Acupuncture Information

TCM Acupuncture

With a history spanning thousands of years, acupuncture remains one of the

foundational therapeutic practices within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). My

approach draws upon classical TCM principles, including the Five Elements and Taoist

healing arts, to develop an individualized understanding of each patient’s overall pattern

of health and imbalance.

Each treatment begins with a conversation over the patient’s condition, current

symptoms, treatment goals, and personal preferences. The doctor will create a

customized treatment plan that could vary from visit to visit. Depending on the

individual’s needs, a session may involve only a few carefully selected needles or a

more comprehensive treatment utilizing multiple acupuncture points.

Taoist Approach

The Taoist approach to acupuncture is rooted in the philosophy of living in harmony with

the Tao - the natural order and flow of the universe. Central to this philosophy is the

balance of Yin and Yang, the free movement of Qi, and the connection between the

individual and the natural world.

A key Taoist principle is Wu Wei, often translated as “effortless action” or “non-forcing.”

In acupuncture, this philosophy calls for working with the body’s natural tendencies

rather than forcing changes aggressively. Needle selection, stimulation, and treatment

strategy are approached with the goal of encouraging the body’s innate ability to

regulate and restore balance.

Dry Needling

Dry needling is a modern, anatomy-based needling approach that focuses primarily on

the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. It integrates principles of anatomy,

physiology, neurology, biomechanics, and functional movement to address muscular

dysfunction, trigger points, and movement-related pain.

Many modern dry needling techniques share similarities with, and may have roots in,

traditional needling practices. My approach combines modern musculoskeletal

knowledge with traditional needling techniques, allowing treatment to be tailored to each

patient’s condition and comfort level rather than relying solely on aggressive or forceful

stimulation.

A Complement to Chiropractic Care

Acupuncture and chiropractic care can work together as complementary approaches to

improving musculoskeletal health and overall function. Chiropractic treatment focuses

on joint mechanics, movement, and nervous system function, while acupuncture may

help address muscle tension, pain modulation, and the body’s physiological response to

stress.

When integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan, the combination of chiropractic

care and acupuncture may help patients improve mobility, manage persistent

discomfort, and support longer-lasting improvements in function. Treatment

recommendations are individualized based on each patient’s condition, goals, and

response to care.

Optimal Health from a TCM Perspective

Traditional Chinese Medicine considers human health to have a profound connection to

the rhythms of the natural world. Just as the seasons move through cycles of growth,

transformation, harvest, and restoration, the body is believed to experience its own

changing patterns of activity and recovery.

The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic emphasizes the importance of living in sync with

seasonal changes: spring represents renewal and growth, summer expansion and

activity, autumn harvesting and gathering, and winter rest and conservation. Ideally, our

daily habits would naturally adapt to these themes. Modern life, however, often makes

this challenging. When the body calls for rest, responsibilities continue. When demands

increase, we frequently push beyond our capacity rather than gradually adapting. Over

time, chronic physical and emotional stress may reach the breaking point that could

take the body out of the balanced state.

From a TCM perspective, acupuncture is used to support the body’s natural regulatory

processes and encourage balance within its interconnected systems. By stimulating a

selected collection of areas on the meridians that runs through the body, treatment aims

to promote the smooth movement of Qi and support the body’s capacity to adapt to

physical, emotional, and environmental stressors. In a fast-paced world that rarely

allows us to slow down, acupuncture can be a valuable tool for creating that safe haven,

restoring balance, improving resilience, and supporting overall well-being.