Symptoms
  
  Learn more about acupuncture for fertility and prenatal care.

Side Effects of Cancer Treatment

• Nausea and Vomiting
• Low Appetite
• Fatigue
• Mouth Sores
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Neuropathy
• Low Blood Cell Count
• Dry and Damaged Skin
• Post-Surgical Pain
  
  Learn more about acupuncture for cancer patients.