How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture nurtures the processes of healing whether
viewed with a Western or Eastern medical eye. Western
researchers speculate that the stimulation of acupoints
causes the release of neurotransmitters or hormones that
mediate wellness. In Chinese medical thinking these
substances display qualities of yin and yang. In this
context, the philosophical concepts of yin and yang may
be understood as body fluids and hormones (yin) and
movement of energy such as the firing of a neuron (yang).
This 12 minute video gives a wonderful overview of
acupuncture's benefits and includes interview segments
with my teacher Jeffrey Yuen.
What will happen during my first session?
Your session begins as you sip a cup of herbal tea while
discussing your concerns. I care about your emotional,
physical and mental states of well-being and will get to
know relevant areas of your history in order to select a
personalized treatment. Allow 1 1/2 hours for this initial
consultation and treatment.
After the consultation, you will lie down on a heated
massage table, warmly covered and listening to relaxing
music. Then I will gently tap hair-fine, single-use needles at
the acupoints selected for your point prescription.
You may be surprised at how relaxed you feel. You might
even fall asleep! That's fine, after 20 minutes you will be
gently guided to alertness with the sounding of a bell
followed by a knock on the door.
How will acupuncture work with my current
medical treatment and medications?
Most HeartPath clients use acupuncture in conjunction with
and as part of their health care support system. I am
available to consult with your doctors and other members of
your healthcare team if your doctor wishes.
Does it hurt?
Acupuncture needles are about the thickness of a hair.
Most people feel a deep sense of relaxation once the
needles are placed. Sometimes there is a brief pinching
sensation upon insertion that is quickly followed by feelings
of warmth and well-being or simply stillness.
How much do sessions cost?
Pay What You Wish (PWYW) and why that is the model for my acupuncture practice Our times are challenging; we see many examples of greed and selfishness around us – this is not healthy for us as individuals or our society. I believe we can cultivate healthier behaviors, attitudes and lifestyles. I have the good fortune and privilege to take a risk and explore another way to build my practice and share the wonderful work of acupuncture.
PWYW fosters a relationship of responsibility and trust between client and practitioner. As a client, you decide what acupuncture means to you, what you can afford and what is fair. We are collaborators and co-creators working for your health and healing. As a co-creator you are the most important decision-maker in your health care. You are not a bystander to your life. There are probably circumstances in your life or health that you do not choose but you decide how you play the hand you were dealt. How do you steward your health?
Who deserves what life gives us whether the fortune is “good” or “bad?” Some of us have easier walks and some seem to be thrown challenges at every turn. I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to study acupuncture; it is a gift that keeps giving. In that spirit I offer this gift to you. You are a powerful co-creative force in your healing journey and I am here to support you. In turn, you make it possible for me to continue to offer acupuncture to our community. I trust that you respect me and my time. Because this is a new model for most of us (including me) and because people often ask, I will tell you that previously my fee structure was $125 for the first visits and $65 for subsequent visits.
Heartpath Acupuncture, 2016