Acupuncture

Individualized acupuncture care in Boston since 2009

Acupuncture is a whole-person approach to health and wellbeing that has been used for thousands of years. At Chi Harmony Acupuncture, treatment is individualized to you rather than based solely on a diagnosis or a single symptom.

Your current concerns, overall health, patterns of symptoms, and how your body responds all help guide treatment.

Acupuncture can be used for a wide range of concerns, including pain, stress, sleep difficulties, headaches, digestive issues, women’s health, fertility, pregnancy and postpartum wellbeing, and general health and wellbeing. Regular treatments can enhance the immune system and prevent illness.

How acupuncture works

From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, health depends on the balanced functioning of the body’s interconnected systems. Acupuncture uses very fine, disposable, stainless steel needles at specific points on the body to influence these systems and support the body’s ability to regulate and heal.

From a modern perspective, acupuncture has been studied for its effects on the nervous system, pain processing, circulation, muscle tension, and other physiological processes.

You don’t need to choose between these perspectives. Treatment can be informed by traditional Chinese medicine while also considering what we know about the body from modern healthcare.

Looking at the whole picture

Two people can have the same symptom for very different reasons.

For example, shoulder pain might be influenced by muscle tension, repetitive use, poor sleep, stress, or how the body is responding to an old injury. Digestive symptoms may be affected by stress, sleep, eating patterns, medications, or other aspects of health.

That’s why treatment isn’t simply about putting needles where something hurts.

Your first visit includes time to discuss your health history, current concerns, and what you would like help with. A traditional Chinese medicine assessment is also used to identify patterns that may be relevant to your treatment.

Acupuncture can be part of your overall care

Acupuncture can be used on its own or alongside other forms of healthcare.

Many people use acupuncture while also working with their physician, physical therapist, chiropractor, massage therapist, fertility specialist, or other healthcare providers. Acupuncture can provide another way to support your health while you continue with appropriate medical care.

If you have a new, severe, unusual, or unexplained symptom, medical evaluation may be appropriate before or alongside acupuncture.

A treatment that is tailored to you

There isn’t one standard acupuncture treatment for a particular condition. Your treatment may change from visit to visit depending on what’s happening in your body and how you are responding.

Some visits may focus primarily on a specific physical concern. At other times, stress, sleep, digestion, muscle tension, energy, or other factors may be important parts of the picture.

The goal is to understand what’s happening as completely as possible and use acupuncture in a way that fits you.

Adjunctive therapies

Acupuncture treatments may also incorporate other techniques when appropriate, including:

Cupping— Glass cups are placed on the skin to create suction, which can help address areas of muscle tension and discomfort.

Electro-acupuncture uses a gentle electrical current between selected acupuncture needles. If you’ve ever had TENS during physical therapy or chiropractic care, electro-acupuncture uses a similar type of gentle electrical stimulation, but the current is delivered through acupuncture needles rather than adhesive pads on the skin.

Explore what acupuncture can help with

Learn more about the areas of health and wellbeing commonly addressed at Chi Harmony Acupuncture:

Contact Stephanie to Schedule an Appointment