What should I expect in my first acupuncture session?

The first session includes a full consultation about your symptoms, pulse and tongue diagnosis, and a personalized treatment plan. The session may also include cupping, Gua Sha, or moxibustion.

Yes. When performed by a trained, licensed practitioner, acupuncture is a safe treatment with minimal side effects. All needles are sterile, single-use, and disposed of properly.

Do you offer herbal medicine?

Yes. Herbal formulas are prescribed to support the treatment plan. Herbs may help regulate hormones, boost energy, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion.

What if I am afraid of needles?

Acupuncture needles are hair-thin and not comparable to medical syringes. Many people with needle anxiety are surprised at how comfortable and gentle the experience is.

How many sessions will I need?

Results vary depending on your condition. Some feel better after one session, while others benefit most from a series of treatments. Chronic issues often need a longer treatment plan.

What are acupuncture needles and how do they work?

Acupuncture needles are ultra-fine, sterile needles inserted into specific points on the body to regulate the flow of Qi (energy). They help reduce pain, improve circulation, and support the body’s natural healing processes.

Is acupuncture painful?

Most patients describe acupuncture as painless or mildly uncomfortable. The needles are much thinner than those used for injections. Many people report feeling relaxed during treatment.

What are the needles doing?

Each acupuncture point influences a specific organ or system. Inserting a needle at the right depth and angle signals the body to regulate energy, release tension, and restore function. Treatments are tailored to your current condition.

What is moxibustion and what are its benefits?

Moxibustion is a heat therapy that involves burning the herb mugwort near acupuncture points. It stimulates circulation, strengthens immunity, and helps relieve cold-related pain or stiffness.

What does cupping therapy do?

Cupping creates suction on the skin using glass or silicone cups. This improves blood flow, relaxes tight muscles, and helps remove toxins. It is often used for sports recovery, chronic pain, and stress relief.

What is Gua Sha and how is it used?

Gua Sha is a scraping technique that stimulates blood flow and lymphatic drainage. It reduces inflammation and muscle tension and is commonly used for colds, tight shoulders, and skin issues.

What is Chinese herbal medicine?

Chinese herbal medicine uses custom plant-based formulas to treat the root cause and symptoms of illness. Herbs are prescribed based on your diagnosis and can support digestion, sleep, stress, and hormonal balance.

How does the meridian system work?

Meridians are pathways in the body where energy (Qi) flows. There are 12 primary meridians, each linked to an organ system. They connect the internal organs to the surface of the body, guiding diagnosis and treatment.

What causes Qi imbalances?

Qi can become blocked or deficient due to stress, poor sleep, poor diet, injury, or emotional strain. These imbalances can lead to pain, fatigue, digestive issues, and other symptoms.

What are Tai Chi and Qi Gong?

Tai Chi and Qi Gong are slow, meditative movement practices used in TCM to balance energy, strengthen the body, and support emotional well-being. They are often part of a full treatment plan.

How does acupuncture affect the nervous system?

Acupuncture helps regulate the autonomic nervous system, shifting the body from a state of stress to rest. This can lower cortisol levels, improve sleep, and support digestion.

Can I combine acupuncture with Western treatments?

Yes. Acupuncture works well alongside conventional medicine and can help reduce side effects from medications or support recovery from surgery or ongoing treatments.

What conditions does the World Health Organization recognize acupuncture for?

The WHO recognizes acupuncture as effective for many conditions, including back pain, migraines, arthritis, menstrual pain, nausea, insomnia, anxiety, sciatica, allergies, and more.

Can acupuncture help with fertility?

Yes. Acupuncture helps regulate hormones, improve blood flow to reproductive organs, and support IVF treatments. It is used for both men and women trying to conceive.

How does acupuncture support mental health?

Acupuncture can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by regulating the nervous system, improving sleep, and balancing hormones. Many patients report improved emotional stability and calm.

Is facial acupuncture the same as cosmetic acupuncture?

Yes. Facial acupuncture stimulates collagen, improves circulation, and lifts the skin naturally. It is a holistic alternative to injectables and chemical treatments.

What are the benefits of facial acupuncture?

Facial acupuncture helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improves skin tone and texture, and enhances radiance by stimulating natural collagen production.

Can acupuncture help with skin conditions?

Yes. Acne, rosacea, eczema, and other inflammatory skin conditions often improve with acupuncture by treating internal imbalances that show up on the skin.

How Acupuncture Helps Athletes with Recovery

Mar 14

Written By Eugénie Garnier

Acupuncture has many benefits for athletes and runners. It helps release muscle tightness and trigger points, improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and restore mobility. Whether you’re training for a marathon or recovering from an injury, acupuncture supports athletic recovery by addressing both pain and its root causes.

This therapy is commonly used to treat sports-related injuries such as shin splints, IT band syndrome, plantar fasciitis, hamstring strains, and tendonitis. Acupuncture and dry needling can also improve range of motion by targeting fascial tightness and restoring muscular balance.

A 2020 study published in the National Library of Medicine found acupuncture to be effective for managing pain, musculoskeletal injuries, delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), exercise-induced fatigue, and performance anxiety in athletes.

"Chinese traditional medicine herbs on acupuncture needles. Not always pleasant but effective." — Novak Djokovic

Acupuncture works best when integrated into a consistent recovery routine. For professional and recreational athletes alike, it helps the body shift into healing mode by reducing stress and improving circulation. This leads to better recovery, fewer injuries, and improved performance.

Top athletes such as David Beckham, Novak Djokovic, and Kobe Bryant have used acupuncture as part of their training and recovery strategies. It is valued not as a trend, but as a time-tested method to support peak physical performance and long-term health.

If you are looking to recover faster, reduce pain, and maintain optimal performance, acupuncture is a safe and effective addition to your wellness regimen.

Eugénie Garnier

How Acupuncture Helps Athletes with Recovery

Acupuncture for Painful Menstrual Periods