CommUnity
Community Acupuncture is a specialized style of acupuncture treatment which allows us to provide care for up to 3 people in an hour.
This popular community-style treatment originated in China and began in this country in Portland, Oregon in 2002. It has since grown to as many as 500 clinics across the country, all providing affordable acupuncture. We are proud to be a member of POCA (the Peoples Organization of Community Acupuncture!) which leads this movement. Acupuncture, as a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, works with the principle that you are an integrated whole in body, mind and spirit. Rather than just eliminating symptoms, it focuses on remedying the root causes of the illness or disease and restoring the body's balance. |
Important Details About Your In-Office Appointment
- Please complete your New Patient Forms prior to your visit. You may complete your form electronically or print them, fill them out, and bring them to your first session. Your first acupuncture session begins with a 10 minute private consultation with our acupuncturist who will review your forms and talk with you about your major health goals.
- We use sterile, very thin, single use needles and our Acupuncturist is certified in clean needle technique. Acupuncture is typically not painful, although you may feel a little sting when the needle is inserted. This should subside quickly but if it doesn't, please tell your acupuncturist.
- You will rest with needles in place for about 30 - 40 minutes.
- Please wear clothes you can easily push above your knees and elbows. You will remove your shoes and socks.
- Acupuncture works best when it is received with sufficient frequency, as is the Asian tradition. You may be suggested to return for treatment a specific number of times per week or month for maximum effectiveness. Once your health is balanced, you can then enjoy acupuncture regularly to stay healthy. Our community model makes this affordable for you and your whole family!
- Depending upon your unique needs, in addition to Acupuncture we offer other Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques that include cupping, Chinese herbs, auriculotherapy (ear needling), electrical stimulation, acupressure, and acupressure beads.
- Your acupuncturist may also suggest specific meditation techniques, nutritional therapy, wellness coaching, or energy work.
Health Benefits of Acupuncture
Disease and illness result from imbalances in the body systems. Acupuncture works with the body's energy and meridian systems to restore that balance, hence the effectiveness in treating many conditions. Acupuncture and TCM are excellent for treating both acute and chronic pain, stress, anxiety, sleep issues, women's health and fertility, gastrointestinal issues, immunity building, and more.
It is important to stress that acupuncturists are not medical doctors and do not provide primary care medicine or diagnostic medical procedures. Acupuncture is a complement to Western medicine, not a substitute for it. Acupuncturists do not diagnose health conditions according to standard Western medical protocols.
A “Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis” should not, therefore, be considered a replacement for standard medical evaluation or testing. If you think there is any possibility that you may be experiencing a serious health concern, it is important that you see a primary care physician prior to acupuncture treatment.
As a complementary care provider we are pleased to communicate with your physician at your request.
The World Health Organization has listed over 40 conditions that are treatable by acupuncture. This list, seen below, gives some indication of the power and scope of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
It is important to stress that acupuncturists are not medical doctors and do not provide primary care medicine or diagnostic medical procedures. Acupuncture is a complement to Western medicine, not a substitute for it. Acupuncturists do not diagnose health conditions according to standard Western medical protocols.
A “Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis” should not, therefore, be considered a replacement for standard medical evaluation or testing. If you think there is any possibility that you may be experiencing a serious health concern, it is important that you see a primary care physician prior to acupuncture treatment.
As a complementary care provider we are pleased to communicate with your physician at your request.
The World Health Organization has listed over 40 conditions that are treatable by acupuncture. This list, seen below, gives some indication of the power and scope of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Women's Health
Acute and Chronic Pain
|
Immune System
Nervous Disorders
|
Gastrointestinal
Men's Health
Respiratory Disorders
|
Cardiovascular Disease
Internal Diseases
|
About Cupping
Cupping is an ancient healing therapy that traces back not only to the Chinese, but also to Egyptian and other middle eastern cultures. The practitioner places specialized cups directly on the skin following the acupuncture meridian lines. Then suction is applied pulling the skin into the cup. The cups are left in place for 10 minutes or less, or sometimes a cup is moved gently to massage an area.
Cupping is most often done on the back, but can be done on other areas as well such as wrists and ankles. The benefits of cupping include pain relief, detoxification, and increased circulation to the arteries and veins in the area. |
Acupuncture for Addiction
We are pleased to offer specialized acupuncture for people dealing with or in recovery from addictions and related problems. As a service to our community we are making this ear only therapy available by appointment for only $10. Please call our office to schedule.
These treatments are the same five-ear-point NADA Protocol now delivered in over 40 countries, as well as used or endorsed by the US Department of Defense and Veterans Affair, the US Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, the US National Institutes of Health and the United Nations. |
About Reiki, Tuina and Acupressure
Our Acupuncturist is also trained and certified in these holistic healing modalities, which you may benefit from:
Reiki (pronounced ray-kee)
Reiki means “Universal Life Energy” and can be described as the energy which exists in all living things. When there is a block in one’s energy, the result may be dis-ease, in body, mind or spirit. The Reiki practitioner lays his/her hands on the client in a particular sequence, beginning at the head, moving down the torso and ending on the back. The hand positions correspond to the major organs, glands, and chakras. Reiki is deeply calming and relaxing and is best known for assisting with acute and chronic pain and stress. |
Tuina (pronounced twee-nah)
Tuina is a centuries old form of body work that originated in China and is often combined with acupuncture. Instead of using needles, the practitioner applies pressure to acupoints, meridians, and muscle groups to remove blockages to the flow of energy (qi). Tuina is often used for alleviating chronic pain (neck, back, shoulder, etc.) and stress-related symptoms that affect the digestive and/or respiratory systems. Tuina is an excellent choice for anyone who wishes to have the benefits of acupuncture without the needles!
Tuina is a centuries old form of body work that originated in China and is often combined with acupuncture. Instead of using needles, the practitioner applies pressure to acupoints, meridians, and muscle groups to remove blockages to the flow of energy (qi). Tuina is often used for alleviating chronic pain (neck, back, shoulder, etc.) and stress-related symptoms that affect the digestive and/or respiratory systems. Tuina is an excellent choice for anyone who wishes to have the benefits of acupuncture without the needles!
Acupressure (no needles)
Acupressure uses all the same theories of acupuncture, but uses hand-work manipulation techniques (like in massage therapies) instead of needles. This means we can bring powerful, needle-free treatments to you using the same meridians and principles as acupuncture.
Treatment is done on a massage table and can be fairly vigorous. The majority of treatments will be focused on working with acupressure points the back and the extremities. As with any deep tissue work, the treatment itself can be uncomfortable and release many toxins from the body.
While the appointment is scheduled for 20 minutes, a rest period of 20 minutes or more is required after a session to allow the work to move though the body and for the body to settle. Acupressure is ideal for people who are needle sensitive or who want to avoid needles.
Acupressure uses all the same theories of acupuncture, but uses hand-work manipulation techniques (like in massage therapies) instead of needles. This means we can bring powerful, needle-free treatments to you using the same meridians and principles as acupuncture.
Treatment is done on a massage table and can be fairly vigorous. The majority of treatments will be focused on working with acupressure points the back and the extremities. As with any deep tissue work, the treatment itself can be uncomfortable and release many toxins from the body.
While the appointment is scheduled for 20 minutes, a rest period of 20 minutes or more is required after a session to allow the work to move though the body and for the body to settle. Acupressure is ideal for people who are needle sensitive or who want to avoid needles.