What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a whole system of medicine, capable of managing, preventing, and relieving a diversity of symptoms and diseases. It works by the insertion of hair-thin, sterile needles, which stimulate circulation of energy or “qi” in the body. Todays acupuncturists stand on the shoulders of giants, from the many millennia of Chinese physicians who developed acupuncture to the American activists who enabled it to cross the Pacific Ocean. Here are some common questions about acupuncture.

Does it hurt?

You may feel the needles, and they may feel strange or unfamiliar, but they should not be painful, especially after their insertion. They can feel tingling, warm, or heavy… most people forget they are there at all. The predominant feeling during treatment is one of relaxation.

How should I prepare for acupuncture?

Come as you are! Loose, comfortable clothing is best, but there is no dress code for acupuncture. If clothing prevents access to a part of your body that requires treatment, a sheet will be used to drape you. Please arrive at your appointment hydrated, fed, and sober.

How do you decide where to place the needles?

I synthesize information from our discussion of your experiences and lifestyle, pulse diagnosis, and tongue diagnosis. During treatments, you will also notice that I will palpate channels to assess their vitality and movement. It is through this information that I form a diagnosis and treat you based on what I believe to be the most powerful treatment for you in that moment.

What is acupuncture good for?

It is important to know that Chinese medicine is a complete form of medicine cultivated over many millenia to prevent and relieve a wide-range of disorders. By reestablishing balance and physiology, acupuncture can improve physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

In 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) listed the following conditions, among others, as being effectively treated by acupuncture:

• Musculoskeletal: arthritis, back pain, neck pain, muscle pain, muscle weakness, muscle cramping, sciatica

• Digestive: abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion

• Gynecological: premenstrual syndrome, menopausal syndrome, fertility

• Emotional: anxiety, depression, insomnia

• Respiratory: asthma, bronchitis, common cold, sinusitis, tonsillitis

• Neurological: headaches, migraines, neurogenic bladder dysfunction, Parkinson’s disease, post-operative pain, stroke sequelae

• Miscellaneous: addiction control, athletic performance, blood pressure regulation, chronic fatigue, immune system toning, stress reduction

2003 was a long time ago, and there have been countless clinical studies of acupuncture since then. If you are curious as to whether acupuncture is right for you, I encourage you to contact me.

How long does acupuncture take to work?

After your first appointment, you will likely feel an immediate shift in your body. To make a significant progress, however, it typically takes more than one acupuncture treatment. The number of treatments you will need depends on your individual presentation, with a typical course of acupuncture being between three and twelve treatments. Your personalized treatment plan will be outlined in your consultation.

What does a session cost?

An initial consultation with acupuncture is a 90 minute session at a cost of $180. After this, your sessions will be $110 for a 75 minute session. I accept cash, check, or card. For payments by card a transaction fee is applied (3.5% + 15 cents), which covers the expense of using Square, my point-of-sale system.

Why do you say “oriental”?

My title, DAOM, stands for Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. I do not endorse the term “oriental”. It is euro-centric and antiquated. Despite the removal of the term from federal law in 2016, language around the practice of Chinese medicine has been slow to change. My license, degree, and graduate school all use the word “oriental” in their name, and I use this word only to accurately report my qualifications to practice acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. I ask that you understand that it is not my choice to use this word, but a word I hope to see eliminated from my profession.

Why use herbs and supplements?

As a part of your treatment, I may recommend herbal, homeopathic, or whole food supplements to support your healing process. I make these recommendations based on our discussion of your health, Chinese medical diagnostics (tongue and pulse), and applied kinesiology. Supplements and herbs support your acupuncture sessions by providing the building blocks for recovery and a daily reminder of the direction in which we hope to direct your health. Supplements and herbs are an additional cost to your appointment. If ever you are confused as to how to take your herbs/supplements or concerned about their effect, I encourage you to contact me.

How do I find the clinic?

The clinic is located at 145 Waterman Street in Providence, RI. Parking is available down the driveway to the left of the building, which are labelled “Moonspring” and can be found furthest to the right, closest to the office. If you arrive more than fifteen minutes early to your appointment, a space may not be open yet. These spaces are tight, and oversized vehicles are encouraged to park on the street. Metered parking can be found along Waterman Street and unmetered parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood. Once you have parked, the clinic is on the first floor in the suite to the right as you enter. If you have difficulty finding the clinic, please do not hesitate to call or text.