There are over 300 acupuncture points on your entire body, organized by intricate and specialized “highways” called meridians. East Asian theory considers Qi the vital force behind every physiological and metabolic function, and considers Blood the substance that supports the activity of Qi and nourishes the tissues. When we have an imbalance of our vital substances we suffer pain or disease. Your acupuncturist is trained to identify and diagnose where imbalances are occurring – and through a simple (but sophisticated!) theoretical model – points are selected that gently restore your blueprint for health.

From a Western medical lens, we know that stimulation of acupuncture points involves fascia (connective tissue), the nervous system, blood, and the immune system. Treatments encourage our body’s natural ability to heal and create homeostasis in the nervous system. For this reason, acupuncture is effective for many physiological and psycho-emotional concerns. Through medical research we are discovering how acupuncture can create permanent change in the nervous system – so in some cases we are actually rewiring your brain! With very few contraindications, acupuncture is a minimally invasive and natural way to heal and optimize wellness.

Because acupuncture needles are so thin (the thickness of a hair!) – the placement of needles is often painless. Occasionally you may feel a slight pinch – but before you can say “ow!” the pain is gone. Once needles are placed, some people experience a dull, aching sensation. Others have reported heaviness or buzzing, or an overall sensation of energy moving in their bodies. Many others forget they have needles entirely, and find themselves resting deeply.

These are supplemental manual therapies that restore circulation, mobilize congested fascia, and release stagnation. We use these methods to reduce muscle pain and open the meridians before acupuncture. Cupping, in particular, may leave marks on the skin – as modeled here by the iconic Gwyneth.

No, absolutely not, never. Needles are sterile and individually packaged, for single-use, only. When we are done with your needles, we dispose of them in an industry-standard sharps container, which is then shipped to a proper handling facility.

Acupuncture – at one point in human history – was a primary source of healing. Therefore, a wide variety of internal and external disharmonies can be addressed using acupuncture. Your specific condition may require Western medical attention – but in this event, acupuncture is capable of harmlessly and harmoniously supplementing your care. I have seen acupuncture relieve all sorts of pain – chronic, acute, or intermittent. It can help with muscle pain and stiffness, joint pain, headaches, neck/shoulder/back/hip pain, referral pain in any of the limbs, and fibromyalgia. Many internal imbalances can also be addressed, from digestive complaints, hormonal imbalances, to sleep disturbances! And finally – because acupuncture promotes homeostasis in our nervous system – many psycho-emotional and stress-related concerns can be gently healed and tended through treatment. We are attuned to working with the whole body-mind-spirit as an intricate, unified whole.

In some cases we are able to achieve remarkable results in one or two visits, while others may take more time and regular care. Everyone has an individualized treatment plan, and your initial visit will be a good time to determine what’s best for you. Depending on the timing and complexity of your health concerns, we may choose frequent visits, or we may space them out to support you throughout your healing.

Unfavorable side effects of acupuncture are seldom, if not rare. Some of the side effects of acupuncture may include: dizziness or lightheadedness upon standing, mild bruising or residual aching where a needle was placed, the desire to rest, or an abundance of energy that hasn’t been felt in a while. Many people are not bothered by these minor complaints, however I would be remiss if I didn’t state: with any sharp object penetrating the skin, there is risk of puncturing an important structure. Your acupuncturist has completed a rigorous medical program, and has passed equally challenging national exams to ensure your safety.

Yes: Ellisia Grove is licensed by the Oregon Medical Board in the state of Oregon. I am also a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine through the NCCAOM, a national regulatory body for the assurance of competency in the acupuncture and oriental medicine professions.