The first documentation of of Acupuncture as an organized system of diagnosis and treatment dates back to 100 BCE. (National Library of Medicine (NIH), 2014) . Acupuncture is a technique of stimulating specific acupuncture points using very thin needles.

In Private Five Element Acupuncture, you will have full body treatments for Acupuncture points (Spiritual points on the chest, points on the lower abdomen-highly recommend for menstrual pain & fertility, points on the back—HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR BACK & SHOULDER PAIN), in addition to access to other modalities offered if patients qualifies and is interested in: Cupping, Gua Sha, or Reiki. Many Acupuncture points treat the physical level of the body (ie. Shoulder pain) the mental level of the body (feeling fatigued) and the “spiritual level” of the body (feeling stuck in life). With Private Acupuncture, we have time to one-on-one, really dive deep and select points that are working on multiple levels to experience the deepest growth.Community Acupuncture utilizes points on the limbs and the head only. Patient stays dressed and may share a large room with other patients. This is a great way to sample needles, get a quick seasonal tune-up (allergies, seasonal changes, etc.), or get access to a quick low-cost treatments for those who need it. Patients who are seen in Private Acupuncture can come and get their Element sources needled for re-balancing. "

It's effective! Acupuncture has been scientifically proven to relieve back and neck pain,osteoarthritis, chronic headache, and shoulder pain. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Pain has concluded that acupuncture is effective for a number of chronic pain conditions. Results indicated that the effects of acupuncture were persistent over time and that the benefits could not be explained by the placebo effect. It really works!Check out a few scientific articles:Acupuncture for Chronic painAcupuncture Effective for Chronic PainEffectiveness of Acupuncture in Osteoarthritis of the KneeEffect of Acupuncture on Headache measured by number of attacks and drug useAcupuncture in the treatment of Major Depression in Women

Perhaps the most common mistake is not finishing a course of treatment or not gettingtreatments with frequency in the beginning. Although number of treatments is individualized, on average, patients should expect 6 treatments, once a week in order for treatments to hold their effectiveness. After that, treatment is re-addressed or spacing out appointments can begin.One aspect of Acupuncture is the patient-practitioner relationship. In some way, the needles serve as a medium for subtle energy manipulation. An acupuncturist is not simply someone who inserts needles, but an acupuncturist must be skilled in diagnosing through Chinesemedicine, as well as needling technique and accuracy. Although some chiropractors andphysicians may use acupuncture needles for muscle tension ONLY trained, licensedacupuncturist are trained in diagnosing and in using the points for more than just muscletension.Another consideration is every acupuncturist has different skills or may be trained in additional style of acupuncture (TCM, Five Element Acupuncture, Korean Acupuncture etc.).

The tradition of Five Element Acupuncture or Five-Phase Acupuncture is rooted in theunderstanding that energy- also known as Qi/chi flows in a cyclical pattern through the Five Elements- Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water.The Elements work interdependently in an elegant and systematic balance, each onesustaining and supporting the next in the cycle. This cycle can best be seen in the change of seasons, for example, Wood corresponds to the birth and growth of plants and trees in the spring. It is the energy of the sprout pushing through the dirt.What is planted in the spring matures in the heat of the Fire in summer, which creates theabundance of the harvest of the Earth in late summer. After harvest, autumn arrives and the leaves fall from the trees and nourish the soil with the minerals of Metal. The mountain and rock create and contain the flowing streams of Water, which in turn waters the seed, allowing the plant to sprout again. This cycle also corresponds to the energy cycle within our bodies and organs.By understanding the relationships of the Elements in nature, we can begin to see them within ourselves and use them as a guide, to treat the root of the person’s illness by balancing the elements.

Five Element Acupuncture is a unique style of Acupuncture that recognizes that althoughindividuals may have similar symptoms, the cause of those symptoms depends on theindividual's own unique balance of elements.The acupuncturist works one-on-one, going in depth, with the patient to determine whatelement is out of balance and works to restore that balance. Treatments are individualized to help you become the best version of you possible.

Five Element acupuncture is one of the most complex systems in traditional Chinese medicine and can take years to master. Five Element Acupuncture tends to use far less needles during the treatment. Needles are not always left in and are often times in and out. Five Element Acupuncture will also search for energy blockages between the body’s meridians as well as blocks on a mental/spirit level. The first treatment often begins with an Acupuncture detox to remove stagnant energy. These unblocking treatments are unique to Five Element Acupuncture.Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has its own unique history and methods to restore balance in the body. Both styles use the same meridians (lines of energy) and acupuncture points. Both styles will also use the pulse and tongue to help determine symptomatology. TCM tends to focus more on the symptoms and the balance between yin and yang. Patients with similar symptoms will often receive similar treatments.

Moxibustion (commonly called "moxa") is the use of dried mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) and burning them on top of acupuncture points. The mugwort is rolled into small cones that are lit with an incense stick (so no open flame), and monitored closely. When there is a feeling of warmth (not hot) the moxa is pulled off by the practitioner. This is a way to bring the energy to the specific acupuncture point. It tonifies Qi and nourishes Blood, and is commonly used to strengthen. This technique is not recommended for those with asthma or those who are very sensitive to smoke.

Gua Sha tool or Gua Sha spoon and oil so there is no friction (we use coconut oil). The lightpressure and movement helps release this tension and to improve circulation and reduce pain & inflammation. If present, the Sha raises to the surface as red/purple petechia (small pin point spots under the skin that fade in about 48 hours). This technique is not recommended for patients with bleeding disorders.I can speak from experience that it is a quick way to permanently reduce muscle pain from an acute injury. Muscle builders find Gua Sha very helpful. Gua Sha is similar to Graston muscle scraping, a technique from 1994 that is found in some orthopedic clinics.

Yes. This website provides a lot of good information: Gua Sha Medical News TodayCheck out these studies: The Effect of Gua Sha on the Microcirculation of Surface TissueGua Sha improves perceived exertion scale scores for Weightlifters

Reiki comes from the terms "Rei" meaning universal and "ki" or energy. Originating from Japan, this subtle energy bodywork uses a light touch to balance chakras and remove stagnant energy. The patient remains fully clothed during the session. Patients often report a sense of calm, relief or a release of emotions afterward.Check out these articles on Reiki: What is Reiki Therapy?Where Does Reiki Come From?Personally, Reiki helped me in so many ways, so if you have any questions, please reach out,I'd be happy to share my own experience.

Auricular acupuncture was popularized by Dr. Paul Nogier in the 1950s, who adapted it from ancient Chinese texts, and further popularized in the 1970s by the National Acupuncture Detox Association (NADA). Nogier described points on the ear as a “micro-map” of the overall body.These points connect through the nervous system to the brain’s somatosensory cortex, which processes signals from the body. By stimulating specific points on the ear, practitioners can influence the corresponding organs and systems through the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters.(pacific college). Some of the benefits include pain relief, stress and anxiety reduction, reduction in addiction and cravings, and improving sleep.