The Practice
Acupuncture is one branch of a vast and elegant system known as Chinese medicine—a tradition that has been cultivated and refined over thousands of years. At its core, it is a medicine of relationships: between organ systems, between body and mind, between individuals and the world they inhabit. Using needles as tools of inquiry and regulation, acupuncture works by guiding the body back toward its own innate capacity for balance, resilience, and repair.
So—what can acupuncture do for you?
Some people arrive in search of relief: from chronic pain, insomnia, hormonal changes, digestive distress, or emotional overwhelm. Others come seeking support through life’s transitions—grief, birth, burnout, menopause, recovery, death. Many are simply curious, drawn to the possibility of connecting more deeply to their bodies, their breath, or their own sense of rhythm.
In Chinese medicine, symptoms are not isolated problems to be fixed, but messages—clues that speak to a broader pattern. We learn to listen to these signals with respect and curiosity. Diagnosis is not just about identifying what's wrong, but understanding how the whole system is moving, what it needs, and how to support it in a way that is specific to you.
Acupuncture can stand alone as a powerful healing modality, and it also integrates beautifully with other forms of care. Increasingly, patients and providers alike are turning to Chinese medicine as a complementary resource for managing chronic illness—offering relief from side effects, supporting emotional wellbeing, and improving quality of life. Whether you're navigating autoimmune disease, cancer treatment, long COVID, or persistent pain, acupuncture can be part of a collaborative and holistic approach to your care.
This is medicine that asks for partnership, curiosity, and presence. It invites you to listen more closely to your body—and to trust that healing is not always about doing more, but about finding your way back to balance.
Lines can be pathways. Needles can be invitations.
My Lens as a Practitioner
My approach to this medicine is rooted in relationship—both with the body in front of me and the larger systems that shape our experience of health. I’m interested in what hurts, yes—but also in what holds you together. In what gives you joy, what makes you tired, what you’ve been carrying for too long.
I draw from Traditional Chinese medical theory, contemporary clinical training, and an ever-evolving practice of listening. I pay attention to patterns: in the pulse, in the language you use, in the way your body moves through the room. Each session is a conversation, guided not just by symptoms but by stories, by changes over time, and by your own sense of what is—or isn’t—working.
I believe care should be collaborative and spacious. That healing happens in its own rhythm. That you don’t have to be in crisis to deserve support. My goal is not to fix you, but to accompany you—to create conditions for your body to remember its own intelligence, and to meet you with respect, skill, and presence along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a branch of Chinese medicine that uses fine, sterile needles inserted into specific points on the body to regulate the flow of Qi (vital energy), balance bodily systems, and promote healing. It is a safe, natural, and time-tested method of supporting physical, emotional, and energetic health.
What can acupuncture help with?
Acupuncture can support a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, insomnia, hormonal imbalances, digestive issues, anxiety, stress, migraines, fertility challenges, menopausal symptoms, and support during pregnancy, postpartum, end-of-life care, and much more. It can also be used preventatively to maintain balance and resilience.
What happens during an acupuncture session?
A session begins with a conversation about your health, concerns, and goals. I will observe your pulse, tongue, and any other indicators of your current state. Once a treatment plan is created, I will gently insert very fine needles into specific points, and you will rest quietly for a period of time, allowing the body to respond.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes, acupuncture is very safe when performed by a licensed practitioner. The needles are single-use, sterile, and extremely fine. Side effects are rare but may include slight bruising, temporary soreness, or a feeling of relaxation or fatigue immediately after a session.
How many sessions will I need?
For all new patients, we recommend scheduling an initial series of five consecutive appointments. This approach allows us to assess how your body responds to treatment, identify patterns, and give acupuncture a fair opportunity to create meaningful change. After this series, we will re-evaluate and discuss a personalized plan based on your progress and goals.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most people find acupuncture very relaxing, and the needles cause little to no pain. You may feel a slight pinch upon insertion or a gentle sensation of warmth, tingling, or heaviness at the point. These are all normal responses.
Can I combine acupuncture with other treatments?
Absolutely. Acupuncture works well alongside other forms of care, including physical therapy, chiropractic, psychotherapy, and conventional medicine. I am happy to collaborate with other providers if needed.
Do you offer other modalities besides acupuncture?
Yes. Depending on your needs, your session may also include moxibustion, cupping, gua sha (a gentle scraping technique), herbal recommendations, lifestyle guidance, or acupressure.
What is moxibustion?
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves burning a herb called mugwort (Ai Ye or Artemisia vulgaris) near specific acupuncture points or directly on the skin to warm and invigorate the flow of Qi, promote circulation, and dispel cold or dampness from the body. It is often used alongside acupuncture to enhance therapeutic effects.
How should I prepare for my first appointment?
Please wear comfortable clothing, have a light meal a few hours before, and stay hydrated. Avoid caffeine immediately before your session. Bring any questions or concerns you have—I’m here to help!