CONDITIONS TREATED
Pain and injury are rarely caused by a single factor. They often develop through a combination of trauma, repetitive strain, postural imbalance, stress, nutritional deficiencies, or internal organ dysfunction, all of which can obstruct the body’s natural ability to heal.
Acupuncture addresses both the root causes and symptoms of pain by improving blood flow, regulating the nervous system, and releasing muscular and fascial tension. It is effective for many types of pain, including:
Musculoskeletal pain: neck, shoulder, back, hip, and knee pain
Joint pain and arthritis (degenerative or inflammatory)
Nerve pain: sciatica, neuropathy, carpal tunnel, and post-surgical nerve sensitivity
Headaches and migraines
Tendon and ligament injuries: strains, sprains, and repetitive use conditions
Visceral and referred pain: abdominal discomfort, pelvic pain, or tension linked to organ imbalance
Scar tissue can limit mobility, reduce range of motion after surgery, and contribute to long term discomfort or chronic pain. Scars may also affect a person’s confidence, particularly when they are raised, thickened, or cosmetically prominent. Keloid or hypertrophic scars can rub against clothing, causing ongoing sensitivity, itching, or irritation during the healing process.
Acupuncture and when appropriate, electroacupuncture can play an important role in improving scar healing. Research shows that targeted needling around scar tissue can help:
Improve microcirculation in the scar and surrounding tissues
Reduce excessive collagen buildup that contributes to raised or thick scars
Increase tissue elasticity and break down adhesions
Decrease pain, itching, and sensitivity
Improve nerve signaling in areas with numbness or altered sensation
Electroacupuncture can enhance these benefits by delivering gentle electrical stimulation that promotes tissue remodeling. At our clinic, we use a high quality electroacupuncture device with microamp and milliamp settings, allowing us to choose the optimal current for scar treatment. Microamperage, in particular, has been shown to support cellular repair, improve circulation, and assist in reducing scar thickness and sensitivity.
Together, these techniques not only improve the appearance and function of scar tissue but can also help patients feel more comfortable, confident, and at ease in their bodies as they heal.
Cancer care should extend beyond survival to embrace healing, comfort, and quality of life. Acupuncture offers a compassionate, holistic approach that supports the body, mind, and spirit through every stage of the cancer journey—from diagnosis and active treatment to recovery and survivorship.
During my Doctoral training in Chinese Medicine, I worked at Providence Cancer Center, providing acupuncture for patients experiencing neuropathy, scar tissue pain, digestive issues, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and chemotherapy-related brain fog. This hands-on clinical experience deepened my understanding of how acupuncture can safely and effectively complement conventional oncology care to improve comfort, recovery, and overall well-being.
Acupuncture is a gentle, non-invasive therapy proven to help manage many cancer related symptoms and treatment side effects beyond pain.
Neuropathy support: Eases chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) by improving nerve circulation, reducing numbness and tingling, and supporting nerve repair. Digestive health: Regulates the digestive system during chemotherapy, helping relieve nausea, vomiting, bloating, and low appetite while supporting healthy gut motility.
Energy and mood: Improves fatigue, brain fog, depression, and insomnia induced by chemo by calming the nervous system and restoring internal balance.
Hormonal and immune balance: Alleviates hot flashes, night sweats, edema, and inflammation, while enhancing immune and lymphatic function.
Surgery places significant stress on the body, and recovery often involves managing pain, swelling, limited mobility, and fatigue. Acupuncture provides a natural and effective way to support healing and restore balance during the post-surgical period. In addition to improving scar healing, acupuncture can:
Reduces pain and inflammation: Stimulates endorphin release and improves circulation, easing pain and swelling while helping reduce reliance on medications.
Supports digestion and energy: Relieves nausea, bloating, and constipation caused by anesthesia and medication, restoring healthy gut function and vitality.
Promotes emotional balance: Calms the nervous system, easing stress, anxiety, and mood changes common during recovery.
Aids nerve recovery: Reduces residual nerve pain or hypersensitivity, promoting long-term comfort and mobility.
Strengthens immunity: Supports the body’s natural defense and healing mechanisms, reducing infection risk and promoting faster recovery.
Acupuncture is a highly effective, natural way to reduce stress and anxiety by regulating the body’s nervous system and promoting a deep sense of calm. Research shows that acupuncture influences key physiological pathways involved in stress, mood, and emotional balance.
Here’s how it works:
• Activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System Acupuncture helps shift the body out of “fight-or-flight” mode and into “rest-and-digest,” lowering heart rate, relaxing muscles, and easing tension.
• Reduces Stress Hormones Studies show acupuncture can reduce cortisol and other stress-related hormones, helping the body return to a more balanced state.
• Regulates Neurotransmitters Acupuncture increases the release of serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins, chemicals responsible for mood stability, emotional well being, and relaxation.
• Calms the Limbic System The limbic system is the brain’s emotional center. Acupuncture helps down regulate hyperactivity in this area, reducing anxiety and emotional overwhelm.
• Improves Sleep and Restorative Function By regulating the nervous system and hormones, acupuncture supports deeper, more restorative sleep, one of the most powerful tools for managing stress.
• Addresses Physical Symptoms of Stress Tension headaches, muscle tightness, digestive upset, fatigue, and palpitations often improve as acupuncture restores balance to the body.
Conditions such as autoimmune disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, long standing digestive issues, neuropathy, hormonal imbalances, and thyroid problems often respond well to regular treatments. Acupuncture offers meaningful support by:
Reduces systemic inflammation, helping ease swelling, and immune dysregulation.
Improves overall physiological balance, enhancing how the body communicates, heals, and maintains stability.
Supports digestive, hormonal, and immune function by addressing underlying patterns contributing to chronic symptoms.
Enhances circulation and energy flow (Qi) to promote tissue repair and reduce fatigue.