We are honored to help you on
your path towards wellness.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture was first developed in ancient China more than 3,000 years ago. It remains one of the oldest and most enduring healing systems in the world. Today, acupuncture is recognized by both the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) as a safe and effective treatment for a wide range of conditions. The practice of acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile, single use needles into specific points on the body that correspond with the acupuncture channels.
When needles are inserted into these points, this activates the body’s natural healing response promoting the circulation of energy and blood, referred to as “Qi” in Traditional Chinese Medicine. From a Western perspective, the insertion of acupuncture needles stimulates sensory nerves, which send signals through the nervous system to help the body relax, reduce pain, and initiate healing.
At VM Acupuncture & Wellness, we honor the wisdom of this ancient medicine while incorporating modern approaches for optimal wellness. Every patient is treated with personalized, attentive care in a supportive environment. Whether you're seeking relief from chronic pain, stress, anxiety, digestive issues, or simply looking to support your overall wellness, acupuncture offers a safe, non-invasive, and comprehensive approach to healing.
Victoria Memos LLC
What Can Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture can help to treat symptoms of a wide range of conditions which include but are not limited to:
Mental Emotional Health: Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Mental & Physical Fatigue, Grief, Emotional Trauma, Mood Swings & Irritability
Musculoskeletal Pain: Back Pain, Sciatica, Joint Pain (knees, hips, elbows, wrists), Neck & Shoulder Tension, Arthritis & Stiffness, Tendonitis, Sports Injuries & Recovery, Muscle Spasms & Tightness, Migraines
Women’s Health: PCOS, Endometriosis, Infertility, IVF & Pregnancy Support, Painful Menstruation, Irregular or Absent Menstruation, Premenstrual Syndrome, Perimenopause & Menopause, Hormonal Imbalances
Pediatric Care: Digestive issues (colic, constipation, diarrhea, nausea), Sleep Disturbances, Allergies & Asthma, Recurrent Colds or Ear Infections, Anxiety, ADHD, Bedwetting, Eczema & Skin Conditions, Headaches
Gastrointestinal Issues: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis), Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Acid Reflux (GERD), Bloating & Gas, Constipation & Diarrhea, Nausea & Vomiting, Food Sensitivities, Loss of Appetite or Poor Digestion
Respiratory Health: Colds, Allergies, Sinusitis, Asthma, Cough, Post-Viral Lung Recovery
Addiction & Cravings: Cigarette cessation, Sugar & Food Cravings, Alcohol Use, Prescription Medications, Behavioral Addictions (ex. stress related habits)
Autoimmune Conditions: Diabetes Support, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Lupus (SLE), Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Graves’ Disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Psoriasis & Eczema, Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Neurological Conditions: Migraines & Chronic Headaches, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Bell’s palsy, Peripheral Neuropathy (including diabetic neuropathy), Post-Stroke Recovery, Nerve Impingement & Radiculopathy, Tinnitus, Dizziness & Vertigo, Nerve-related Pain or Numbness, Tremors, Support with Parkinson’s Disease
Cancer Treatment Side Effects: Nausea & Vomiting, Fatigue, Brain Fog, Anxiety, Emotional Distress & Mood Challenges, Dry Mouth, Changes in Appetite, Acute or Chronic Pain
FAQs
-
Prior to your first scheduled appointment, you will be asked to fill out a new patient form online. This form will help your acupuncturist to get an idea of what you are seeking acupuncture for. During your visit, your acupuncturist will begin with a detailed medical intake, discuss your symptoms and goals, and perform a physical exam that incorporates diagnostic techniques such as pulse and tongue examination to gain insight into your overall health. Afterwards, you will lay on the treatment table where very thin, sterile, single use needles are inserted into the body at specific points. An acupuncture session typically lasts for 20-30 minutes. During this time, you can relax and even take a nap!
-
We recommend wearing comfortable, loose fitting clothing to make it easier to access areas we may need to treat. If you don’t have suitable attire, no worries! Our acupuncturist will provide draping sheets to ensure you remain comfortably covered and relaxed throughout your session.
-
Individual sensitivity varies; however, acupuncture is generally well tolerated. Acupuncture involves the use of very thin, sterile, single-use needles that are completely different from the hypodermic needles used in doctor’s offices. Acupuncture needles are hair-thin and designed to be virtually painless. Most patients report minimal to no pain, describing the sensation as a mild, localized ache, tingling, or a feeling of warmth. These responses are indicative of 'de qi,' a term referring to the arrival of qi, which is considered essential for therapeutic efficacy. Many find these mild sensations relaxing and some may not feel much at all. If ever a sensation feels uncomfortable or sharp, simply let your practitioner know and they will adjust the treatment immediately to make sure you stay comfortable.
-
Every person responds differently to acupuncture and healing timelines can vary based on the nature and severity of the condition. In general, acute or recent issues may respond within just a few sessions, while more chronic conditions often require a longer course of treatment. The general guidelines for the average number of acupuncture treatments before improvement are:
Acute conditions: 3 to 4 treatments
Chronic conditions: 8 to 10 treatments
During your initial visit, you and the acupuncturist will collaborate to establish a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and goals.
-
The effects of acupuncture can vary from person to person. While some people feel immediate relief or a deep sense of relaxation right after their session, for others, the benefits may take up to 72 hours to become noticeable. Common post treatment sensations may include a feeling of relaxation or calm, mild muscle soreness (similar to post workout muscle ache), a temporary increase in energy or, conversely, a feeling of fatigue as the body begins to rebalance, occasional emotional release or heightened awareness.
These responses are completely normal and typically indicate that your body is beginning to respond to treatment! If you ever have any questions about how you're feeling post-session, please ask your acupuncturist. We're always here to support you.
-
Please contact us here& we will get back to you as soon as possible!