Acupuncture
Acupuncture is my primary modality. My tools are sterile, single-use, stainless surgical steel filaments that are as fine as a human hair. A typical treatment includes 5-10 points, mainly on the limbs and extremities; after points are placed, you may expect to rest on the table for 20-30 minutes. Most folks drift off into a peaceful meditative space, or even nap on the table while the needles work their magic.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion (moxa) is a warming technique applied to acupuncture points; it helps relieve muscle tension, increase circulation, and calm the nervous system. Moxa is made from compressed herbs, mainly mugwort, which is a member of the Artemesia family of plants. I use several different types of moxa, depending on diagnosis and other factors. The room smells faintly of “campfire” after the application of moxa.
Botanical & Nutritional Therapies
Both Eastern and Western herbalism have a place in Botanical Therapy. I utilize locally sourced single herbs as infusions, or “simples”, per the Western tradition, and include both Classical and Modern Chinese herbal formulae in my practice. Pre-made herbal formulas are all from companies who practice third-party testing for adulterants and contaminants. Nutritional Therapy is based on Eastern principles, drawing on the wisdom of Earth-based cycles: eating whole foods that are fresh, local, seasonal as much as possible, and protecting digestive health by avoiding overly rich, spicy, or cold foods. As healthy digestion is the root of all wellness, these nuances often positively & strongly affect overall health.
Cupping / Gua Sha
Cupping and Gua Sha are soft tissue therapies used to help the body recover from injury, illness, or overuse. They are especially helpful where there is chronic tension or pain from physical trauma. Both leave marks called “petechiae”; they are simultaneously therapeutic and diagnostic, so if there is no tension or injury, there will be no petechiae.
My Approach
Acupuncture is an evidence-based approach to holistic wellbeing. Every part of your health journey is relevant, and every symptom you report informs my approach to your care.
Just as important as the facts & events is the story of your health--the place where you meet your circumstances. It’s often in the story that the diagnostic pieces begin to fall into place.
I think of acupuncture diagnosis and treatment like a Venn diagram: if there are constellations of symptoms related to pain and lack of stress tolerance, along with occasional sleep disruption and digestive irregularity, I am going to look for the points on the body where there is overlap between all of those systems, and treat from there. It is always my goal that you feel better when you leave than you did upon arrival.
I learn the most about you at your second appointment, when I get to see what changed, to what degree, and for how long. From there, we can create a treatment plan. I generally like to see new patients once per week for 3-6 sessions; as you begin seeing stable improvement, we can start spacing treatments out to more of a maintenance dose of monthly or even seasonal/quarterly sessions.
For folks who are looking for support around fertility, cycle pain & irregularity, perimenopausal or postpartum transition, and otherwise seeking greater hormonal balance, I typically recommend weekly sessions for 3 months, as that is the minimum amount of time it takes to fully mature egg follicles, produce a new generation of sperm cells, and/or generally stabilize hormonal fluctuations.
If you are experiencing pregnancy-related discomfort, acupuncture is a safe & effective way to help support your comfort, health, and well-being.
I talk with all my patients about dietary and lifestyle shifts I believe will help support their health goals. If you’re curious about what that might look like, have a peek at the “Resources” and “Blog” pages for some examples.
COVID-19 GUIDELINES
+ In order to protect you, myself, and our communities, please click here to expand my guidelines and read them carefully.
I would ask that you kindly:
- Reschedule your in-person appointment if you or anyone in your household/workspace are experiencing any symptoms of acute illness, including cough, fever, body aches, sore throat, sinus issues, uncommon digestive upset, or changes to smell/taste; if you are within five(5) days of recovering from any illness; or if you or your close contacts have recently tested positive for COVID-19.
- Stay home if you or a close contact are immune compromised and/or one of the more vulnerable in our population.
- Schedule a remote visit via HIPAA-compliant video chat if you prefer to stay home, but would still like a consultation.
- Schedule an in-person appointment if you are healthy and/or you have had a negative test after recovering from COVID-19.
- Wear a mask which fully covers your nose and mouth to your in-person appointment.
- Text my cell upon arrival; if you arrive more than 10 minutes early you may be asked to wait in your car.
- Wash your hands in the restroom with warm soap & water for 30 seconds before entering the treatment area.
- Allow me to use a no-touch thermometer to check for low-grade fever.
- Allow me to open & close doors for you, turn lights off & on, and pour water for you.
Please know that if I have a known exposure to COVID-19 or any symptoms of illness, with or without known exposure, I will call to reschedule your appointment, self-quarantine, and get tested for COVID-19 prior to resuming office appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions
+ Is acupuncture painful?
There is sometimes a mild pinch upon insertion of the needle, but it is short-lived. Many people describe acupuncture as an unusual but not unpleasant sensation; there are sometimes subtle sensations of movement between points. Occasionally there are stronger sensations, but feel more like the burst of movement & feeling that comes with a muscle twitch; they are more surprising than painful.
+ Does acupuncture work for (fill in the blank)?
Short answer: yes! I see human beings with all kinds of biomedical diagnoses. It doesn't matter what your labs or your physician say you have; what matters is your unique presentation of signs and symptoms, and how they are affecting your life. I don't think of acupuncture as curing disease; I think of it more as helping you achieve greater balance and bring forward your own innate health.
+ What are your hours?
I see patients every Wednesday through Saturday at Kinetikos: 401 Arkansas St, Lawrence, KS 66044.
+ Do you take insurance?
I do not currently accept insurance; however, acupuncture is a qualified benefit for HSA/FSA dollars, and can be written off as a medical expense when filing taxes.
+ What are your rates?
Rates are sliding scale: $135/$100/$75 for a 90-minute initial intake and first appointment, and $100/$75/$50 for 60-minute follow-ups. This structure allows for folks who have the means to help subsidize folks who struggle to pay the full fee in times of need.