The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture for a wide range of medical problem. Please see www.who.int for additional information.

Does Acupuncture hurt?

Not really. Some people feel more discomfort than others–and Deborah and Laura spend as much time as needed making sure each client feels prepared, safe, and heard. Because acupuncture needles are so thin (often as thin as a hair), one normally does not feel pain on insertion. However, one may feel a quick pinch or a variety of sensations that indicate the “arrival of qi”. These may feel like a dull ache, a spreading feeling, heaviness or warmth. These sensations normally last for just a moment, although the needles remain in the body for the duration of the treatment. (Only sterile, single use, disposable needles are used.)

In addition to or instead of the use of needles, other techniques may be applied during a session including heat therapy, frictioning and various forms of body work. Specifically these techniques can include moxibustion, cupping, gua sha, shoni shin, tui na, amma, bleeding and electric stimulation. All techniques will be fully discussed and questions or concerns addressed. In most cases, after all the needles are in place, you will rest for about 20 minutes before the needles are removed. This time is normally deeply relaxing and often results in a profound inner calm and reconnection with the self.

How fast does acupuncture work?

It could be immediate, as it has been for many of Deborah’s patients, like a fibromyalgia patient who felt Western medicine had failed her. She came to Deborah with chronic neck pain that was alleviated after the first session. Twice weekly sessions for two months helped retrain the patient’s musculature to remain in its natural, elongated state, relieving pain and tightness and allowing for the restoration of the free flow of energy. Most of Deborah’s and Laura's patients feel symptoms alleviated within a couple of days. Occasionally symptoms are exacerbated before they get better. Deborah’s and Laura's goal is 80% improvement after a session or two. Of course every body and situation is unique, however, sometimes–that is exactly what happens.

With over 30 years of combined experience, Deborah and Laura have learned to deal with most scenarios. It may be necessary to do a few treatments or a series of treatments, based on the condition and the length of time it has existed. A treatment plan will be discussed during the first session and readdressed as needed. Depending on the type of treatment received, you may feel some muscle soreness. Other sensations: Almost always there is a deep sense of inner peace and relaxation. You may feel relaxed and even sleepy or energized. Deborah often ends sessions with hot stone meridian therapy to further relax muscles, restore energy and blood flow, increase range of motion, stimulate chakras and acupoints and to create an overall sense of well-being. “And it feels wonderful!” she says. Laura often integrates the use of essential oils during her sessions facilitating extraordinary shifts in body-mind-soul.

Acupuncture: Trigger Point Style

Both Deborah and Laura almost always include Trigger Point / Myofascial Release Techniques in their acupuncture sessions. They will address Trigger Points (tight, tender areas within a muscle) whether they are treating fertility, headaches, anxiety or muscle pain. This style of acupuncture can be extremely effective in relieving symptoms and healing imbalances, often in a very short amount of sessions.

“A large portion of our clientele is made up of athletes of all kinds,” says Deborah. “we regularly work with triathletes, Iron Men/Women, and marathon runners, particularly while they are in training or if they are injured.” Deborah and Laura specialize in Myofascial Release Techniques (including Trigger Point Release) that help relieve pain, release spasmed muscles, decompress joints, increase range of motion and profoundly improve athletic performance. So you get the best of both worlds! Deborah and Laura work regularly with conditions related to knees, hips, ankles, feet, shoulders, backs, hamstrings and IT bands—all the places those of us who use our bodies in extreme ways can potentially encounter problems.

“In my experience, I find that Acupuncture can be the one single factor enabling an injured athlete to resume their training and participate in their competition when they otherwise would not be able.” Acupuncture also works very well with other therapies such as Physical Therapy, often speeding up the time someone needs to be in Physical Therapy altogether.