Acupuncture

Acupuncture, centered on you

Care begins with your concerns, health history, and goals. We use fine, sterile, single-use needles and tailor treatment to your comfort and response.

What your treatment may include

Our acupuncture treatments may combine fine, sterile, single-use acupuncture needles with cupping, infrared light (heat therapy), electrical stimulation, and hot or ice pads. We select the appropriate combination based on your condition, treatment goals, and comfort. Not every modality is used at every visit.

Where acupuncture may help

Acupuncture may be part of an individualized care plan. Evidence is stronger for some pain conditions than for stress or digestive symptoms. Explore the independent resources below to see what research does—and does not—show.

Musculoskeletal pain

Chronic low-back and neck pain, knee osteoarthritis pain, and certain shoulder pain conditions may respond to acupuncture. A large analysis of 39 randomized trials involving 20,827 patients found improvements in chronic pain compared with no acupuncture and sham (simulated) acupuncture; the advantage over sham was smaller. These findings do not mean that every muscle or joint condition responds equally.

Read the chronic pain meta-analysis — The Journal of Pain / PubMed (2018)

Headaches, migraine, and TMJ / TMD

Acupuncture may help reduce the frequency of migraines and tension-type headaches. It is generally considered as part of a prevention plan, with benefits varying between individuals.

Read the NIH / NCCIH overview — pain, headaches, and safety

TMJ refers to the jaw joint; temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) affect this joint and the muscles used for chewing. Symptoms may include jaw or facial pain, muscle tenderness, stiffness, discomfort when chewing, and limited mouth opening. Some people also experience headaches associated with TMD.

Acupuncture may be considered as complementary care for TMD-related pain alongside appropriate dental or medical evaluation. NIH / NIDCR notes that evidence for acupuncture in TMD is limited, so benefits are uncertain and vary between individuals. We assess your symptoms and discuss whether acupuncture fits your care plan. Persistent jaw pain or locking should be evaluated by a dentist or medical clinician; painless clicking alone usually does not require treatment.

Read NIH / NIDCR — TMJ / TMD symptoms, treatment options, and acupuncture evidence

Stress and anxiety symptoms

For people seeking support with stress-related anxiety, some studies suggest symptom improvement. NIH / NCCIH describes the evidence for acupuncture as limited and generally low quality. It may be considered as complementary support, but should not replace psychotherapy, prescribed medication, or assessment of persistent anxiety.

Read NIH / NCCIH — anxiety and complementary approaches

Digestive symptoms

For diagnosed irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), including abdominal discomfort and altered bowel habits, research is mixed. Some studies suggest benefit alongside other care, but reviews summarized by NIH / NCCIH did not show better symptom relief than sham acupuncture. This does not establish acupuncture as a treatment for all digestive problems. Persistent or unexplained symptoms need medical evaluation.

Read NIH / NCCIH — IBS research and treatment options

Menstrual cramps (primary dysmenorrhea)

Acupuncture has been studied for menstrual cramping, including period-related lower abdominal pain. Some trials report pain relief compared with no treatment or pain medication. However, a Cochrane review found that the evidence was low or very low quality and insufficient to establish effectiveness; results against sham acupuncture were inconsistent. We can discuss acupuncture as a complementary option alongside your usual gynecologic care.

Read the Cochrane review on menstrual pain — PubMed (2016)

Menopausal symptoms

Acupuncture has been studied for hot flashes and night sweats around menopause. NIH / NCCIH reports improvement in hot-flash frequency and severity compared with no treatment, but no clear advantage over sham (simulated) acupuncture. Benefits remain uncertain and may vary by symptom and individual. We discuss symptom-management goals alongside care from your medical provider.

Read NIH / NCCIH — menopausal symptoms and acupuncture

New or worsening pelvic pain, unusually heavy bleeding, or any bleeding after menopause should be assessed by a medical clinician. Research on primary menstrual cramps does not establish that acupuncture treats underlying conditions such as endometriosis or fibroids.

We discuss your diagnosis, goals, and current treatments before deciding whether acupuncture is appropriate. Research describes group averages, not a guarantee of individual results. NIH resources and PubMed listings provide independent information; they do not endorse this clinic.

Your first visit

We review your symptoms, medicines, and previous treatments before recommending a plan. Bring a medication list and relevant reports. Tell us about pregnancy, blood thinners, bleeding disorders, or implanted devices. Allow approximately one hour; confirm timing when booking.

What treatment feels like

You may feel a brief pinch, mild pressure, or a dull ache. Tell us if you feel uncomfortable so we can adjust your treatment.

A plan that evolves with you

Visit frequency depends on your needs and response. We review changes in symptoms and function together. Improvement may take several visits, and lasting relief cannot be guaranteed.

Safety and coordinated care

Temporary soreness, bruising, or lightheadedness can occur. Serious complications are uncommon but possible. Acupuncture should not delay evaluation of new or worsening symptoms.

Explore patient information from NIH / NCCIH