FAQs

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a whole-person approach to health that has been practiced for thousands of years. Rather than treating symptoms in isolation, I use acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle guidance to understand how the different systems of your body are working together and identify the underlying patterns contributing to your health concerns.

Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine that has been practiced for thousands of years to support the body's natural healing processes. It involves placing very fine, sterile needles at carefully selected points on the body to help reduce pain, improve circulation, calm the nervous system, and support your overall health and well-being.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, these acupuncture points are believed to influence the flow of Qi (pronounced "chee"), often described as the body's vital energy, along pathways known as meridians.

Japanese acupuncture is a gentle style of acupuncture that emphasizes subtle palpation, light needling, and careful attention to your body's response throughout treatment.

One way I do this is through Hara diagnosis, a gentle assessment of the abdomen that helps identify patterns of imbalance. Combined with your pulse, symptoms, and health history, it allows me to create a treatment that is personalized specifically for you.

My teacher, Sensei Koji Ichihashi, often said, "If a patient has pain, do not cause them any more pain." That philosophy continues to guide my approach, with treatments that are gentle, precise, and individualized.

For most people, the answer is no. Because I practice a gentle style of Japanese acupuncture, many patients are surprised that they don't even feel the needles being inserted.

Some people notice a subtle sensation of warmth, tingling, heaviness, or a mild dull ache around an acupuncture point. These feelings are completely normal and often a sign that your body is responding to the treatment.

Most patients leave feeling deeply relaxed, and many even fall asleep during their session. If you're nervous about acupuncture or needles, please let me know—my goal is to make every treatment as gentle, comfortable, and relaxing as possible.

The latest research (2025–2026) suggests that acupuncture works by gently engaging the body's remarkable communication network—its connective tissue, fascia, and fluid-filled interstitium. Even a light acupuncture treatment can trigger a cascade of signals that communicate with the nervous system, immune system, circulation, and brain, helping reduce pain, calm the stress response, improve blood flow, and support the body's natural ability to heal and restore balance. This growing understanding beautifully complements what Chinese medicine has described for thousands of years: that when communication flows freely throughout the body, health follows.

Absolutely. One of the things I love most about acupuncture is that it isn't only for pain or illness. Many of my patients come in because they want to stay healthy, manage stress, sleep better, improve their energy, or support their overall well-being.

Life is constantly changing, and our bodies are always adapting. Regular acupuncture can help support that natural adaptability, making it easier for your body to maintain balance before small concerns become bigger ones.

Whether you come in monthly, seasonally, or simply when life feels a little out of balance, regular treatments can help you continue feeling your best.

Chinese herbal medicine is often used alongside acupuncture to support your body's natural healing between treatments. While acupuncture helps guide change during your visit, customized herbal formulas provide continued support at home.

Every formula I prescribe is personalized for you, taking into account your symptoms, health history, pulse, tongue, lifestyle, and overall constitution. As your health changes, your herbal formula can change with it, allowing your treatment to evolve along the way.

Your first visit is an opportunity for me to get to know you and understand your health concerns and goals. We'll review your health history, discuss your symptoms, and perform a gentle assessment, including your pulse, tongue, and Hara (abdominal) diagnosis.

You'll then receive a personalized Japanese acupuncture treatment, and if appropriate, I may recommend Chinese herbal medicine, nutrition, or simple lifestyle suggestions to support your progress between visits.

Some people notice improvement after their first treatment, while others benefit most from a series of treatments. Together, we'll create a plan that fits your health goals and lifestyle.

Complete your health forms before your appointment, if possible. Eat a light meal or snack a few hours beforehand, and wear comfortable clothing that can easily be rolled up above your elbows and knees.

If possible, arrive a few minutes early so you have time to settle in and have a cup of tea or water before your appointment. If you're scheduled for a specialized treatment, such as Face by Zhen™, you'll receive any additional preparation instructions before your visit.

If you have any questions before your appointment, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm always happy to help you feel prepared and comfortable before your visit.