Acupuncture utilizes hair-thin needles to stimulate specific points on the body, inducing a natural healing response. Though it's most known for treating pain, acupuncture alters various physiological and biochemical conditions in the body and can therefore be used to treat most things you'd commonly visit your doctor for. 

Acupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a sophisticated holistic system of medicine dating back over 3,000 years. It acknowledges the vital life force energy, or "qi" flowing through every organism via "meridians" that run throughout the body. TCM understands the connection between the mind, body, and spirit and treats the whole person and the underlying root cause of a disease, rather than merely addressing individual symptoms. TCM encompasses more well-known treatment therapies, like acupuncture, cupping, and herbal medicine, as well as lesser-known modalities, like gua sha, tui na, and moxibustion, and, through an individualized diagnosis and treatment plan, utilizes these tools to bring the body back into balance.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Based on studies & clinical research, acupuncture works by...

Stimulating the release of hormones and natural analgesics (painkillers) within the body. When a needle is inserted into a particular area of the body, a specific signal is sent to the brain, via the nervous system. Chemicals are then released into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain, which have been shown to be beneficial in treating depression, anxiety, and addiction (2), and in reducing sensations of pain (3).​

Influencing the autonomic system, thus benefitting an array of functions, like respiration, heart rate, blood pressure, circulation and immune function.  When our bodies are faced with chronic stress, our nervous systems enter a sympathetic (fight-or-flight) state, which constricts blood vessels and decreases circulation, increases vascular resistance and heart rate, and slows the activity within various organ systems. Acupuncture reverses this by stimulating the release of oxytocin, which induces an almost-instant parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) state within the body (5). This helps to dilate vessels to increase blood circulation, relax tight muscles, stimulate activity within the organs, slow heart rate, regulate breathing, and more.

Promoting blood flow. Because acupuncture induces a parasympathetic state within the body's nervous system, vessels and arteries begin to dilate, which increases the circulation of nutrient-rich blood.. Besides nutrients, blood carries oxygen to our tissues and also contributes to our body's energy and hydration levels - all of which promote healing within. Promoting proper blood flow is a foundational principle in Traditional Chinese Medicine theory for maintaining health and wellness.

Chinese herbal medicine is a foundational pillar of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), used for thousands of years to restore balance, strengthen the body, and support natural healing. Drawing from a vast pharmacopeia of plant, mineral, and sometimes animal substances, Chinese herbal formulas are carefully crafted to address the root cause of illness—not just symptoms.

Unlike Western pharmaceuticals, which often isolate a single active compound, Chinese herbs are combined in synergistic formulas. This allows for nuanced treatment tailored to each individual’s unique constitution, health history, and pattern of imbalance. Formulas can be used to boost immunity, regulate hormones, support digestion, calm the mind, ease pain, and promote overall vitality.

Benefits of Chinese herbal medicine include its ability to treat chronic and complex conditions such as fatigue, insomnia, menstrual irregularities, fertility challenges, digestive disorders, respiratory issues, and emotional imbalances like anxiety or depression. When prescribed by a licensed practitioner, herbal medicine is safe, effective, and personalized—evolving with the patient's progress.

Grounded in centuries of clinical use and increasingly supported by modern research, Chinese herbal medicine offers a powerful, natural approach to healing—reconnecting us with the rhythms of nature and the innate wisdom of the body.

AcuGlow™ facial is a high end facial rejuvenation system that combines acupuncture, essential oils, gua sha, facial cupping,  to reduce wrinkles and restore skin health naturally. It is a natural alternative to Botox® or surgery. AcuGlow™ is rooted in the Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques of gua sha and facial cupping to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, promote microcirculation and encourage cellular metabolism for a smoother and toned skin.

The AcuGlow™ facial protocol and TOMA products were designed by acupuncturists and offered by an acupuncturist. The philosophy of seeing the skin as a reflection of what is happening in the body and thus treating the underling root cause of imbalance with acupuncture and holistic skin treatments creates a unique facial experience unlike traditional facials and more invasive skin.

A method of healing dating back thousands of years, cupping therapy involves placing glass or plastic cups containing reduced air pressure onto the skin that produces a suction effect.  This suction process creates localized increase of blood and fluids, purging toxins which promotes healing, stimulates the meridians and increases circulation.

Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese healing technique that involves gentle scraping of the skin with a smooth-edged tool to stimulate circulation, release tension, and promote detoxification. It is commonly used to relieve muscle tightness, reduce inflammation, support the immune system, and improve overall vitality. Gua Sha can also be used on the face to boost collagen, reduce puffiness, and enhance skin tone. By encouraging the flow of Qi and blood, it helps the body reset and recover naturally. When performed by a trained practitioner, Gua Sha is both therapeutic and deeply relaxing.

Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy that involves the burning of moxa—dried mugwort—near or on specific acupuncture points to warm the body, improve circulation, and stimulate the flow of Qi. This gentle heat therapy is especially effective for cold, stagnant, or deficient conditions. It can help relieve pain, regulate digestion, boost immunity, and support reproductive health. Moxibustion is often used to turn breech babies, ease menstrual cramps, or address fatigue and joint stiffness. Safe and deeply nourishing, moxa promotes healing from within by restoring warmth and balance to the body’s energetic systems.