I recommend wearing loose-fitting, comfortable clothing to your acupuncture treatment. It is best to avoid anything that is too tight or restricting. Some areas that will need to be easily accessed are lower legs from the knees down, elbows to wrist, neck, shoulders, and abdomen. If access is needed to a part of your body that is covered by your clothing, I may ask you to undress to your comfort level and a drape or robe will be provided. I want you to be comfortable during your session!

Yes! Acupuncture is considered safe when performed by a trained and licensed acupuncturist. I am licensed in NC and certified with Clean Needle Technique (CNT). I only use sterile, single-use needles, which are disposed of in a medical sharps container after each treatment. Acupuncture is one of the safest holistic treatments available- it is non-invasive, drug-free, and often deeply relaxing.

Acupuncture can treat a wide variety of conditions, both physical and emotional. Here is an overview of some of the common conditions that acupuncture can help with:

Pain Relief: Back pain, neck pain, joint pain, sciatica, headaches, migraines, arthritis, sports injuries, TMJ, muscle tension, fibromyalgia, plantar fasciitis, post-op recovery

Mental & Emotional Health: Stress, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, PTSD, trauma support, insomnia, emotional regulation, grief, mood swings, addictions, heartbreak

Digestive Disorders: Diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux, GERD, abdominal bloating, nausea, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Women’s Health: PMS, menstrual irregularities, menstrual cramps, fertility and reproductive health, pregnancy and postpartum care, menopausal symptoms, endometriosis, fibroids, incontinence, frequent urination

Respiratory Conditions: Asthma, allergies, chronic cough, bronchitis, sinusitis, immune system support (for colds, flu, long covid)

Neurological Disorders: Neuropathy, post-stroke recovery, Bell’s palsy, trigeminal neuralgia, vertigo, tremors, shingles

Other: Autoimmune disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, hormonal imbalances, skin conditions, men’s health, tinnitus and hearing issues, cardiovascular disorders, chemotherapy/radiation side effects

Great question! Most people find that acupuncture doesn’t hurt; however, the experience can vary depending on the person’s sensitivity, the condition being treated, and the practitioner’s technique. 

Acupuncture needles are extremely thin- about the width of a human hair. 

You might feel: 

-Nothing/Minimal sensation

-A tiny prick or tap as the needle goes in

-A dull ache, tingling, or warm sensation once the needle is in place (this is a good sign)

Acupuncture is considered a safe and well-tolerated therapy when performed by a trained and licensed practitioner. However, as with any medical treatment, there can be side effects- most are mild and temporary.

Soreness: Mild tenderness or itchiness at the needle insertion site, especially if it's your first time.
Bruising: A small bruise or drop of blood may appear at the needling site.
Fatigue: Some people feel tired or deeply relaxed after a session; this is often part of the body's healing response.
Dizziness or Lightheadedness: This may occur if you've not eaten beforehand or if you're particularly sensitive or anxious. I recommend eating a small meal or snack prior to treatment.
Emotional Release: Acupuncture can trigger an unexpected emotional reaction (crying, laughter, etc.), especially if releasing stored tension or grief.

The effects of acupuncture can vary from person to person. Some people feel results immediately, while others may need a few weeks or months of consistent treatment. Healing with acupuncture builds over time and depends on how long you’ve had the condition, your overall health and lifestyle, and how consistent you are with treatment and other therapies.

Acute conditions or mild symptoms- Such as acute injury or mild headache- may improve after 1 or 2 treatments.

For many common concerns/moderate symptoms- Such as joint pain, menstrual regulation, mild to moderate depression or anxiety, digestive conditions, fatigue- may improve after 3-6 treatments

Chronic or complex conditions- Autoimmune disorders, long-term emotional processing or trauma, hormonal imbalances, neurological issues- may require longer term support, 6 or more treatments