Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on “Qi,” (chee) or “Chi,” meaning our energy or life-force that flows throughout our body…This Qi, or energy, can be influenced and balanced by stimulating specific points on the body.  These points are located along channels, or meridians, that connect all of our major organs.  Illness and imbalance arises when the flow of Qi becomes blocked.  Acupuncture helps to unblock the flow of Qi.  Common examples of “stuck Qi,” are pain, headaches, PMS, GI discomfort, belching and bloating, gas, sleep disturbances, and mood swings.

You can relate to some of these symptoms, can’t you? The truth is, almost everyone is dealing with some imbalances in their body. We live in cities, we inhale pollution, we are exposed to high levels of EMF, we eat processed or GMO foods, we have relationships that cause us stress, we are overworked, under-nourished, over-nourished, over-caffeinated, and, most recently, we are all dealing with the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic, whether it’s been internalized or there are physical changes in the body.

Regardless of your lifestyle choices, acupuncture is a necessary tool to keep you feeling your best, operating on all levels, firing on all synapses.

Most of the time, the needles are not felt upon insertion! Patients all experience something different depending upon where the needles are located. On areas where you skin is thinner, like on your feet or hands, you may feel more sensation. Little pinches, pokes, or the sensation of a bug bite may be expected. Other times, it can feel like you’re massaging a sore muscle. The sensations are momentary and you’ll forget they are there in no time at all. Almost everyone is surprised how painless acupuncture actually is!

Acupuncture needles are single-use, sterilized, stainless steel, and disposable. They aren’t hollow like a vaccine needle that needs to uptake fluid. They are solid, but they are also hair thin, flexible, and come in varying lengths. Once inserted, it is recommended you lay still, however, small movements are ok. Try not to bend joints or move too quickly to prevent the needles from bending or falling out.

Acupuncture is very safe! Acupuncturists go through years of rigorous training amassing over 3,000 hours of experience before taking several state board exams in order to obtain licensure. We are proficient at needling all areas of the body and take great pride in our skill. Your safety is our MAIN concern when you’re in our clinic.

There are virtually no side effects and minimal risk of infection due to the needles being sterilized and single-use. While the risks of acupuncture cannot be discounted, the likelihood of an adverse event is incredibly rare.

Acupuncture has been PROVEN to regulate the Central Nervous System (CNS), which controls most functions of the body and mind. It consists of the brain and the spinal cord. The spinal cord is the conduit for the signals between our body and the brain.

When needles are administered in the body, sensory input, information processing, and motor output are all effected. By stimulating the CNS, several other systems are activated, like an increase of blood circulation which will release muscle-tension, the release of endorphins (our happy hormones), and the activation of the parasympathetic system, which controls our “rest and digest,” mechanisms.

In addition, you may see a reduction in systemic inflammation and in stress. By activating the parasympathetic system, cortisol (the stress hormone) drops drastically. While we need cortisol in small doses, most Americans are over-stimulated and over-stressed, which keeps our cortisol levels heightened. Consistently high cortisol levels can lead to inflammation (which can be safely called the root of all disease), weight gain, poor sleep, little to no appetite, and emotional imbalances.

By receiving regular acupuncture, you are effectively allowing your brain and body to relax, restore a healthy connection, and fight disease. So, it’s no surprise that acupuncture also regulates and boosts immunity, keeping you from getting chronically sick by stimulating both red and white cell production.

Visit www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org to learn more.

Acupuncture is very safe and recommended during all stages of pregnancy! There are certain points that we were trained to avoid in order to keep you safe, but acupuncture is highly effective for common side effects due to pregnancy, like nausea, constipation, fatigue, pain, headaches, and sleep disturbance.

We can also position you with props and pillows in order to keep you comfortable during your session so you can relax and reap all the benefits acupuncture has to offer.

Some people and conditions respond to acupuncture very quickly, some take time. We are moving and accessing disharmonies in your body that may have been there for a long time - your body might not be happy, at first, about receiving needles and changing habits. This is not ideal, but it is normal in the beginning.

I expect most patients to see some improvements after 3 treatments, and, I expect most patients to see marked improvement after 6-8 treatments. If the problem is chronic, it can take longer.

Changes to your imbalances can also happen faster than anticipated, so pay attention and bask in your body’s innate ability to heal itself! As treatments progress, look for signs of improvement, like better sleep, a calmer mind, less pain, or better digestion.

To assist the function of the needles, herbal medicine may be proscribed. There are thousands of herbs in the Chinese catalogue in the form of roots, branches, flowers, leaves, seeds, and grains, just to name a few. Chinese Medicine harnesses the therapeutic properties of these herbs by cooking them in specific formulations to treat imbalances. This medicine is administered in pills or patents, granules or powders, or in what we call, “tangs” or “tea” in which the herbs are boiled together, strained, and drank in specific dosages throughout the day. Combining the powerful manipulation of Qi through needles with the deeply nourishing effects of herbal medicine, we can aim to correct any imbalance in your body, restoring your natural harmony.

Herbal medicine is incredibly powerful. This is mother nature at her finest, correcting imbalances, moving out impurities, and reestablishing the smooth flow of Qi in your body. So let her do it!

It’s very common to get a slight headache, an upset stomach, or to feel just a little “off” when starting herbal therapy, especially if it’s your first time. Your body will adjust. Remember, we are moving things that may have been stuck in your body for a very long time…they are likely going to be angry about it.

However, if you feel nauseous, have constant diarrhea, feel light-headed, or just generally unwell (more so than what should be expected), then stop taking your herbs right away and contact us. It’s possible that you may need a smaller dose. Some of us are just more sensitive than others when it comes to herbs, and that’s completely normal.

Be sure to let us know of any food allergies in your initial paperwork because again, this medicine is all food-based, grown and harvested from the ground!

Chinese Medicine is a preventative medicine, and therefore, cumulative. Think of regular acupuncture treatments as a tune-up for your body. If you’re getting relief from your main imbalances, I invite you to notice if other areas of your body are improving. Often times, patients come in with a chief concern, but after 3-5 treatments, they report they are sleeping better, their PMS wasn’t that bad this cycle, they haven’t experienced a usual headache, their skin cleared up, and the list goes on!

When you keep your channels open and your Qi flowing, secondary, or even tertiary symptoms, will also vanish. That is the power of this medicine and why we recommend, even if you’re healthy and have no imbalances, to get monthly tune ups.

Remember, you want to STAY healthy. Acupuncture is for everyone at any time in their lives…not just when sickness is present.

Were looking forward to helping you with your health goals and getting you back to your best self.  Sometimes, things come up that may require more tailored care that is outside our scope of medicine. 

If we feel that you may need more experienced care for a specific condition, we will refer you to someone we know and trust and/or we will encourage you to book an appointment with your PCP for further testing or diagnoses. Our ultimate goal is to get you feeling your best and if that means referring you out, we have zero hesitation about doing so.

Click here to see a list of our trusted healthcare referrals for additional healing for your mind and body.  

It’s kind of you to even consider this! Tipping is neither necessary nor expected. We are healthcare workers and want you to feel your best, so we charge competitive rates that are fair for you, our patients, and for us, your practitioners.

Firewood Acupuncture does not accept insurance at this time. However, if you are willing to submit your claims to your insurance on your own, we are happy to provide you with a Superbill. We do not call or deal with insurance companies. It is your responsibility to reach out to see if you have coverage.

Full payment of services is due on the day of treatment.

If you need to cancel your appointment, 24 hours notice is required to avoid being charged full price.

Cancellations due to weather or other acts of nature, unsafe driving conditions or legitimate emergencies are excused if you call prior to your appointment.

We understand things come up, however, if you are more than 15 minutes late to your session, we will need to cancel and reschedule. You will be charged full price for the missed session.

There is easy street parking any time of day on Pennsylvania St and Cedar Ave. Please be mindful of street sweeping days!