FAQs

Is acupuncture safe? 

Acupuncture is safe when administered by trained and licensed professionals. We use single use, disposable, and sterile needles on each point and take various health and safety precautions. It is a practice that has been used for thousands of years which speaks to its safety as well as efficacy. 

Does acupuncture hurt or will I feel it?

Acupuncture is often painless but sometimes you will feel a quick little prick similar to a bug bite. You’ll feel relaxed. The needles are as thin as a cat’s whisker or a strand of hair. These needles are filiform versus hollow with large gauges found at a doctor’s office or hospital. They are not syringes and no blood is drawn! You might feel some unique sensations in the first few moments as the energy in your body is recalibrated. A sense of relaxation and calm is omnipresent during the treatment and in the time after.

Are cupping and body gua sha painful or uncomfortable experiences?

Cupping is similar to getting a massage except that instead of inward compression, it is an outward compression caused by suction. You might feel some momentary tension with the cups followed by a huge muscular and fascial release. It also prevents stagnation and removes toxins, lactic acid, metabolic waste, and cellular debris from the muscles and tissues. Sometimes cupping leaves bruising that last a few days.

Gua sha is a technique using a tool or dull edge of a soup spoon to release tension, boost immunity, detoxify and much more. It releases muscles and tissues and can also open up the lungs for easier breathing and to help eliminate congestion and fight colds and flus. It will sometimes leave some red marks for 1-3 days depending on various factors. It is a type of bodywork within the scope of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It feels fantastic and provides relief for many conditions!

Do you offer treatments that are needle free?

I often incorporate a variety of tools into my sessions. I employ the use of essential oils, acupressure, sound techniques, moxibustion, gentle bodywork, yoga and movement, cupping, gua sha, ear seeds, herbal medicine, lifestyle and nutritional advice, and an assortment of modalities into my composition of healing. I tailor each session to meet your needs, and if you prefer to leave needles out that can be accomplished easily as I have a lot to offer you.

What are essential oils? How do you use them?

Essential oils (EOs) are the extracted aromatic compounds of plants distilled into an extremely concentrated aromatic oil. When inhaled or placed on the skin the plant’s aromatic compounds interact with the body’s chemistry creating various healing effects that effect both the physical and emotional bodies. Essential oils are able to access the limbic brain also known as the emotional center of the brain. Essential oils can be used as enhancements to treatments or on their own. They are uplifting, offer a deeper sense of relaxation and help balance emotions. I often employ a technique called Aroma Acupoint Therapy that combines the therapeutic uses of EOs and the sensibilities of Chinese Medicine by placing a drop of pure or diluted oils onto designated acupuncture points on the body. I also utilize the many benefits of aromatherapy through the use of topicals and air diffusers. I only use the highest quality, therapeutic grade EOs produced and responsibly sourced by smaller artisanal productions. Essential oils are gentle and  soothing elements for healing!

What is moxibustion?

Moxibustion is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Often referred to as moxa, it is a form of dried and cured mugwort that is carefully burned over or on the body. It is used to warm the body and meridians, improve circulation and digestion, relieve menstrual pains and irregularities, and also assist in turning a breech baby in late stages of pregnancy. It is used when called for in acupuncture sessions.

What is auriculotherapy?

Auriculotherapy is based on the principles of acupuncture, East Asian medicine and the more recent European systems of acupuncture and neuroscience. Auriculotherapy includes the use of needles and stick on ear seeds or pellets placed on points to assist healing. It uses a map that provides hundreds of points in the ear to treat the entire body. This is often included in acupuncture sessions. Ear seeds are often placed at the end of the treatment for continued relief for days after the treatment. On occasion you will be encouraged to place them on yourself in between sessions to assist  healing.

What is involved in an initial acupuncture appointment? A follow up appointment? How long are appointments?

An initial acupuncture treatment is 90 minutes. It involves a detailed exploration and understanding of your health history and current health patterns, your primary concerns as well your individual constitution. Other diagnostic techniques employed are palpation of the radial pulse and observation of the shape, color, and texture of the tongue. A treatment plan is created and acupuncture is performed. Additional techniques might be applied such as cupping, gua sha, moxibustion,the use of essential oils, herbal medicine and sound techniques like tuning forks. Lifestyle and dietary recommendations are offered to further support you in your path to wellness. You will then have an opportunity to rest with the needles for 20-30 minutes. Acupuncture invokes a deep sense of relaxation and calmness, and it can be very relaxing to the mind.  

A return/follow-up appointment is 60 minutes. It begins with a shorter intake process followed by the administration of acupuncture and ancillary techniques. It includes a 20-30 minute resting period. Recommended follow-up appointments are based on the client’s condition. Generally acute conditions, such as common colds and acute pain, respond well to multiple treatments over a short span of time. Chronic conditions benefit from regular treatments over a longer period of time. True, lasting change takes patience and regular treatments.

What is involved in a virtual session? What kinds of offerings are a part of the virtual platform?

Linden Acupuncture offers an assortment of treatment options via virtual sessions. A virtual session starts with a check in about any health concerns or conditions and symptoms guided by an intake form completed prior to the session, as well as any other questions that come up. Insight on nutritional focuses will be provided as well as guidance on self care techniques, such as acupressure and massage, that can be administered at home. Suggestions about optimizing health through essential oils, bio- hacking tools, nutraceuticals, herbs, and other health and wellness support is also provided. A virtual session is basically the acupuncture session without the needles and includes an in depth health coaching experience and education about the processes and products recommended. These sessions happen over Zoom or FaceTime by appointment and allow ongoing work regardless of location.

How long are herbal consultations appointments? How does it work?

Herbal consultations are 30 minutes and can happen in person as well as via Zoom or FaceTime by appointment. An intake form will be filled out prior to the consultation. Herbs will be ordered through one of the companies we work with and will be a separate cost aside from the consultation. There will be some follow up check ins after as we monitor the efficacy and process of the herbal treatments.

What is involved in a Facial and Cosmetic Acupuncture session? How long are appointments?

Facial and Cosmetic Acupuncture appointments require extensive diagnosis to assess your needs. A variety of facial acupuncture and massage techniques combined with body acupuncture supports the constitution and any underlying disharmonies. We treat the root (your constitution and general health) as well as the branches (your skin and natural glow) of your body. Essential oils and herbal topicals are incorporated to support the treatments. Facial gua sha and facial cupping are often employed to assist the process, coupled with advice on diet, seasonal herbs, product suggestions, home care techniques, and lifestyle adjustments. Celluma light therapy employed in these sessions enhances the work. For noticeable and lasting improvements a standard of ten treatments are recommended with follow up maintenance. Appointments are 90 minutes for the initial consultation and 75 minutes for follow ups.

What is a Facial Gua Sha tutorial?

A facial Gua Sha tutorial is an in depth virtual session showing the proper techniques of using facial tools effectively. A wide variety of skills are covered including facial Gua Sha, cupping, rollers and other tools, and massage, as well as natural home beauty care practices. Gua Sha promotes the health, vitality, and renewal of the face and skin and is a beautiful self care regimen that is effective, loving, healing, and empowering. These tutorials are 75 minutes and can happen via Zoom or FaceTime by appointment.

What is involved in an Esoteric Acupuncture appointment? How long are appointments?

Esoteric acupuncture treatments begin with a general health intake and also an intention setting. Acupuncture is administered in specific patterns along with special oils, visualizations and sound techniques. These treatments are often front and back and last 90 minutes.

Where does Esoteric Acupuncture come from?

Esoteric Acupuncture is a gentle system of acupuncture developed and inspired by the ageless wisdom teachings created by Dr. Mikio Sankey. It focuses on the utilization of a synthesis of ideas from the classical theories of traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture; Chinese Five Element Theory; Hindu Chakra Systems; Hindu Nadi Systems; Sacred Geometry; Tetrahedral Geometry; the Qabalistic Tree of Life, quantum theory, superstring physics, and Naturopathy. It is also inspired by decades of my own personal studies in metaphysics, esoterica, nature, meditation, crystal healing, energy healing, sound healing techniques, and classical acupuncture which I incorporate into these sessions.

Will I get better? 

The potential for you to resolve your issues and heal is great and infinite. This process works best with consistency in your treatment plan and follow through on your part. This is a collaborative process. I will often give you little health hacks and advice in ways to incorporate changes that can assist your progress. I find that people have amazing breakthroughs when they are able to implement in these changes and stay consistent with treatments.

How long do I need treatments?

This depends on your condition and constitution. There are many variables to the duration of your treatment but generally acute problems generally resolve within 2-6 sessions while chronic issues tend to take anywhere from 4-12 sessions. I want to remind you that these times are generalizations as a complete treatment involves many variables. More profound dramatic changes happen over time. Acupuncture works best with consistency and is cumulative. All of these modalities are holistic and process oriented by nature.  Maintenance is always encouraged!

Do I need to be sick in order to get acupuncture or other treatments?

No. This is a comprehensive approach to healthcare that is used for both prevention and relief for acute and chronic conditions. Preventative approaches keep you from sickness and disease while also allowing you to optimize your health and the way you feel in your body. It allows you to live your best life. After treatment for specific conditions is complete, follow up maintenance treatments(usually once a month) are greatly encouraged to maintain health and immunity.

Who gets acupuncture? 

Everyone!!! I welcome all bodies and all people. 

What are your specialties?

My specialty is treating emotional health including stress/anxiety/depression, general hormonal balance, menstrual and menopausal health, chronic and acute pain patterns, musculoskeletal and nerve disorders, appearance and beauty enhancement, aging concerns, sleep disorders, digestive disorders, immunity issues, headaches, and addiction recovery. I have given thousands of treatments and have seen a variety of conditions. I have a gentle approach and am experienced at working with people with trauma. I offer an approach free of judgement so I can meet people where they are on their journey with their health and their life.

Do acupuncture and herbs treat emotions?

Absolutely! Acupuncture and herbal support in the treatment of emotional imbalances is profound. It is adept at balancing stress, harmonizing emotions, treating past traumas and PTSD. This is one of my specialties and is something I have personally taken a lot of time to explore. It is a great way to support other psychological and emotion based therapies. 

What kind of payments do you take? Do you bill insurance?

I accept cash, credit and debit cards, and some FSA/HSA/HRA accounts. Payment is due at time of service. I do not bill insurance at this time.

What is your cancellation, no show, and late policy?

Cancellation under 24 hours before the appointment is a $75 fee. No shows are charged in full for the service. If you are more than 20 minutes late for an appointment, the appointment will be cancelled and a $75 fee will be applied. 

What is acupuncture known to treat?

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institute for Health (NIH) have listed the following diseases and conditions to be treated effectively by acupuncture. These are some of them.

Musculo-Skeletal/Pain Relief/Neurological

Arthritis | Back Pain | Neck Pain | Shoulder Pain | Generalized Body Pain | Muscle Pain | Muscle Weakness  | Muscle Cramping | Injury Recovery | Sciatica | Knee Pain | Facial pain | Tempromandibbular Dysfunction (TMJ) | Headaches and Migraines | Dental Pain | Post Surgery Rehabilitation | Stroke | Parkinson’s Disease

Digestive

Abdominal Pain and Bloating | Constipation | Diarrhea | Indigestion | Irritable Bowel Syndrome | Nausea and Vomiting

Gynecological

Premenstrual Syndrome | Menopausal Symptoms | Irregular Menstrual Cycles | Painful Menstrual Cycles | Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) | Infertility | IUI/IVF Support | Morning Sickness | Labor Induction

Emotional

Anxiety | Depression | Nervousness | Stress Related Disorders | Insomnia

Respiratory

Asthma, Bronchitis | Common Colds and Flu | Allergies | Sinusitis | Smoking Cessation

Miscellaneous

Addiction Support | Blood Pressure Regulation | Chronic Fatigue | Immune System Support