Mental & Emotional Health

Acupuncture is part of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), dating back over 3,000 years ago.  In TCM, pain can be seen as too much or not enough of something (ie. energy, blood, fluids) in an area.  Mindfully placed needles harmonize these elements so they move where they need to be and inspire your body’s own natural healing mechanisms.  Pain is reduced physiologically: Acupuncture blocks pain receptors in the brain while releasing endorphins (natural pain blockers) and serotonin (natural mood enhancers).  It increases circulation to the area being treated, lowering inflammation. Acupuncture also activates the parasympathetic nervous system, in which healing and relaxation responses are elevated. For this reason, most patients report a significant improvement in stress, anxiety, and fatigue and often will nap during a treatment.  Source Empowered Wellness uses sterile, disposable needles that are as thin as a human hair so you feel no pain!

Just come in!  Your initial visit may be a little longer than follow-up sessions since you will have a one-on-one initial consult with a Licensed Acupuncturist.  Please allow for 60-75 minutes for your first visit. Follow up sessions can take from twenty minutes to an hour, depending on how long you would like to stay. 

• Wear loose clothing that can be moved to access hands to elbows and feet to knees.  Avoid wearing a dress in case we need to access abdominal points.

• Bring a translator (friend or family) if you believe there will be a communication barrier.
  

• Eat 30 mins to an hour before your treatment.  You need energy to move energy.  Also, please avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and caffeine prior to treatment.

We recommend a minimum of a once a week session to work on most health issues.  Your acupuncturist will be able to give you a personalized treatment plan with frequency.  Generally you can see a difference for acute conditions immediately and within 4-6 treatments the change anchors.  Chronic conditions may take up to 6-10 treatments.  All treatment efficacy depends on the person’s age, lifestyle, and genetic factors.  To avoid causing discomfort of pressing on tender local areas where you are experiencing an issue, we may use points in the hands, feet, ears and head to treat problems anywhere in the body.   We will always take time to discuss anything new, to see how you’re progressing, and find out how you feel about the treatments.