Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a holistic approach to health and healing within the framework of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a holistic approach to health and healing within the framework of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

How Does Acupuncture Work?

From a Western Perspective

It is believed that the needle stick causes the central nervous system to release morphine-like pain relievers called endorphins.
These endorphins can help turn off pain signals and re-regulate the body, bringing it back into balance.

Activates Healing

Acupuncture creates “micro-traumas” that stimulate the body to heal injuries to the tissue through nervous, immune and endocrine system activation.
As the body heals the “micro-traumas” induced by acupuncture, any surrounding tissue damage left over from old injuries also heals.

Stimulate and regulate the circulatory system

Reduce swelling and pain

Increase the body’s natural ability to heal

Support, strengthen, and “smooth out” the nervous system

Promotes blood flow

Systemically reduces stress

Stimulating the release of oxytocin

Regulates the parasympathetic nervous system

Relaxes shortened muscles

Releases pressure on joints and nerves

Lauren often will combine Functional Nutrition to thoroughly address digestive complaints as well as other health concerns.

Pain Conditions

Back, Neck and Shoulder pain
Arthritis, Joint pain and Tendonitis
Headaches & Migraines
Knee pain
Hip pain and Sciatica

Women’s Health

PMS
Perimenopause
Menopause
Subinfertility
Menstrual Cramps
Morning Sickness

Facial Rejuvenation

Bell’s Palsy
Jaw Tension
Acne
Nasal and Ear Congestion

Mental & Emotional Issues

Insomnia
Anxiety
Depression
Stress
PTSD
Addictions

Immune Support

Colds and Flu
Allergies & Asthma
Energy Management/Fatigue
Sinus Infections
Bronchitis
Preventative Healthcare

Digestive Disorders

Constipation & Diarrhea
IBS/IBD
Acid Reflux/Heartburn
Nausea

Japanese Style Acupuncture

Lauren uses a gentle Japanese style of needling techniques to work with the body’s meridians, or channels of energy, by needling points along the meridians, and “ahshi” points, which are more sensitive places on the body. The thinnest needle is as thick as a human hair, and insertion is virtually painless. You may feel a slight tingling sensation, warmth or dull ache upon insertion. The needles stay in place 20-30 minutes. Along with Japanese style acupuncture, the following modalities may be included in a typical treatment.

Electro-Acupuncture (EA)

This technique involves attaching electrodes (wire clips) to the acupuncture needles once they have been inserted. A microcurrent is then passed through the needles to strengthen and alter the nature of stimulation. Lauren generally uses manual stimulation (where she gently taps the needle) in most treatments, but EA is available, and has been shown to work well for treating pain, especially knee pain, spasm, sciatica, paralysis and numbness.

Auricular Acupuncture

Auricular acupuncture is a healthcare modality in which the external surface of the ear, or auricle, is stimulated to alleviate pathological conditions in other parts of the body. This correspondence of specific parts of the body to specific parts of the ear was first developed in modern France, but was originally based upon the ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture. It is this integrated system of Chinese and Western practices of auriculotherapy that Lauren uses with her acupuncture treatments, as well as by itself. It has been successfully used for PTSD, alcohol and drug addiction, smoking cessation, weight loss, as well as for an array of musculoskeletal and internal health conditions.

"Floating" Facial Rejuvenation

Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is a painless, non-invasive method of reducing the signs of the aging process. Sometimes referred to as an Acupuncture Facelift, it is more than a cosmetic procedure. It is a rejuvenation and revitalization technique designed to help the whole body on a deeper level to look and feel younger. The whole treatment is based on the principles of Chinese Medicine. Gentle Japanese style acupuncture is administered as well as specific facial, scalp, and auricular points. A typical treatment usually lasts 1.5 hours which includes a complementary 15-minute facial consultation. The session concludes with a therapeutic facial oil massage followed by a traditional cooling jade roller technique on the face, and a luxurious neck and shoulder massage. Melt your worries away and float in a sea of bliss!

Acupuncture FAQ

Acupuncture needles are actually very thin – the thinnest are as wide as a human hair. Modern acupuncture needles are made from ultra fine stainless steel. They are sterile, non-toxic, disposable and only used once. Acupuncture generally is not a painful procedure. You may feel a momentary prick as the needles are inserted, then a slight sensation of heaviness, tingling, or a feeling of warmth around the needle. This is the desired effect, indicating that the body is responding properly to achieve a balanced state. The needles usually stay in place for 20 to 30 minutes depending on the condition.

Lauren is trained in both Japanese and Chinese needling techniques. Japanese needling is more shallow and subtle, but both techniques are effective. Lauren guages what is most suitable for each individual patient and the condition being treated. Even the most sensitive patients are pleasantly surprised to discover they barely feel any sensation at all during treatment. In fact, they report that the experience is actually quite relaxing and pleasurable. Many people even fall asleep during a treatment.

For acute conditions, one can feel results immediately after treatment. For example, in an acute pain situation one can feel up to 75 percent better after the first visit, and may just need one more follow-up visit. I usually recommend a treatment plan of between 4 to 6 sessions, either once or twice a week. Acupuncture is most effective when done consistently over a period of time as each treatment builds upon the previous one. For more chronic conditions, the number of treatment sessions may be longer, and this depends on the condition, as well as the general health and lifestyle habits of the individual. Herbs and supplements are also recommended for more chronic conditions to nourish the body at a deeper level.

I recommend having a small meal prior to treatment with no caffeine or alcohol that day. It is a good idea to wear loose, comfortable clothing so that needles can be placed easily along the limbs. Prior to your first visit, I recommend filling out the health forms which inquire about your reason for seeking acupuncture, your prior health history as well as your family medical history. If it is not possible to download and print your forms online, then I suggest coming in 15 minutes early so we can devote as much time as possible to your diagnosis and treatment. I also recommend bringing in other pertinent medical information such as blood labs or imaging results, or having them faxed over by your physician.

  • The initial treatment lasts 1.5 hours and subsequent treatments last 1 hour.
  • At each visit, time is allotted to check in on the patient’s progress and address any concerns or questions.
  • The tongue and pulses are checked as well. Then a treatment protocol is written out and the actual acupuncture treatment begins.

Lauren uses this information to formulate a diagnosis and treatment principle based on “pattern differentiation” and the “eight principles” of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). If you would like to learn more about these concepts, just ask!

Then we will schedule a follow-up series of treatments. The duration of treatment depends on the nature of the condition. Typically, a series of treatments lasts 4-6 weeks with a re-evaluation. Lauren uses an array of modalities of TCM that are appropriate for that particular client.

For acupuncture, Lauren is a contracted in-network provider with the following insurance company. She also accepts HSA and FSA debit cards and will print out a superbill for you to submit to these organizations as well as any other out of network insurance companies. 

Success Stories

“I have needed a few days to grasp the experience I had in my first acupuncture session with Lauren. I was looking for a way to really find relaxation and rejuvenation. Lauren sat down with me for the first half of the session and really took the time to allow me to make a true inventory of my needs. I needed that time to downshift and get clarity on what I needed from the treatment. The treatment was very active…..I felt sensations of heat and energy move through my body. I would sleep and energy at the pinpoints would wake me. I was comfortable and calm throughout. I have had lots of energy……not the do everything and get it done energy…..but balanced and steady. My sleep has also been great! The last two days of work I have enjoyed being able to be decisive and move with a great flow. My next appointment can’t come soon enough! Thank you Lauren!”

Haven O’Halloran, Realtor and Former Professional Ballerina, California

Success Stories

“I have needed a few days to grasp the experience I had in my first acupuncture session with Lauren. I was looking for a way to really find relaxation and rejuvenation. Lauren sat down with me for the first half of the session and really took the time to allow me to make a true inventory of my needs. I needed that time to downshift and get clarity on what I needed from the treatment. The treatment was very active…..I felt sensations of heat and energy move through my body. I would sleep and energy at the pinpoints would wake me. I was comfortable and calm throughout. I have had lots of energy……not the do everything and get it done energy…..but balanced and steady. My sleep has also been great! The last two days of work I have enjoyed being able to be decisive and move with a great flow. My next appointment can’t come soon enough! Thank you Lauren!”

Haven O’Halloran, Realtor and Former Professional Ballerina, California