Acupuncture is a holistic approach to care by treating the root imbalance, while managing the symptoms of any condition.

Generally, the term Acupuncture is used for all the modalities under Chinese Medicine. This includes the use of single use sterilized filiform needles, cupping, guasha, moxa, tuina (massage), herbal medicine, acupressure, food therapy, and lifestyle guidance. The term Acupuncture can also be used to describe modern therapies like electro-acupuncture, Acupoint injection therapy, and laser therapy. See Services Page for detailed descriptions of all modalities.

All of these modalities may be used within an acupuncture session at the practitioner’s discretion, based on the needs of the patient.

Yes!

Licensed Acupuncturists are thoroughly trained to diagnose and treat using Acupuncture. Therefore, ONLY receive Acupuncture from a Licensed Acupuncture Physician!

In the state of Florida, Acupuncturists must complete 5 academic years worth of course work at a Master Degree level. Acupuncturists also must complete up to 800 hours of clinical experience before graduation.

Once completing their degree, they must successfully pass a National Board Examination (NCCAOM) in Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine theory, Western Medicine, and Herbal Medicine.

Once all board exams are passed, Acupuncturists can apply for a state licensure. Florida is one of only five states that considers Acupuncturists Primary Care Physicians. Florida Acupuncturists are also required to receive certification in Acupoint Injection Therapy.

Essentially, No. Acupuncture needles are actually as thin as a strand of hair, and generally, do not hurt.

Sometimes, a patient may feel a sensation during the insertion of a needle, such as a dull achiness, heaviness, or warming sensation. However, acupuncture needle insertion, along with all the other modalities should never induce any pain.

Dr. Jen has been known for her gentle needling techniques and always communicates with patients during the session to ensure they are relaxed and comfortable.

No problem!

Dr. Jen has many other modalities to stimulate acupuncture points, treat the root imbalance and manage the symptoms of your condition.

100% Yes!

Actually, kids are the best potential patients for acupuncture because they respond so quickly to treatments. And, children need less needles or other modalities, less treatments, and less time on the table. This is because their bodies are so FULL of resources that they can heal faster than adults.

Pediatric Acupuncture is a great preventative measure to limit the development of disease, and support a healthy and strong body.

Dr. Jen has many different treatment modalities to fit your child’s needs and comfort level. Also, Dr. Jen NEVER pushes anyone to receive acupuncture needles. With Dr. Jen, the child has the say on what they are comfortable with during the treatment.

Dr. Jen specializes in, but not limited to:

Acute or chronic pain management

Neck/shoulder pain

Back pain

Hip pain

Sciatica

Knee pain

Arthritis

Sprains/Strains/Muscle Injuries

Stress management

Allergies/Asthma

Chronic fatigue

Endometriosis

Menstrual Pain/Irregular Menstruation

Menopausal Symptoms

Autoimmune conditions

Weakened Immune System

Anxiety

Depression

Insomnia

Digestive disorders

Neuropathy

Pediatric health

Women’s health

The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed the following symptoms, diseases and conditions that have been shown through controlled trials to be treated effectively by acupuncture:

Low back pain

Neck pain

Sciatica

Tennis elbow

Knee pain

Periarthritis of the shoulder

Sprains

Facial pain

Headache

Dental pain

TMJ dysfunction

Rheumatoid arthritis

Induction of labor

Breech baby presentation

Morning sickness

Nausea and vomiting

Postoperative pain

Stroke

Essential hypertension

Primary hypotension

Renal colic

Leucopenia

Adverse reactions to radiation or chemotherapy

Allergic rhinitis, including hay fever

Biliary colic

Depression (including depressive neurosis and depression following stroke)

Acute bacillary dysentery

Primary dysmenorrhea

Acute epigastralgia

Peptic ulcer

Acute and chronic gastritis

Dry Needling is not acupuncture, however, uses acupuncture needles to release muscle tension by releasing a trigger point. It is what Acupuncturists call “Trigger Point Acupuncture” or “Ashi Acupuncture”, which has been an Acupuncture protocol for thousands of years..

Dry needling requires around 100 hours of training for a physical therapist, chiropractor, or medical physician, usually, done in a weekend course.

Acupuncture requires around 2,000 hours of clinical practice and didactic coursework. Acupuncturists not only treat the local area of pain, but also get to the root cause of the body’s imbalance which is causing the symptoms.

For more information, please visit NCCAOM’s article on Dry Needling.

Whenever anything happens to your body - stress, what you eat, trauma, a bad night of sleep, whatever it is - all the systems in the body can very easily be thrown out of balance.

What acupuncture does is tap into the body’s nervous system and brain waves to balance out whatever is causing your symptoms. Once the nervous system and brain waves are in harmony again, then the body can properly function and heal itself.

The number of acupuncture visits is dependent on your condition, and how long you have had your condition. Since Acupuncture is a holistic medicine that treats the individual, treatment sessions may vary from person to person.

Generally, an acute condition (occurring less than 3 months) may need anywhere from 4-8 weekly visits. Chronic conditions will take longer and can range from 10 weekly visits or more. For chronic conditions, it is important to understand that the body took a long time to become out of balance, therefore, the patient needs to give the body time to rebalance and heal itself.

Most patients will notice improvement by the 2nd-4th visit, while others may take longer. Patient improvement is dependent on patient compliance with lifestyle and nutrition guidance, exercise recommendations, herbal prescriptions, and a commitment to the treatment plan.

Once symptoms are managed, then the patient comes in for monthly “tune up” visits to maintain the progress made in the initial treatment plan.

Wear loose comfortable clothing so we can access areas easily, and you are comfortable relaxing.

Eat a light meal about and hour or two prior to treatment. Your body needs resources in order to promote healing. Coming in on an empty stomach makes it more difficult on your body to come into balance.

During the initial visit, provide a list of medications, supplements, and vitamins.

First, you will talk with Dr. Jen about your chief complaint and go over your health history. Dr. Jen will perform diagnostic tools used in Acupuncture such as observing the tongue, and taking your pulse. Then you will lay on the table and receive acupuncture, which may include any of the acupuncture modalities. You will relax for 20-30 mins. Most people either fall asleep or go into a deep state of relaxation.

Generally, most patients feel very relaxed post treatment, and some may even feel a little tired if it was a strong treatment.

Post treatment, it is important to rest, keep activities minimal and drink and extra amount of water to support the treatment.

Chinese Herbal Medicine is actually a stand alone modality under the umbrella of Chinese Medicine and has been around just as long as Acupuncture.

Herbal Medince works by healing and rebalancing the body from the inside out. This is especially important for patients who have depleted their resources due to chronic conditions.

Chinese Herbal Medicine is different than Western Herbology, in that herbs are taken as a “formula” rather than as a single herb.

There are a few ways an Acupuncturist can prescribe a formula: patented pills, tinctures, granules, and raw herbal decoctions.

Read Blog Post On the Power of Herbs for more information.

YES! When supervised under a Licensed and qualified Acupuncturist, Chinese Herbal Medicine is safe and effective in managing symptoms of any condition and restoring balance in the body.

At Dr. Jen’s office, she only uses certified organic or lab tested herbs and quality products.

Yes! If your insurance covers acupuncture for your specific condition, then insurance can be billed. We can verify your insurance benefits before services are rendered.

While a credit card is required to reserve an appointment, payments can be made by cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.