WHAT TO EXPECT DURING AN ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT?

The first treatment is 1 ½ hour long and includes an in-depth health intake, channel palpation, tongue & pulse diagnosis. Using the information obtained, points are selected and the patient is treated on either the back or the front of the body.  The needles are inserted and left for 30 – 40 minutes. Adjunct therapies such as moxa, cupping, gua sha or heat lamp may be used.  
All subsequent treatments will be an hour long. A patient is recommended to wear comfortable clothing to treatments. 

HOW MANY ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED?

Each person’s treatment is specific to their history. However, it is recommended to do at least six consecutive treatments within the timeframe of six weeks. Each week, Ana takes time to check in with the patient to see if there has been any improvement to determine whether or not the protocol needs to be altered to achieve the desired results. 

WHAT IS MOTOR POINT THERAPY?

Motor point therapy is a treatment to strengthen weak muscles or relax tight ones. A needle is inserted to where the nerve enters the muscle belly and gently stimulated to allow for the muscle fibers to twitch. This response resets the nerve and muscle to function properly.
A muscle can be weak from not being used, trauma, age, or chronic disease. This will cause other muscles that have similar function to over fire to help the body move succinctly. Overuse of a muscles can cause shortening throughout the fibers which puts strain on the tendon and joints causing pain and dysfunction. 

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DRY NEEDLING AND ACUPUNCTURE?

While dry needling and acupuncture both use thin needles, they are based on different philosophies and goals. Acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on supporting the whole body—addressing pain, stress, digestion, sleep, and overall wellness by working with the nervous system and energy pathways. Dry needling is a Western technique often used by physical therapists to target specific muscle trigger points for short-term pain relief. Acupuncture tends to take a more holistic, whole-body approach, while dry needling is typically more localized and symptom-focused.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ACUPUNCTURE?

Acupuncture offers a wide range of potential benefits, including pain relief, stress reduction, improved sleep, and support for overall physical and emotional balance. Many people seek acupuncture for issues such as chronic pain, headaches, anxiety, digestive concerns, hormonal balance, and muscle tension. Acupuncture can also support the nervous system by helping shift the body out of “fight or flight” and into a more relaxed, restorative state. Treatments are individualized, making acupuncture a supportive option for both specific concerns and ongoing wellness care.