Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves inserting teeny tiny acupuncture needles to promote healing. Acupuncture needles are made of pre-sterilized stainless steel and one time use only. They are incredibly thin - as thin as 1 strand of hair. They are so thin that about 30 acupuncture needles can fit inside of a hypodermic (or physician’s) needle.
Acupuncture is one of the techniques under Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been practiced all over the world for thousands of years. It is a holistic and integrative medicine which can address current health concerns as well as prevent future concerns from occurring. It has been endorsed by the World Health Organization, the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
At Palmgren Acupuncture, we draw on years of study and clinical experience to put the proven principles of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine to work for you.
Conditions We Commonly Treat with Acupuncture
Pain Conditions
- Acute Pain
- Chronic Pain
- Sports Injury
- Repetitive Strain Injury
- Tennis Elbow/Golfer’s Elbow
- Arthritis
- Headaches/Migraines
- Neck Pain
- Shoulder Pain
- Hip Pain
- Back Pain
- Leg Pain
- Plantar Fasciitis
Neurological Conditions
- Neuropathy / Numbness / Tingling Sensation
- Sciatica
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Emotional Concerns
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
Energy-Related Concerns
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Hormone Balance
- Perimenopause / Menopause Concerns
- Irregular Periods
- Fertility
- Pre-Natal & Post-Partem Care
Are you ready to invest in yourself?
Acupuncture FAQs
How does acupuncture work?
Whenever something happens to your body – trauma, overeating, stress, a bad night’s sleep, whatever it is – it throws your nervous system off. This results in a health concern, such as pain, for example. What acupuncture does is it rebalances your brain waves and nervous system. Once that occurs, your body heals itself and the health concern resolves. Acupuncture gives your body a boost so it can heal from the inside out.
What does acupuncture treat?
It can treat chronic pain, fatigue, depression/anxiety, seasonal allergies, and headaches, to name a few. Acupuncture is part of a comprehensive medicine and can treat almost everything.
How many acupuncture treatments will I need?
How many treatments you need depends on several factors. Two important factors are how long you have experienced your health concern and the severity of the health concern. Chronic concerns (i.e., lasting more than 4 weeks) usually take several treatments to resolve whereas acute concerns typically take only a few treatments. These are general guidelines. At your initial appointment, we discuss your concerns and design a personalized treatment plan for you.
Does acupuncture hurt?
No. Acupuncture is a pain-free way to improve your health. If you feel anything at all, you may feel a tiny sensation like a mosquito bite when the needle is inserted and then, it goes away. Many times patients fall asleep during their treatments.
How big are acupuncture needles?
They are about as wide as 1-2 strands of hair. They are much thinner than the needles used at the doctor’s office. You can fit about 100 acupuncture needles inside of one doctor’s needle.
Is it safe?
Yes. When acupuncture is performed by a licensed acupuncturist, it is very safe. We use pre-sterilized, disposable, one-time-use only acupuncture needles on every patient according to Clean Needle Technique. Used needles are safely disposed of in a sharps container and treated as medical waste.
Do I have to completely undress for acupuncture?
No. For most of our treatments, you are fully clothed and asked to roll up your sleeves to the elbow and pants to the knee. For some treatments, for example with treating back pain, we often ask patients to remove clothing to do acupuncture on the back. At all times during your treatment, you will be draped with a sheet or towel. You undress to your comfort level. Whatever you decide, we respect your choice and honor it.
Do you reuse or recycle acupuncture needles?
Never. After an acupuncture treatment, all acupuncture needles are immediately disposed of in a sharps container and treated as medical waste.
This is my first acupuncture session. What can I do to prepare?
Please eat something before your appointment and wear or bring with you loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. Check out the article “What to Expect at Your 1st Acupuncture Treatment” for more info.
Do you accept insurance?
Insurance companies are covering acupuncture now more than ever. We encourage you to contact your insurance company and ask about your coverage relating to acupuncture. Regardless of your insurance coverage, payment is due at the time of your appointment. If you are planning to turn in a claim for your treatment, please let us know and we will prepare a billing statement for you.
What types of payment do you take?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and checks as well as Flexible Savings Account (FSA)/Health Savings Account (HSA) debit cards/checks. We also offer zero-contact payment options such as Apple Pay, Android Pay and email invoicing. For returned checks, we charge a fee of $40/check.
Right now we are not accepting cash.
Acupuncture may qualify as a medical expense for tax purposes. Ask your accountant for more information.
Do I tip for acupuncture?
No. Our licensed acupuncturists do not accept tips.
Ready to try acupuncture?
Other Chinese Medicine Techniques: Cupping, Guasha & Moxibustion
Along with acupuncture, we also offer other Chinese techniques which may be included in your acupuncture session. These include:
Cupping which involves placing special glass cups with suction on parts of your body to release tension and tightness. It helps break up lactic acid caught in the muscles and afterward, it is common to feel like you had a massage. Red and purple dots are common after you get cupping.
Guasha which involves using a special flat-surfaced tool to wipe or scrape against the body to loosen muscles. This has a similar effect as cupping. Often it is used on curved parts of your body like your neck. Redness is common after you have guasha.
Moxibustion (or moxa) which involves holding the Chinese herb mugwort near particular areas of the body to improve circulation. It is a heat therapy which can have an analgesic effect and help reduce inflammation.
These techniques are not meant for everyone. If you are interested in receiving cupping, guasha or moxa, we encourage you to talk to your licensed acupuncturist at your appointment to see if you are a good candidate
What Our Clients Say
“They are very thorough at Palmgren. Nick assessed my range of motion in my leg and determined the issues.He explained the problem and he recommended exercises that I can do at home to help. My response to acupuncture made the epidural unnecessary. Nick is knowledgeable and he has a lot of experience. I highly recommend Palmgren Acupuncture.”
“I sought help from Palmgren for relief from insomnia, and I couldn’t be happier with the professionalism in the office culture and the consistently thoughtful, comprehensive, and holistic approach that characterizes Lynn’s treatment. Lynn is an exceptionally good listener. She is deeply engaged in her work, asks good questions, and takes her time to get to know her patients. Above all, her treatments brought me significant relief. I cannot recommend Palmgren more highly.”
“I had suffered from chronic back pain and TMJD since my teenage years...Acupuncture had been helpful in the past at bringing extreme pain down to tolerable pain, so when I had a flare this past winter, I found Lynn and Kholood from Palmgren Acupuncture. After 5-6 sessions, my pain was just GONE. Like GONE gone...I’ve never lived a pain-free life until now and am just overjoyed I found Palmgren Acupuncture. Both Lynn and Kholood also are just such kind, calming presences. I look forward to going to my treatments and could not be more grateful for the care I have received. Thank you!”