Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine​

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the insertion of thin disposable sterile needles at specific points on the body to balance the system and promote the body’s innate healing response. According to the National Institutes of Health, acupuncture is beneficial for treating addiction, fibromyalgia, headaches, cramps, back pain, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel, asthma, and much more. 3 Pillars primarily practices “Balance Method Acupuncture,” passed down from the teachings of Beth Bright and Dr. Eileen Han, both students of the late Dr. Richard Teh-Fu Tan.

Cupping

Cupping Therapy is an ancient healing modality used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. Cupping uses glass or plastic cups to create suction of the skin and superficial tissues to increase circulation, relieve pain, promote myofascial release, clear out toxins and reduce inflammation. Cupping has been used to enhance recovery time and soothe sore muscles for many athletes making it a popular therapy among weekend warriors as well as Olympic athletes.

Guasha

Like Cupping, Guasha is used to promote circulation, release toxins and reduce inflammation, relieve aches and pain and more. Best of all, I can teach you how to do it at home on yourself and your family!

Moxibustion

‘Moxa’ has long been used in East Asian cultures as a healing modality that predates Acupuncture. Moxa is a therapeutic technique in which the dried herb “Artemesiae vulgaris” (Mugwort) is burned on or near the body to strengthen the body, boost the immune system, energize the body, strengthen adrenal function, reduce inflammation, provide warmth, induce flow of Qi and blood, reduce swelling, and is an excellent adjunct therapy for conditions that are chronic and cold in nature.

Acupuncture FAQ

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles, but acupuncture should not be a painful experience. I’m scared of needles myself! In fact, I never tell people I’m a nurse when I get my bloodwork done. That said, acupuncture is a very different experience than getting poked with a hypodermic needle like those used in medical settings. You may feel a quick prick on insertion of the needle, but after that the sensation should dissipate to a feeling of dullness, tingling, pressure, warmth or the feeling of energy traveling up or down the limbs.

This all depends on the condition AND the person being treated. Most health issues require more than one treatment to resolve, but you should see improvement in as little as 1-3 treatments. Expect to have 3-6 treatments before reassessment. Chronic and severe conditions may require ten or more treatments before seeing significant benefit and resolution and often require 2-3 treatments per week in the initial stages of treatment. Throughout the process, you should see an overall improvement in your health as your main complaint improves as well.

Acupuncture is a cumulative process, and each treatment builds upon the last. The more consistently you get treated, the more quickly your condition will resolve. For severe or chronic issues coming in weekly may be recommended at first. The goal is to graduate to monthly maintenance and eventually seasonal balance treatments. 

The first visit takes 60-90 minutes including client intake questionnaire, assessment and treatment. Follow up visits are typically 45-60 minutes.

If you’re new to acupuncture please call for a 15-minute consult prior to scheduling online. On the day of your appointment be sure to eat before your treatment; a light snack or a meal a few hours before will do. Wear comfortable and loose clothing; pants that can go up to the knees and a t-shirt or tank top. Most acupuncture points used are below the knees and elbows, so no need to disrobe for treatments.

Ayurveda

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is a 5,000 year old system of medicine with roots in India that can be traced back to origins documented in the Vedas. Ayurveda, loosely translated as ‘Knowledge of Life,’ offers a holistic approach focused on living a healthy and balanced life in harmony with nature. Ayurveda focuses on maintaining and restoring health by achieving balance in the body, mind, and spirit through diet, daily routine, herbal medicine, Panchakarma (cleansing practices), Yoga and Rasayana (rejuvenation). According to Ayurveda, all of creation can be described in terms of five elements or qualities: space (ether), air, fire, water, and earth. The elements combine into three Doshas: Vata, consisting of space and air; Pitta, consisting primarily of fire but also having an oily, watery aspect, and Kapha, consisting of water and earth. Each person is born with a unique constitution (Prakriti) or proportion of the Doshas. An Ayurvedic consultation helps you understand your constitution as well as your imbalances and provides tools to help restore balance and optimal health.

ABHYANGA

Abhyanga is a traditional Ayurvedic treatment in which warm medicinal oil is gently applied to the body to calm the nervous system and promote health. This deeply relaxing treatment improves circulation and strength, provides moisture, and nourishes the skin and internal organs. It is calming and grounding and promotes sleep. Abhyanga can be used to aid in detox and weight loss. If you are in need of a gentle nervous system reset, or suffer from dryness and aching or cracking joints this form of self-care is for you.

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NUTRITION THERAPY

Personalized nutrition using Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine nutrition therapy with a focus on food as medicine and whole food clean eating to support health and wellness, prevent disease, and address current imbalances leading to disease and disharmony. An elimination diet will sometimes be helpful for those with food sensitivities, autoimmune and chronic illness. Eliminating foods YOU cannot digest and focusing on foods as medicine that nourish you and help you thrive is often the key to optimal health.

YOGA THERAPY

Yoga Therapy is designed to treat structural and musculoskeletal imbalances in order to promote optimal function. Beyond structural and musculoskeletal issues, YT can help with insomnia, digestive issues, stress, pain and tension from postural misalignment, and can help manage disorders such as Parkinson’s and MS.

Acupuncture

New Client: 1st visit 90 minutes: $125

Follow-up Visit: 55 minutes: $85

Nutrition Therapy
or Ayurvedic Medicine consult

Customized meal plan / herbal formula(tele-health or in person): $125

*additional cost for herbs

Bodywork:
Abhyanga
& Cupping

Abhyanga: 60 minutes: $150

 Cupping: 30 minutes: $65

Fee Schedule

I do not take insurance, but many patients are able to be reimbursed for services by submitting a “superbill”, an invoice with specific insurance coding, to their insurance provider. I’m happy to provide you with a superbill for reimbursement.

To find out about your policy’s acupuncture coverage, call the patient number on the back of your card and ask:

  • Do I have out-of-network coverage for acupuncture?

  • What percentage of the visit is covered?

  • Is there a limit to how many visits per year?

  • Do I have an out-of-network deductible to meet? If so, how much has been met?

  • What diagnoses are covered?

  • How do I submit super-bills?

You can use your flexible spending and health savings account debit cards for services offered. These pretax accounts provided by some insurance companies are a great way to offset the cost of your out-of-pocket health care costs. And they’ll cover acupuncture!

I do offer a sliding scale for a limited number of patients in financial need. Please call or email to inquire about sliding scale pricing and treatment options.

Please call to schedule house call appointments and Yoga Therapy sessions. Prices for these services vary depending on location and the number of participants.

Cancellation Policy: Please provide 24-hour notice of cancellation. A fee of $40 will be charged for canceled appointments within less than 24-hour notice.