Dry Needling

Dry needling is a technique that utilizes fine needles to alleviate muscle pain and tension by precisely targeting "trigger points"—tight knots within muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Unlike traditional acupuncture, the needles are inserted for only a few seconds rather than remaining in the body for 20–30 minutes. Additionally, dry needling does not leave noticeable marks or bruises, as cupping might, but instead offers rapid and highly effective muscle relief. Many patients find dry needling more effective than cupping for persistent muscle tightness, especially in areas like the neck and shoulders. All treatments are administered by our Doctor of Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine, who is both state- and nationally licensed (DAcCHM, L.Ac., Dipl.O.M), ensuring you receive safe, trusted, and effective care.

A intake that includes your medical history, current symptoms, medications, allergies, surgeries, and other relevant background information. This helps us understand your overall health and develop a personalized treatment plan.

We perform a basic physical exam which typically includes blood pressure, heart rate, height, and weight. Additional evaluations may include heart and lung auscultation, neurological assessments, and orthopedic exams as needed. The examination also incorporates Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnostics such as pulse and tongue observation. Please avoid brushing your tongue or consuming foods or drinks that may stain it (such as coffee, blueberries, or colored candies) prior to your appointment, to ensure an accurate assessment.

We use the highest-grade, single-use acupuncture needles made from surgical-grade stainless steel. These needles are designed and manufactured to meet strict medical standards, ensuring safety, minimizing discomfort, and preventing muscle tissue damage. Our doctor is highly trained in a special painless insertion technique to reduce or eliminate discomfort during treatment. Most acupuncture points do not cause pain upon insertion; however, some particularly sensitive points may produce a brief sharp or tingling sensation, especially when targeting specific health concerns. The level of sensation can vary depending on each patient’s constitution and condition. Many individuals may also feel a sense of energy flow, warmth, heaviness, or movement around the needle sites or throughout the body—this is considered a positive and normal response to treatment. These sensations reflect the body’s energetic engagement with the acupuncture process.

Auriculotherapy involves stimulating specific points on the ear that correspond to different organs and systems in the body. We use natural Vacaria seeds, which are energetically neutral in Traditional Chinese Medicine terms. These seeds are adhered to the ear using small adhesive patches to provide gentle pressure without any puncturing. The seeds are typically retained on the ear for three to four days, and up to seven days before removal. This therapy is supported by a growing body of research for various conditions.

This is a variation of standard ear seeding, using 24k gold-plated or silver-plated seeds based on your energetic needs. Gold seeds are used for their warming and energizing properties, while silver seeds are more cooling and sedating. The seeds are applied with adhesive and do not puncture the skin. They are retained on the ear for three to seven days.

This heat lamp therapy is often used during acupuncture needle retention to enhance treatment outcomes. It delivers gentle infrared warmth to the body, helping to increase circulation, reduce inflammation, support tissue repair, and promote relaxation. The therapy is comfortable, soothing, and non-invasive.