F A Q

Yūgen is a common word in Japanese culture, especially in pottery, similar to Wabi-Sabi, and is considered untranslatable to English. Yūgen is said to mean “a profound, mysterious sense of the beauty of the universe and the sad beauty of human suffering” This concept is deeply rooted in the mind and emotions. It is about this world, this human experience, the human condition, and nothing outside of that.

In general, acupuncture is a painless experience. When the acupuncturist places the needles it is common to feel a little pinch, mild sting, or dull achy sensation. It should not be painful. Some people are more sensitive than others, so technique is adjusted and the gauge of needles according to each person’s response.The acupuncture needles are hair-thin (usually 32 to 36 gauge), making the sensation of the needle entering your skin light or nonexistent. Patients often fall asleep and are in deep relaxation on the table.

Yes! Acupuncture is safe during pregnancy and can help relieve many pregnancy and postpartum conditions. Because there are some acupuncture points that are contraindicated during pregnancy, it is important to inform the practitioner if you are pregnant. Acupuncture is especially beneficial during the first trimester to help assist embryo development, prevent miscarriage, and address any other symptoms that may arise.

The best way to prepare is to eat a snack or a light meal before treatment so the you body has sufficient energy to work with. It is best to wear loose clothing so that your arms and legs are accessible for treatment. Depending on the condition being treated, clothing may need to be removed to reach important acupuncture points. After treatment we recommend you drink a glass of water to help stabilize your energy.

If you have a needle phobia or are very anxious before your first treatment, it may be best to try other East Asian Medicine modalities first before acupuncture. We can try cupping, gua sha, herbs, or massage instead of needles, until you are more comfortable with the idea of acupuncture.

This depends on a number of factors including age, general health status, and the condition being treated. There is no absolute way to predict the number of treatments you will need to feel better. Some patients have results in a few treatments, while others need long-term acupuncture care. At minimum, you should expect to have 2-4 visits before you see any improvements and up to 8-10 visits before major results start to set in.

Aside from feeling good, there are few side effects of acupuncture treatment. Sometimes, people experience an "acupuncture high," which is a result of the endorphins released during acupuncture treatment. This acupuncture high may leave you feeling dizzy, woozy, and unbalanced for a little while after treatment. This is part of the beneficial effects of acupuncture in reducing pain, but may be unnerving the first time you experience it.

This depends. If you are taking Chinese herbs prescribed to you from a licensed acupuncturist/ herbalist with proficient training in Chinese medicine, taking Chinese herbs can be very safe. However, trying Chinese herbs that are not prescribed to you may lead to a variety of side effects, some which can be dangerous. It is important to make sure that if you are going to take Chinese herbs that you only take what is prescribed by a reputable, licensed professional who sells herbs from a reputable source.

If you need to cancel I am happy to accommodate, but please provide at least 24-hours notice or you will be responsible for the full amount of the service booked. Emergencies and illnesses will be considered. If you feel like you are getting sick, please call ahead to discuss the options. Last minute cancellations do not allow for clients on the waiting list to be contacted, so please be prompt. If you are late, you are still responsible for the cost of the entire session that you booked. Extra time will only be accommodated if my schedule allows for it. If you are more than 15 minutes late without contacting me or responding messages, I reserve the right to cancel the appointment and may no longer be available.

Currently, I only accept cash, check, and Venmo as payment. Tipping is not required, but greatly appreciated. 15-25% is customary