Acupuncture & traditional Chinese medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is based on an ancient philosophy that describes the universe and the body in terms of two opposing forces: yin and yang. When these forces are in balance, the body is healthy. Energy, called "qi" (pronounced "chee") flows along specific pathways, called meridians, throughout the body. This constant flow of energy keeps the yin and yang forces balanced. However, if the flow of energy gets blocked, like water getting stuck behind a dam, the disruption can lead to pain, lack of function, or illness. Acupuncture therapy can release blocked qi in the body and stimulate function, evoking the body’s natural healing response through various physiological systems. Modern research has demonstrated acupuncture’s effects on the nervous system, endocrine and immune systems, cardiovascular system, and digestive system. By stimulating the body’s various systems, acupuncture can help to resolve pain, improve sleep, balance hormones, benefit digestion, and create a sense of well-being.
Acupuncture improves the body’s functions and promotes the natural self-healing process by stimulating specific acupoints. The most common method used to stimulate acupoints is the insertion of fine, sterile needles into the skin. Pressure, heat, or electrical stimulation may further enhance the effects. TCM therapy may also include: soft-tissue release techniques, moxibustion or heat therapy, cupping, and the application of topical herbal medicines and liniments.
INITIAL Acupuncture EXAMINATION + Treatment | $150
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Your first Acupuncture & TCM appointment will last approximately an hour for examination and treatment.
During the first part of your session, the practitioner will review your completed health history questionnaire with you, and conduct a physical examination. This examination may include vital signs, physical inspection, pulse assessment, or tongue diagnosis.
You will be educated on all the findings and their significance. Once a diagnosis is determined, a treatment plan will be recommended that best suits your needs, from active care to relieve pain and dysfunction, to maintenance care for well-being and prevention.
Please bring copies of recent imaging or laboratory reports for the practitioner to review.
If your condition(s) are beyond the capabilities of this office, your practitioner will help you with a referral to the appropriate physician.
An itemized billing summary is available upon request. This bill will provide all the information necessary for submission to insurance companies, health savings accounts, or flex spending accounts for potential reimbursement directly back to you.
TCM & Acupuncture TREATMENT | $80
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For ESTABLISHED patients only.
TCM sessions blend therapies based on need & best results. Making acupuncture a regular part of your routine will change your relationship with your body. The goal is for you and your practitioner to work together to take better care of your health, long term.In addition to Acupuncture, a treatment may include modalities such as cupping, gua sha, e-stim or moxibustion.
Acupuncture & TCM Packages are available. $900 when pre-paying for 12 sessions ($60 savings). Valid for 1 year from purchase. Please reach out viaour CONTACT page, email, or by phone (331) 901-5672, for details & to purchase.
ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT OF THE MONTH | Bladder Channel
Winter is the season of the Water Element, which is deeply connected to the Bladder Channel in Chinese medicine. Water represents not only the physical flow of bodily fluids but also the flow of energy (Qi) throughout the body. When the Bladder Channel is balanced, this flow is smooth and uninterrupted, allowing for physical and emotional vitality. Water, by its nature, is mysterious and fluid, moving effortlessly and taking the exact form of whatever contains it. A balanced Water Element enables the individual to move through winter with strength, courage, and willpower—virtues that are associated with the Bladder Channel. However, when the Bladder Channel becomes imbalanced, the flow of energy is disrupted, leading to various physical ailments.
The Bladder Channel is the longest meridian in the body, starting at the inner corner of the eyes, traveling over the head, descending down the neck, along the spine, and finally ending at the little toe. Due to its extensive pathway, the Bladder Channel is closely linked to a wide range of physical conditions. Imbalances in this channel can manifest as back pain, bladder discomfort, knee issues, tinnitus, vertigo, headaches, and urinary incontinence.
In Chinese medicine, the Bladder is often compared to a reservoir where the waters of the body collect. It plays a vital role in holding and releasing fluids and maintaining balance within the body's water system. The Bladder's function of "holding on" also extends to emotional well-being. When this function is disrupted, emotional imbalances can arise, often related to the tendency to hold onto past grievances, jealousy, or feelings of fear and pressure. If these emotions are not expressed or released, they can contribute to physical and psychological tension, showing up as both physical pain and mental stress.
Self care includes making sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day and have a daily stretching routine. Take plenty of time to rest during the winter. Get regular Acupuncture treatments. This will give natural pain relief, relieve pressure, and calm your emotions.
SINGLE SESSION | $80 | BOOK ONLINE
SERIES OF 4 | $280 | $40 savings - expires in 1 month of purchase | contact Sage to purchase.
*seasonal acupuncture protocols do not require an Initial Exam, however if you decide to continue with TCM acupuncture treatments, an Initial Exam will be required.
Cupping
Cupping is an accessory technique, to acupuncture, that uses small glass cups as suction devices. They are placed on the skin to break up stagnation by drawing congested blood, or other toxins to the surface. Once suctioned, the cups are left in place for 15 minutes while the patient rests.
Sliding Cupping
Slide cupping is a variation of cupping that produces a stronger sensation. Before placing the cups, we apply oil to the skin, which allows us to glide them over the targeted area. This is typically recommended for those with chronic back pain, and for athletes who have regular muscle tension.
Gua sha
Gua sha is an accessory technique, to acupuncture, that involves scraping the skin with a porcelain spoon to reduce muscle tension and pain. It may cause a light “bruising,” like that of cupping. This is not a bruise, however, but rather “sha” which is an indication that the treatment is effective. Gua sha is best for pain in smaller areas of the body, such as the neck and elbows. This treatment is beneficial for those with carpal tunnel syndrome, or those who sit for long periods of time during the day.
Herbal medicine
Herbal formulas are used in conjunction with acupuncture to compound the results, and to restore your body to health. Chinese herbal formulas contain mostly plants. Some of them you are probably familiar with like ginger, mint, mulberry and ginseng. Although Chinese herbs are safe for most, we always consider herb-drug interactions when recommending formulas to patients.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion, or moxa, is a warming therapy that uses a Chinese herb to increase circulation and decrease water retention. The moxa is light like an incense and placed near the surface of the skin. Moxa is often used to soothe menstrual cramps and reduce bruising or inflammation from trauma. This is performed in addition to acupuncture, for patients who are applicable.
E-stim
Electric stimulation applies a pulsating electrical current through the acupuncture needles to generate blood flow to certain areas of the body. By stimulating blood flow to injured tissues, we can increase the rate of healing. Electric stimulation is most effective on acute injuries, such as pulled muscles, strains, and sprains.
How To Prepare for your Acupuncture Appointment
Eat within 4 hours of your treatment; make sure you are adequately hydrated, as well.
Refrain from caffeine and alcohol before your treatment.
Wear loose fitting clothing to the treatment. You can also bring clothes to change into.
Provide a copy of any recent lab results that pertain to your condition, or general health.
Also, provide a list of any medications you are currently taking. Traditional Chinese Medicine is a great compliment to allopathic medicine, but it is still important for us to be up to date on any pharmaceuticals, and supplements, that you are taking.
