FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is there anything I should know for my first appointment?
A. For your first appointment, be sure to eat something at least one hour beforehand. Your body needs the fuel from the food to heal. If you would like to wear comfortable clothing, please do. However, in the event that you are not able to, know that I am always prepared and will provide you with a sheet to cover any body part. Your first appointment will last about an hour and a half; follow-up appointments are about one hour. The first half of the appointment will be a thorough interview process as we discuss the main reasons for your visit and everything else pertaining to your health, past and present. We will end the session with the acupuncture, in which the needles are retained for about 30 minutes. I have two heat lamps to keep you warm, music, and dim lighting that create a peaceful environment in which to heal. It is very relaxing, and most of my patients fall asleep for a restorative power nap. The benefits of acupuncture start immediately, and over the next two days it will continue to make subtle shifts within. It is ideal to take it easy the remainder of the day. Together, we are trying to retrain your body and the least amount of stuff you do, the better. You will experience one or more of the following: an excellent night of sleep, more energy, a focused mind, less stress, a reduction in pain, and an overall sense of calm and relaxation.

Q. How does acupuncture work?
A. Systemic balance is critical to one's health and wellness, and in western medicine this is known as homeostasis. Any imbalance can result in disorders such as pain, injury, insomnia, digestive issues, stress, gynecological disorders, allergies, depression, colds and a myriad of other complications. Acupuncture helps to restore one's natural balance so the organs and bodily systems can work together in harmony. This sets the stage for the body to repair itself and maintain its own optimal health. From a Western medicine perspective, research has shown that acupuncture treatment triggers different physiological responses, such as:
Stimulating the immune system and increasing white blood cells, which defend the body against infection.
Regulating blood sugar metabolism, which helps the body use energy more efficiently.
Increasing blood circulation and producing beneficial changes in blood pressure; Decreasing cholesterol and triglycerides.
Increasing stomach peristaltic activity and regulating digestive fluids, thereby improving digestion.
Regulating and stimulating serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is directly related to sleep, appetite, and moods.
Increasing the availability of receptors in the brain that process and weaken pain signals.
Affecting both the brain’s short and long-term ability to reduce pain sensation.

Q. Does acupuncture hurt?
A. Many people cringe at the thought of getting one needle put into their body, much less multiple needles. Anyone new to acupuncture will usually associate the word "needle" with the typical hypodermic needle. This is quite the contrary because the acupuncture needles are very small. You can fit 40 acupuncture needles into the tip of one hypodermic needle! Awesome, right? Acupuncture needles can have a certain sensation once they are inserted, but few would call it pain. I call it a surge or a flush. This feeling is happening because the channel is opening up, allowing the qi and blood to move. That being said, there are some areas of the body that might be more sensitive than others. But the good news is, it does not last but a few seconds. By the time all the needles are inserted, you should not feel any of them, and you will be consumed with a sense of calm and relaxation. Remember, I am on your team and here to help you, not hurt you.

Q.  What does acupuncture treat?
A. Acupuncture is extremely successful in the treatment of a multitude of conditions. Chinese Medicine is a complete medical system that is capable of diagnosing and effectively treating a wide range of conditions including but certainly not limited to:
Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders
Arthritis
Back Pain
​Bell's Palsy
Bursitis
Cerebral Palsy
Headaches
Migraines
Muscle Spasms
Neuralgia
Sciatica
Shingles
Sprains and Strains
Stiff Neck
Stroke
Tendonitis
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat Disorders
Allergies
Dizziness
Earache
Nerve Deafness
Ringing in the Ears/Tinnitus
Sinusitis
Sore Throat
Circulatory Disorders
Anemia
Angina Pectoris
Arteriosclerosis
High Blood Pressure
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Abdominal Bloating
Colitis
Constipation
Diarrhea
Food Allergies
Gastritis
Hemorrhoids
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Spastic colon
Ulcers
Gynecological Disorders
Chronic Bladder Infection
Endometriosis
Fibroids
Hot Flashes
Infertility
Irregular, Heavy or Painful Menstruation
Kidney Stones
Menopause
Morning Sickness
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Immune Disorders
Candida
Chronic Fatigue
Epstein Barr Virus
Grave’s
Hashimoto’s
Lyme
Lupus
MS
Addiction
Alcohol
Drugs
Smoking Cessation
Emotional and Psychological Disorders
Anxiety
Depression
Insomnia
Stress
Respiratory Disorders
Asthma
Bronchitis
Colds and Flus
Emphysema
Acupuncture Also Treats
Chemotherapy/Radiation Side Effects
Diabetes
Dermatological Disorders
Pediatrics
Prenatal Care

Q. How often do I need to come in for treatment?
A. Typically, acupuncture treatments are given 1-2 times per week. The exact duration of treatment varies person to person but generally depends on your condition, your basic level of health, age and how well you respond to acupuncture. The average person needs around 6-10 treatments to resolve, while more challenging chronic cases can take 10+. Usually frequent treatments are done for the first several weeks; after that, the frequency of treatment may be reduced as wellness is restored. I have many patients that come in for regular "tune-ups" even if they are feeling healthy!

Q. Do you have to be certified to practice acupuncture?
A. Yes. The state of California has the strictest guidelines in the country in order to practice acupuncture. It requires four years of study in a graduate degree program and then passing the California State Board Examination. The L.Ac. after my name stands for Licensed Acupuncturist. 

SERVICES OFFERED

To elevate the healing process, one or more of the following treatments modalities may be used:

Acupuncture: The insertion of very fine, sterile and single-use needles placed in specific acupuncture points to assist in rebalancing organ and bio-mechanical disharmonies.

Cupping: Glass or plastic cups create suction on the skin to increase circulation and release deep rooted lactic acid and tension.

Electrical Stimulation: Acupuncture needles are inserted and then small alligator clips are placed on the needles. A small 9-volt battery operated machine is then turned on and the micro-current stimulates the acupuncture point. “E-stim” reduces inflammation and releases endorphins. 

Herbal Therapy: A prescription of herbal formulas consisting of 5-15 herbs that are individualized for each patient’s condition. It could be in pill form or powder form. This is an additional cost.

new patients

Please fill out paperwork ahead of time.
Click HERE to print paperwork.

forms of payment

I accept cash, check and credit card.

Fees paid at the time of service
$130 - The initial visit includes a thorough history and examination, as well as an acupuncture treatment. This can take about an hour and a half.
$85 - All other subsequent acupuncture treatments.

I am an in-network provider with the insurance companies listed below. However, it is your responsibility to check with your insurance company to make sure that acupuncture is included in your plan.
Blue Shield PPO
Blue Shield Federal
North Coast Schools

618 harris street eureka, ca 95503

The office is located between G and H Street, located in the back of the green building, the front door is facing Harris Street. There is plenty of free parking on the street.