Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a medical system that has been used to diagnose, treat and prevent illness for over 2000 years. 
Acupuncture is performed by inserting fine needles into points along the body, stimulating the flow of the body''s vital energy and functionality, known as Qi (pronounced 'Chee'). These acu-points connect to the network of meridians that flow beneath the surface of the skin, where they flow into the major organs. When the flow of Qi is disrupted, the body's systems become imbalanced. This is frequently experienced as illness or pain. The goal of acupuncture is to clear away these disruptions and revitalize the flow of energy in the meridians.
Acupuncture is proven to remedy acute or chronic ailments, relieve pain, enhance recuperative powers, and strengthen the immune system. It is also effective in soothing the mind and balancing the bodies hormones and chemicals. Click Conditions Treated above to find out the common ailments and illnesses we treat regularly.
For more detailed information, please visit: Steven Mavros, L.Ac's Acupuncture Website.
During the initial consultation, the practitioner will take a comprehensive history of health and illness. This provides a diagram of the overall state of the body, not just a particular symptom. The practitioner asks questions, takes your pulse, examines your tongue, and sometimes palpates your abdomen. The initial visit can last up to 90 minutes, including your first treatment. Subsequent visits usually last about 45 minutes and are done on a weekly basis depending on the patients need for treatment. The course of treatments can vary widely. Problems that have been around for a long time may take more treatments to resolve than ones that are acute. 
Your treatment course will be determined after the initial consultation and re-assessed after each visit. For more answers, visit our Acupuncture FAQ.
Other things you may encounter during an Acupuncture session:
Acupuncture is performed by inserting fine needles into points along the body, stimulating the flow of the body''s vital energy and functionality, known as Qi (pronounced 'Chee'). These acu-points connect to the network of meridians that flow beneath the surface of the skin, where they flow into the major organs. When the flow of Qi is disrupted, the body's systems become imbalanced. This is frequently experienced as illness or pain. The goal of acupuncture is to clear away these disruptions and revitalize the flow of energy in the meridians.
Acupuncture is proven to remedy acute or chronic ailments, relieve pain, enhance recuperative powers, and strengthen the immune system. It is also effective in soothing the mind and balancing the bodies hormones and chemicals. Click Conditions Treated above to find out the common ailments and illnesses we treat regularly.
For more detailed information, please visit: Steven Mavros, L.Ac's Acupuncture Website.
What Can I Expect During a Treatment?
During the initial consultation, the practitioner will take a comprehensive history of health and illness. This provides a diagram of the overall state of the body, not just a particular symptom. The practitioner asks questions, takes your pulse, examines your tongue, and sometimes palpates your abdomen. The initial visit can last up to 90 minutes, including your first treatment. Subsequent visits usually last about 45 minutes and are done on a weekly basis depending on the patients need for treatment. The course of treatments can vary widely. Problems that have been around for a long time may take more treatments to resolve than ones that are acute.
Your treatment course will be determined after the initial consultation and re-assessed after each visit. For more answers, visit our Acupuncture FAQ.
Other things you may encounter during an Acupuncture session:
Moxibustion / Artemesia Vulgaris
The picture to the left demonstrates the use of moxibustion (moxa for short). Here, moxa is rolled into a ball, placed on top of the acupuncture needle and burned to transmit heat and energy down the needle into the Acupuncture point. The herb in english is called Artemesia Vulgaris and is used by TCM practitioners for its warming and tonifying characteristics. Burning it either on the needle or on a pedestal on the skin helps build the qi and rid the body of excess moisture. Patients usually enjoy this sensation of warmth and the heat never gets close enough to the skin to burn. Cupping
Cupping is an old technique performed in both China and the west. Healers across Eurasia would take glass jars, heat them to create a vacuum, and place them on the upper back to relieve acute illnesses such as colds and fevers. The Chinese took this one step further and found that it could be used all over the body to invigorate the flow of Qi and to relieve tension and pain. It is often used for treating upper and lower back ache, chronic nausea & vomiting, sciatica, frozen shoulder and more. Changes in stiffness, pain and mobility can often be seen immediately.Gua Sha
Gua Sha is a Chinese treatment, similar in effect to cupping. Gua stands for rubbing or friction. Sha stands for congested or stagnant blood at the surface of the body. When friction is applied in repeated, even strokes, the sha surfaces as small red petechiae. Usually a chinese soup spoon is used to create this effect. It is wonderful at treating stiff upper necks and backs and dealing with everyday stress. Additionally, gua sha's effects are immediate since the tension and pain release begins the moment the spoon touches the skin.Tui Na / An Mo
Tui-Na is an oriental form of bodywork or massage that uses many forms of manipulation to directly influence the flow of Qi in the body. It complements the use of acupuncture and herbal medicine by allowing the practitioner to affect a whole channel of energy rather than just one point. It is notably useful in cases of frozen shoulder, IT band tightness or strain, low back strain, infantile diarrhea or constipation, and any kind of pain in children.