Acupuncture is a traditional East Asian technique where thin, sterile needles are inserted into specific points on the body to treat various health conditions.

The body's life force, or qi, flows through channels called meridians. When qi is balanced, the body is healthy, but when it's out of balance, disease can occur. Qi can become out of balance for many reasons.

Acupuncture takes into account these myriad causes of dis-ease and seeks to restore balance to the flow of the body’s life force/qi.

A variety of conditions, often used for both symptom relief and and to address any underlying root causes of the condition.

Conditions that can be addressed include:

• Chronic pain or pain due to injury/overuse

• Fatigue and low energy

• Difficulty sleeping

• Headaches

• Sciatica/Low Back Pain

• Depression, anxiety, and stress

• Digestive disorders (IBS, constipation, diarrhea, acid reflux, heartburn, bloating, nausea, etc.)

• Women’s health issues (premenstrual syndrome, menstrual disorders, perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms, infertility, etc.)

• Immune system issues (frequent colds and respiratory infections)

• Neurological issues (Neuropathy, Bell’s palsy, Trigeminal neuralgia, etc.)

Your first session starts with an in-depth chat about your health history and any symptoms you’re experiencing. This helps get a full picture of what’s going on, as to tailor the treatment just for you. We’ll take about 20-30 minutes for this conversation, and then dive right into your first treatment.

If relevant, have a list of any medications that you are currently taking.

The treatment will involve the use of acupuncture needles, and may involve cupping, gua sha, moxibustion, or manual therapy (massage) to further promote the goals of the treatment.

For acupuncture, wear something breathable that you can easily roll up to your knees and elbows. For massage, go with comfy clothes that are easy to change in and out of.

Stay hydrated, skip heavy or greasy meals a few hours before your session, and avoid strong fragrances. If you use a tongue scraper, it’s best not to scrape your tongue on the day of your appointment.

The needles used for acupuncture differ greatly from any needle used in a medical procedure. They are extremely thin, about the thickness of a strand of hair, are not hollow on the inside, and are generally inserted to a shallower depth.

When receiving acupuncture, the sensations during needling can vary from person to person.

• When a needle is first inserted, you may feel a quick, light prick or a slight pinch. The needles are very thin, so this sensation is typically mild.

• While the needles are inserted, some feel a dull ache or heavy sensation, a feeling of warmth or tingling, or a subtle pulsing. These are all normal sensations and are indicators that the needles are taking good effect.

• There may be some temporary discomfort, which usually goes away on its own. If the discomfort is lingering, the needles can be easily adjusted.

• Most people feel deeply relaxed or even a little sleepy during the treatment. Some may even drift into a meditative state, which is a deeply restorative place.

While some people do notice a difference after their first acupuncture session, it’s common for the effects to be more gradual. The impact differs from person to person and can depend on the severity of the condition and how long it has been present for.

It can help to think of each session building on the previous one, creating a compounding effect. As treatments progress, the body's response can deepen, and the benefits often become more noticeable.

This cumulative approach helps reinforce the healing process, allowing for more sustainable and lasting improvements over time.

Key Wellness Arts doesn’t accept insurance directly. However, you can request a superbill after your session. This itemized form contains the necessary information for you to submit a claim to your insurance provider for potential reimbursement.

Yes, please see the details for Integrated Treatments here.

If you have any other questions please reach out with our contact form.