I use Japanese acupuncture in my practice. The techniques that I use come from my teacher, Kiiko Matsumoto, who describes her work as: 

“… a systematic, easy to learn, palpatory method which is designed to provide instant feedback. When using this system, a practitioner follows a palpation sequence which both establishes a diagnosis, and suggests several treatment options which might be effective for treating a particular patient.

This style is largely defined by its use of a highly systematized method of palpation. Palpation is the ability to gain information through touch. Rooted in Han dynasty China, this method evolved to an extraordinary level of sophistication in Japanese acupuncture for a very unusual reason. Since as early as the Edo Period (1602-1868) Japanese acupuncture was a profession practiced largely by the blind. Once learned, palpation becomes an easy to use method for obtaining instant feedback as to the patient’s condition of health. The diagnosis and treatment strategies follow one another in one circular motion. Specific active reflexes suggest the diagnosis and the treatment efficacy be established by changes in the same reflexes."

What is acupuncture? 

Acupuncture is the relatively painless insertion of very fine, sterile, disposable needles into points on the body that activate our innate healing ability. 

How does acupuncture work? 

Each point lies on a channel or meridian, and each meridian is associated with one of twelve organs. By stimulating points on a channel, treatments can address problems along that channel, and also problems associated with that organ. For example, if a patient complains of nausea, a point or points on the Stomach channel would be selected. If the complaint was tennis elbow, then points from the Large Intestine channel (which passes along the lateral side of the elbow joint) would be selected for treatment. Research has shown that acupuncture has both a local and distal effect on the body: in treating painful conditions, for instance, treatment can disperse local inflammation and spasm while, at the same time, stimulating pain-relieving chemicals which are produced in our brain.

What does an acupuncture treatment involve? 

An acupuncture treatment has many similarities and several big differences from any visit to a doctor’s office. A thorough health history is taken at the first visit to identify what needs attention. A physical examination is given, which includes pulse diagnosis, tongue observation, and palpation of the abdomen and back. All of this is then taken into account to formulate the diagnosis and treatment plan, and the acupuncture treatment is given. Treatment usually involves 5 to 15 needles inserted in selected points on the body that are left in to take effect for approximately 20 minutes. Most visits include treatment of both the front and back.

How many treatments are necessary to benefit from acupuncture? 

Each condition requires a different amount of treatment. Generally, the longer that you’ve had the problem, the more visits will be necessary. Some patients need only one treatment; others may come weekly for several months.

Are treatments uncomfortable or painful? 

Acupuncture needles are very fine, especially compared with hypodermic needles. Insertion of the acupuncture needle causes a slight sensation, which someone once referred to quite accurately as being similar to “the afterthought of a mosquito bite”.

One of the most common reason people don’t try acupuncture is that it includes needles. This is unfortunate that someone in so much pain chooses not to seek relief for such a minor reason.

How safe is acupuncture? 

In our training, we are strongly advised which points need to be treated cautiously: some because of their proximity to a shallow-lying organ; some because certain conditions forbid their use (i.e. certain points are contraindicated during pregnancy).

Here is some important information about acupuncture needles:

They are 100% sterile and disposable, used ONLY once before being discarded. They are only as thick as a strand of a beard hair. You can fit an acupuncture needle inside the hollow tube of the conventional hypodermic needle. The acupuncture needle does produce a subtle sensation along the acupuncture channels. These sensations include tingling, a sense of warmth, a sense of pressure, and a sense of release. These sensations do not typically include pain. Often, after I ask the patient, "Did you feel it?” The response is, “Feel what?”

Are there any “side effects” to acupuncture? 

The only “side effects” are usually beneficial: patients generally report feeling more relaxed and less stressed. In addition, since my approach is holistic, the effect of treatment is often wide-ranging, so that seemingly unrelated issues will also improve simultaneous to the main complaint. 

What should I expect from my first acupuncture treatment? 

For many patients, especially those with acute symptoms, the initial acupuncture may provide 50% improvement. For others, one or several follow-up visits may be necessary before any significant results are had. Nearly all patients report feeling both energized and relaxed after treatment.

How long does an acupuncture treatment session take? 

The initial visit, which includes a complete health history, physical exam and acupuncture treatment, will take from 1.5 to 2 hours; follow-up visits usually take a little more than one hour.

Is acupuncture covered by health insurance?

Many insurance companies now cover acupuncture. Each plan offers different coverage: some have limits on dollar amounts or number of visits allowed per year. Local employers such as Mendocino County Government and Willits Unified School District offer excellent benefits for acupuncture. Please call us if you have any questions about your insurance coverage. We’d be glad to helpl

How do I prepare for an office visit/treatment?

The only preparation necessary is that you don’t have an empty or full stomach when you come to your appointment, and that you aren’t intoxicated. Wearing loose-fitting clothing is helpful for providing access to the points.

Where can I get more information about acupuncture? 

You may feel free to set up a complimentary initial consultation with me to ask any questions you have. Also, check our links section for more information on acupuncture.

What kind of licensing and/or training does one go through to become an acupuncturist? 

The State of California Acupuncture Board, part of the Department of Consumer Affairs, licenses acupuncturists. Currently, acupuncture training is 3,200 hours of classroom and clinical study, at the end of which graduates are awarded a Master’s degree.

L.Ac. — What does this mean? 

L.Ac. stands for “Licensed Acupuncturist”, and this title is granted by the State of California once a person has passed the state license examination for acupuncture.