Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s cut to the chase here: when we see needles in a medical setting, we associate them with pain. No one (me included!) enjoys getting shots or having blood drawn.

But acupuncture needles are different. They’re 1/40th the diameter of the needles that are used to give you a shot, and they’re also flexible.

You may feel a minor sensation when the needles are inserted. That dissipates within seconds. Many patients feel so comfortable that they fall asleep during treatment.

Let me know if you’re concerned about pain so we can address it in the moment. Acupuncture works best when your body is relaxed, so it’s in both of our best interest to ensure that you feel good. I’ve successfully treated many people who are hesitant about needles.

We’ll start by having an unhurried conversation about your health concerns and what you hope to achieve through treatment.

For treatment, I’ll ask you to lie down on a heated massage table. Often your clothes can remain on, with pant leg pushed up to the knees, shirt sleeves up to the elbows. If your clothes need to be removed, towels are provided for draping. I’ll gently insert about a dozen sterilized, single-use acupuncture needles at specific points on your body. Some patients feel a brief prick when the needle is inserted. Most feel nothing at all.

Then it’s time to rest with needles in place for about 30 minutes. I’ve created a soothing environment in my treatment rooms, and many patients fall asleep as they rest. Others catch up on podcasts or reflect on their day.

After 30 minutes, I’ll remove the needles. If an herbal formula is part of your treatment plan, I’ll explain to you what it contains and how to take it. Then you can go about your day immediately afterward.

Research shows that acupuncture creates measurable biological changes both at the site of needle insertion and elsewhere in the body. Sensory neurons carry the responses from the site of insertion to the central nervous system, affecting blood flow and body regulatory processes such as the release of endorphins, neurotransmitters, and hormones associated with the sensation of pain as well as organ, glandular, and systemic function.

You may have heard skeptics say that acupuncture only works because of the placebo effect. While the placebo effect can never be ruled out, many well-designed research studies (including those that test “sham acupuncture”) have shown that needling acupuncture points really does cause measurable physiological changes in the body.

Interestingly, acupuncture has been used by veterinarians with great success—which suggests that the patient does not have to ‘believe in’ acupuncture for it to be effective.

Based on your symptoms, an herbalist (in this case, me) combines a dozen or more herbs in a customized formula. This blend of herbs is usually served as a tea. Pills are sometimes an option.

If you have a chronic condition, herbal formulas are adapted over time as your body responds to treatment. Herbs can also be taken in the short term to prevent colds and illnesses or heal from sickness or injury.

Learn how I source my herbs and create my formulas in-house.

No. For one thing, not every patient needs herbs—or can safely take them.

When I do recommend herbs, some of my clients choose to use them. Others do not. Some take them only occasionally, like when they feel a cold coming on. I support all.

Traditional Chinese medicine, which encompasses both acupuncture and herbs, can be used to treat many conditions.

I specialize in treating fertility, menstrual health & menopause, and sports injury & performance. But I treat many other concerns as well. Click here to discover other common issues that bring patients to my office.

It’s also worth noting that you don’t need to have a “problem” to benefit from acupuncture. Many clients get regular tune-ups because they want better sleep, more energy, or just to feel calmer.

Absolutely. In fact, I’ve treated physicians, and some have referred clients to me as well.

When we sit down together at your initial visit, we’ll discuss any treatments you’re currently receiving or medications you may be taking. I’ll tailor your treatment plan accordingly.

I am open to the healing arts in all their forms and will never discourage you from pursuing other treatments. Integrity is a cornerstone of my practice, and I will tell you if I don’t think traditional Chinese medicine will serve you.

When I decided to study traditional Chinese medicine, I was living in California, which has the country’s most exacting standards for acupuncturists and herbalists. It was the right place for me to start my journey.

(Before that, I received a bachelor’s and master’s from Harvard. I like to joke that I may be the only acupuncturist in the world with 2 Harvard degrees. I follow my own path.)

I completed a 3 ½-year master’s degree program at the Five Branches Institute, after which I received national board certification. I’m currently licensed to practice in Washington, and I also maintain my license in California because I value their standards. You can find more information here.

There is no one answer to this question because no two patients are alike. The number of sessions you will need depends on your condition and the progress we make.

Sometimes, patients find their concerns have improved meaningfully after only one or two visits. On the other hand, chronic conditions often require a series of sessions. During your initial visit, we’ll discuss what you can expect based on your symptoms.

It’s common for patients to come to me to address a specific problem. After it’s resolved, they often continue with regular tune-ups afterward because they love how acupuncture makes them feel. Others have sought me out to achieve a specific goal, then return only if a new concern arises.

Acupuncture: I use pre-sterilized needles that are disposed of after a single use.

Herbal medicine: I source high-quality herbs that are exhaustively tested by third parties.

COVID-19: I am the only provider, and I do not have any staff. Everything is set up so that you will enter directly into a private treatment room with a HEPA air purifier. CDC guidelines have always been followed. 

Appointments can be booked online via my scheduler.

Once an appointment is scheduled, you will be able to cancel or reschedule it up to 24 hours in advance. No-shows and cancellations with under 24 hours’ notice will be charged the full fee.

If you’re having a “life happens” moment, please let me know, even on short notice—I’d always prefer to know you won’t be able to make it than to have a no-show.

Before your initial visit, you’ll be asked to fill out an intake and consent form online. If you are coming in for fertility purposes, and you have copies of your most recent lab work, or have BBT charts, please bring them along. (If you don’t have them handy, don’t sweat it.)

When booking your initial appointment online you will be required to enter a credit or HSA/FSA card. Having your card on file allows me to spend more time with you, rather than taking a payment after your session, and gets you on with your day more quickly. The card won’t be billed until your appointment. You may pay by check if you prefer. If your session is part of a package, or a gift certificate, it won’t be charged for your treatment, but is still required for cancellation policy purposes in the event of a no-show or cancellation within 24 hours. I am not privy to your credit card information. 

Wear whatever helps you feel comfortable and relaxed during your treatment.

For many courses of treatment, you may be able to remain fully clothed as long as your shirt sleeves roll up to your elbows and your pant legs roll up to your knees.

If your clothing won’t accommodate your treatment, you’ll be asked to remove it, and I’ll provide towels to cover you.