FAQ

First off, please contact your insurance provider before any treatment with a practitioner to make sure you have coverage. 

Secondly, what is covered by insurance:

• Acupuncture
• Cupping and Gua sha
• Cosmetic Acupuncture (sometimes, please check with your insurance company)

Thirdly, what is not covered by insurance:

• Nutrition
• CranioSacral Therapy 
• Reiki Therapy 
• Combined modalites (sometimes, please check with your insurance company)

Please contact me if you have any questions 

Acupuncture needles are ultra-thin, often as fine as a strand of hair—much smaller than the needles used for injections. Because of this, most people experience little to no discomfort when they are inserted. Instead of sharp pain, the sensation is often described as a gentle tingling, gentle-itching, warmth, a dull ache, or a light buzzing sensation as your body’s Qi starts to shift.

Once the needles are in place, many people feel a deep sense of relaxation and calm—sometimes even drifting into a meditative state or light sleep AKA, The ACU-Nap. This is because acupuncture works by stimulating the nervous system, increasing circulation, and triggering the release of natural painkillers (endorphins), leaving you feeling balanced and refreshed.

If you're hesitant about trying acupuncture because of a fear of needles, rest assured—the experience is gentle, therapeutic, and designed to restore your body's natural harmony.

Cupping Therapy -  Bá Guàn (拔罐)

Cupping is an ancient TCM healing practice that uses glass, silicone, or bamboo cups to create suction on the skin. This gentle vacuum effect draws blood to the surface, improving circulation, breaking up stagnation, and helping to release toxins trapped in the muscle layers. It’s particularly effective for relieving muscle tension, reducing pain, improving mental health and improving lymphatic drainage. Many people experience a deep sense of relief and relaxation after a cupping session, and the signature circular marks left behind (which fade in a few days) are a sign of improved blood flow and detoxification.

Best for: Muscle soreness, stiffness, respiratory issues, circulation problems, and detoxification.
Feels like: A gentle pulling or stretching sensation on the skin—deeply relaxing!

Gua Sha - Guā Shā (刮痧)

Gua Sha is a TCM technique that involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool (traditionally made of jade, rose quartz, or horn) to break up stagnation, release toxins, and promote circulation. This scraping motion helps to reduce inflammation, improve blood and lymphatic flow, and release tight fascia (connective tissue). It is often used to relieve muscle pain, headaches, tension, and even respiratory issues and fevers by stimulating the immune response.

In facial Gua Sha, the technique is gentler and more rhythmic, helping to decrease puffiness, lift the skin, and promote a healthy glow.

Best for: Muscle tension, inflammation, chronic pain, TMJ, headaches, and facial rejuvenation.
Feels like: A deep, releasing sensation—sometimes tender at first, but incredibly relieving.

Tui Na Massage - Tuī Ná (推拿)

Tui Na (pronounced “twee-nah”) is a dynamic therapeutic massage that combines acupressure, stretching, rolling, and joint manipulation to restore the flow of Qi (energy) and relieve pain. Unlike a regular massage, Tui Na focuses on specific pressure points and meridian pathways to help correct imbalances, release tension, and stimulate healing.

It is especially beneficial for chronic pain conditions, joint stiffness, and stress relief. Tui Na can be used as a standalone therapy or combined with acupuncture for deeper healing.

Best for: Chronic pain, joint stiffness, tension headaches, stress relief, hormonal balance and overall energy flow.
Feels like: A mix of deep tissue massage, acupressure, and stretching—invigorating yet soothing!

Reiki is a bioenergetic healing modality that works by restoring balance to the body's energy systems. It influences Qi (life force energy) by clearing blockages in the chakras, meridians, and auric field, promoting emotional and physical healing.

The Science Behind Reiki

• Electromagnetic Biofield – The body emits low-frequency biomagnetic energy; Reiki practitioners channel and amplify these frequencies, which are associated with tissue healing (2–50 Hz).
• Resonance & Coherence – Reiki entrains the body's energy to a balanced state, similar to how tuning forks synchronize frequencies. This effect supports cellular repair and stress reduction.
• Nervous System Regulation – Reiki shifts the body into a parasympathetic state (“rest and digest”), reducing cortisol (stress hormone) and promoting deep relaxation and immune function.
• Fascia & Bioelectric Signaling – The body's connective tissue (fascia) transmits bioelectric signals. Reiki may optimize these signals, improving circulation, inflammation response, and healing speed.
• Cellular & Mitochondrial Effects – Early research suggests Reiki may enhance ATP (cellular energy) production, supporting biochemical processes essential for recovery.

Reiki and energy healing is a measurable, bioenergetic practice that interacts with the nervous system, cellular activity, and electromagnetic fields to promote holistic healing. It’s now recognized in medical settings for stress relief, pain management, and emotional well-being.

Physical Benefits (Body)

• Relieves Chronic Pain – Eases tension-related conditions like migraines, neck/back pain, TMJ dysfunction, and fibromyalgia.
• Enhances Nervous System Function – Balances the autonomic nervous system, reducing fight-or-flight responses and promoting deep relaxation.
• Improves Mobility & Posture – Releases fascial restrictions and enhances musculoskeletal alignment.
• Supports Recovery – Helps with post-injury healing, post-surgical recovery, and concussion rehabilitation.
• Boosts Immune Function – Enhances lymphatic flow and detoxification, reducing inflammation and promoting resilience.

Mental & Emotional Benefits (Mind)

• Reduces Stress & Anxiety – Activates the parasympathetic nervous system, calming the mind and reducing emotional overwhelm.
• Enhances Mental Clarity & Focus – Encourages balanced brainwave activity, improving cognitive function and decision-making.
• Supports Emotional Release – Helps process stored trauma and unresolved emotions held in the body’s tissues.
• Improves Sleep Quality – Regulates sleep cycles by reducing nervous system hyperactivity.

Energetic & Spiritual Benefits (Spirit)

• Balances Energy Flow – Aligns the body’s natural rhythms and enhances the free flow of life force energy.
• Deepens Mind-Body Connection – Encourages self-awareness and intuitive healing
• Facilitates Emotional & Spiritual Healing – Releases deep-seated energetic blockages and enhances spiritual growth.
• Promotes a State of Inner Stillness – Creates space for profound relaxation, presence, and connection to one’s higher self.

Herbal medicine uses plants, roots, flowers, and fungi to restore balance, strengthen the body's natural healing processes, and address imbalances at their root cause. Each herb contains bioactive compounds that interact with the body's systems to support digestion, immunity, circulation, nervous system function, and more.

Herbs work through:
Adaptogens – Help the body adapt to stress (e.g., Ashwagandha, Rhodiola).
Anti-inflammatories – Reduce pain and swelling (e.g., Turmeric, Boswellia).
Nervines – Calm the nervous system (e.g., Chamomile, Lemon Balm).
Detoxifiers – Support liver & kidney function (e.g., Dandelion, Milk Thistle).
Immune Boosters – Strengthen defense mechanisms (e.g., Echinacea, Astragalus).

By working with the body's natural rhythms, herbal medicine enhances vitality, promotes healing, and prevents illness—all while addressing the root cause rather than just symptoms.

Western vs. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Key Differences

Western Herbal Medicine (WHM)

• Focuses on biochemical properties of individual herbs (e.g., anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial).
• Uses single herbs or simple formulas based on their pharmacological effects.
• Rooted in scientific research, folk traditions, and European herbalism.
• Commonly prescribed for specific symptoms or conditions (e.g., Turmeric for inflammation).

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Herbalism

• Views herbs through the lens of energetics, Qi, Yin-Yang balance, and the Five Elements.
• Uses complex formulas with multiple herbs to balance the body's internal systems.
• Rooted in thousands of years of clinical practice and Daoist philosophy.
• Prescribed based on pattern differentiation, treating the root cause rather than just symptoms (e.g., Turmeric would be used based on the person’s TCM diagnosis).