The practice of Acupuncture began in China over 2000 years ago and its practice has since spread over the globe to Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Europe, the British Isles, and America. No matter where acupuncture is being practiced, the basic underlying ancient theory is being incorporated. Acupuncture is a complex system within Chinese Medicine that uses stimulation of acupuncture points with acupuncture needles, or other acupressure tools, in order to manipulate the body's subtle, but vital energy, "Qi" (chee). This energy moves throughout the body along 12 main acupuncture channels known as meridians. These meridians correspond to the major organs and functions of the body although they do not follow the exact pathways of nerves or blood flow. Any blockages, change in flow, amount or direction of this vital energy can result in pain, dysfunction and/or illness. The goal of acupuncture is to correct imbalances of qi flow, free blockages of energy within the body and restore health through stimulation of acupuncture points along these meridians. There are a variety of acupuncture styles used at Bravo Holistic Healing, including both Chinese & Japanese styles of acupuncture as well as many Orthopedic techniques that can be used based on the patient’s needs.

It varies from patient-to-patient. Everyone is different and some people are more sensitive than others but in general acupuncture does not hurt. You may feel a tiny pinch or nothing at all! Once the needles are in you may feel different sensations ranging from dull, heavy, throbbing, moving sensations or no sensations at all running throughout the body- this is your “Qi”, aka your vital energy running through your body. This is perfectly normal and these feelings are good indicators that circulation is improving within the body and blockages are beginning to dissipate.

The needles themselves are strong, single-use, hair-thin needles made of stainless steel, silver, or gold. They are solid and nothing like the needles used to draw blood or give injections. The needles are inserted anywhere from 0.2 cm to a few inches depending on the body/muscle part being needled.

I personally find acupuncture treatments to be very relaxing and I use them as a chance to unwind, re-energize myself, and even take a nap!

Acupuncture can treat a wide range of conditions anywhere from acute, to chronic. Here are just a few things acupuncture is great for:

Colds/flu

Pain

Frozen shoulder

Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal Depression

Respiratory Disorders

Headaches

Insomnia

Stress Management

Trauma relief, PTSD

Chronic Fatigue

Mental-emotional support

Traumas or sports injuries

Faster recovery from surgery

Sexual health concerns and fertility

Menstrual Disorders and PMS

Hormone imbalances/regulation

Lyme disease

Auto-immune diseases

Bell’s Palsy

Arthritis

Neuropathy

Skin issues

Digestive issues including IBS and Crohn’s

Acid reflux

Carpal tunnel

Pregnancy and morning sickness

Drug addiction and recovery

Weight loss and appetite control

​…and so much more!

Yes, there certainly is. The 7000 years of Chinese Medicine includes: Meditative Practices, Physical Exercises, Body Work / Manipulation, Nutrition, Herbal Medicine, and Feng-Shui. It also includes TuiNa Massage, GwaSha, Cupping, Moxibustion, Electroacupuncture, Laser & Magnet Therapy.

Loose-fitting clothing is best. I will need access to your elbows and knees at the very least. Stretchy clothing is easiest to pull up in order to access acupuncture points along the entire body. If I need to get to a point on your back or thigh we can use draping techniques so that everyone is comfortable.

If it is easier to just bring along a T-shirt and shorts or something comfortable for you, bring it in and you can change in the room!

There is a lot that can be done for patients who are afraid of needles. In fact, we don't have to insert any needles in order to have an effect on the acupuncture points. Patients can be treated either through the use of acupressure, Shukuju Therapy using a hand tool to lightly stimulate the acupuncture point, or through the use of the external "Shen" Qi. Chinese Medicine also includes the practice of Meditation, Physical Exercise, Bodywork, Nutrition, & Feng Shui. In my practice I often incorporate TuiNa Massage, Gua Sha, Cupping, Moxibustion, Electroacupuncture, Laser & Magnet Therapy into treatments as needed.

First-time patient visits can last about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. During the first visit, we will review the Health History form you filled out online prior to your visit in order to dive in and understand your concerns. This will be followed by a general introductory treatment that addresses your main concern. When you return for your follow-up visit, typical acupuncture treatments last about 30-45 minutes. During all treatments, once the needles have been placed in the selected areas, the practitioner will step out of the room for 10-20 minutes (the perfect time to rest and relax), and then return to remove the needles. At this time, the treatment will be complete or the patient will be asked to turn over if there are more acupuncture points to treat on the other side of the body, or other adjunct modalities to be used. Most patients leave feeling relaxed.

It is perfectly normal, and very common, to feel tired after treatments. This is your body's way of signaling that it wants to continue the healing process that has been activated, so it is advised to follow your body's need for rest if possible (we heal best when we rest). On the flip side, some patients report having a big boost of energy, so much so that they have gone home and cleaned their whole house or are able to tackle that to-do list that has been ignored for months. Whichever is your response, know that these are signs your body is responding to treatment!

Yes, we are currently in-network with:

Cigna

Harvard Pilgrim

Anthem BCBS of NH

United Healthcare

Mass General Brigham (Allways)

Tufts

Aetna

You’ll need to call your insurance provider’s member services and ask if your policy covers Acupuncture Services before your 1st visit. We do our own in-house billing as well. We hope to add more networks in the future for your convenience. Please visit our Health Insurance page for more information.