No, not usually! Japanese-style needles are ultra-fine and thinner than the traditional Chinese-style needles. My favorite needles are as thin as a strand of hair. While some points can be sensitive (I call them "spicy") most patients feel very little discomfort. I am present for your entire acupuncture experience. This means I can adjust any needles to increase comfort and be in constant communication with you to ensure a relaxing treatment session.

I intend to make your session relaxing and personable. I'll greet you in the main house of Blissful Heart and then escort you to a private room where you can change and get comfortable. If you prefer to keep your clothes on, that works too (see What to Wear below.) If you’re new, I'll spend a little extra time getting to know you and making sure all your questions are answered. Once you're ready for treatment, I'll begin inserting the acupuncture needles, which takes about 5-10 minutes on average. It is best to leave the needles in for approximately 20 minutes. This time should be relaxing and many patients enjoy an "acupuncture nap," meaning you'll be feeling very relaxed while the needles do the work! Often I like to treat both your front and back side, so I'll remove the initial needles from your front and have you change positions so I can also treat points on your back. I will stay with you while the needles are placed and may offer some gentle hands-on healing to support the energy release that is occurring. This could include myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, gua sha, reiki or cupping depending on what serves you best. The massage table can be warmed and I have a lovely heat lamp to maximize relaxation. I believe the healing environment matters- if you want, you choose the music, the lighting, and whether we chat or embrace silence. I am here to support what your body needs during our time together.

I know how busy life gets... I will provide a comfy sheet to layer during treatment so you don’t have to bring or wear anything special. If you prefer your own clothing, I recommend wearing a loose-fitting top and bottom, ideally that can be rolled up to the knees and elbows. That being said, we'll work with whatever you're wearing to optimize the treatment and your comfort.

Each patient is unique. It depends on our treatment focus. You should feel relaxed and on your way to healing following your first session. You may notice improvement in pain symptoms immediately. If a condition is chronic, it may take additional sessions to address the root cause. If I am concerned that you may need to see a practitioner other than myself, I will let you know. For example, acupuncture can absolutely address knee pain and should improve your overall function even if you have underlying arthritis. However, if you have bone-on-bone arthritis and continue to stress the joint with certain activities, you may also benefit from seeking care from your PCP or an Orthopedic Doctor.

The more often you receive treatment, the more benefits you’ll feel. We can discuss recommended treatment frequency following your first session and create a plan together.

Mild side effects may include pain at insertion site, mild bleeding or bruising. These are normal and should resolve quickly. You may feel relaxed or sleepy following treatment, so you may prefer not to exercise immediately afterwards. I use single-use, sterile needles to minimize any risk of infection (extremely rare.) We will minimize risk by reviewing your medical history together and ensuring a safe, clean environment for treatment.

I think so! I really disliked the first acupuncture treatment that I tried. I didn’t understand what was happening, the room was really dark and I was nervous about trying to lie still once the needles were placed. I didn’t like being alone and was worried I would drop the little bell the acupuncturist placed on my chest. I didn’t feel any better after the treatment was over. It was 7 years before I tried acupuncture again! Ultimately, I found many acupuncturists that fit my needs better and have had many healing experiences since. Feel free to reach out via email with any questions about my practice style and whether it would work for you: kelly@toraphysicianacupuncture.com.

Medical Acupuncture blends Western and Eastern Medical approaches fusing the modern understanding of neuromuscular anatomy and pain physiology while also embracing the Traditional Chinese Medicine perception of a subtle circulation of life force called qi. Studying Medical Acupuncture is a pathway for traditionally trained physicians to embrace additional tools for healing patients. As Dr. Helms (often called the Father of Medical Acupuncture) describes it, this hybrid acupuncture approach combines the best of both worlds by describing a context in which to address patient symptoms that usually escape attention in the standard medical evaluation. Dig in deeper with this article: https://medicalacupuncture.org/an-overview-of-medical-acupuncture/

In comparison to the Chinese style, Japanese acupuncture uses thinner needles and a gentler technique, with shallow insertion. The diagnostic assessment relies heavily on palpation of the abdomen, back and various pulses or reflexes along the meridian system. My training through AcuMed focused on Kiiko Style of Acupuncture. Kiiko Matsumoto is internationally known for her scholarly work on acupuncture and interpretation of Chinese Classic texts. Kiiko is mostly known for her ability to integrate the work of very important Japanese acupuncture Masters among them Master Nagano, Master Kawai and Dr Manaka into a coherent, clinically effective style.

Integrated Structural Acupuncture is a system of acupuncture that uses a point verification system, thus allowing the practitioner to verify the efficacy of their point selection, ensuring the optimal diagnosis and treatment. This system is effective for musculoskeletal, neurological and internal medical conditions. Treatment points are verified to demonstrate their immediate effect on patient symptoms and exam findings. In this way, both practitioner and patient actively participate in the healing process. The system also integrates modalities, such as nutrition, exercise and manual therapies, to ensure the most comprehensive treatment and best results for the patient.

Nope. While I love that you want a PCP, it will not be me! In my role offering Medical Acupuncture, think of me more like a consultant. Similar to Primary Care, we will focus on overall health, improved function and prevention of disease.

We do not accept insurance, but I can provide a SuperBill that you can submit to your insurance company. You can also use your HSA or FSA card for payment. As I grow my practice, I plan to offer additional ways to connect with care through community acupuncture, free clinics and package deals.