Your visit and FAQs
An acupuncture visit resembles a visit to a doctor: Ellen and you will discuss your current symptoms, your past health history, what medications/herbs/supplements you take, your diet, your social stressors, what makes you better or worse, your allergies, etc.
This is also your time to ask questions and be introduced to some basic Traditional Asian Medicine concepts.
Ellen may want to take your pulse or look at your tongue. She will ask you to lie down on the heated treatment table. She will want to make sure you are comfortable! Clothing do not need to be removed. Most of the points that will be used will be on arms and legs. Acupuncture is not painful, most people find it relaxing, and you may find yourself in a meditative state or even sleeping!
WHO GETS ACUPUNCTURE AND WHY?
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Adults, Children & Adolescents
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Women's Heath
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Chronic Pain
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Stress & Anxiety Management
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Headaches
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Neck-Back Pain
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Digestive Disorders
IS ACUPUNCTURE FOR ME?
Many people get referred to a an acupuncturist because their particular symptoms are not well managed by Western Medicine.
Most of Ellen's new patient referrals come from physicians or other patients. Many people find that their symptoms can be managed with lower doses of medication, especially pain medication, when they receive regular acupuncture. Acupuncture is not painful, and Ellen has worked with children and adolescents for over 30 years.
Should I Tell My Doctor About Getting Acupuncture?
Absolutely! Ellen can work in concert with your doctor to make sure that your care is coordinated.
Acupuncture Appointments
First appointments are usually 1 - 1.5 hours and include intake and treatment. Initial appointments may be done virtually.
Follow up appointments are typically 1 hour.
Appointments for children are usually a half an hour, after the initial intake appointment.
Rates
Acupuncture: New Patient $140, Return Patient starting at $120
Children’s 1/2 hour Acupuncture Treatments (12 years and under): New Patient $85, Return Patient $55
Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture: $145
Micro needling: $175
Nano needling : $150
What is your cancellation policy?
Please give as much notice as you can give us so we can accommodate other clients. If you cancel in less than 24 hours, you will be billed a cancellation fee of 50% the treatment cost.
One of the keys to a youthful-looking skin is having plenty of super-protein collagen. Collagen is the scaffolding that prevents complexions from becoming droopy or slack. It’s a wonder-working, naturally-produced ingredient that keeps faces looking plump, taut and radiant.
Where's the catch...
As we age, our production of collagen slows down, and the reserves of this protein diminish. Without this on our side, the signs of aging – lines, wrinkles, uneven texture and saggyness – start to become visible.
Luckily, it’s possible to assist the process that leads to collagen being formed. Did you know whenever your body is injured, it triggers the production of collagen to aid in the healing of connective tissues. That’s why treatments like Micro-Needling and Acupuncture, which involve small, almost imperceptible skin punctures can organically provoke the collagen response.
Both involve micro injuries to the skin to stimulate collagen synthesis, but they are distinct treatments. What are the main differences? And how do you know which one is right for you?
Facial Acupuncture in a nutshell
Facial Acupuncture also replies on needles. But unlike Micro-needling, this treatment is not about rapidly pin-pricking the skin, but about inserting needles and leaving them in there. Usually for a period of 30-40 minutes. The needles are carefully positioned in areas of the face where a blockage of energy is perceived or into the muscles that control our facial movements (where wrinkles often occur). Unblocking this energy has an overwhelmingly positive effect on the whole body. Facial Acupuncture is a Chinese therapy, rooted in ancient medicine and is therefore a more holistic approach to take. The process not only works to enhance
the complexion, it also improves the mood and boosts general well-being. There is no downtime. And like micro-needling, six treatments are recommended to see results. But Facial Acupuncture is one of those treats you’ll want to get over and over again – whenever you need a pick-me-up.
Micro-needling in a nutshell
Also known as Collagen Induction Therapy or Micro-needling, is a therapy that involves repeatedly puncturing the skin with tiny, sterilized needles at a specific depth. Over a number of sessions, this causes the body to produce collagen. It is used to treat scarring and acne and to counter the effects of aging. There is minimal downtime, though you may appear a little pinkish after your treatment – as if you’ve had too much sun. Swelling and minor bleeding can also result but the treated area is anesthetized to eliminate any pain. Six treatments spaced out over a year are recommended for optimum ‘wow’ results.
Nano-Needling in a nutshell
Uses the same type of oscillating motion to treat the skin but the cartridge encompasses 81 silicone cones. These microscopic hair-like cones separate the cells within the epidermis to allow active products to be pushed into the skin. Nano-Needling only affects the epidermis, treating within the upper .15 mm of the skin. The benefits of this serum infusion treatment include pigmentation reduction, increased cell turnover, skin rejuvenation and an immediate glow with no downtime. This treatment can be done weekly to exfoliate the skin.
What Can I Expect from the Treatment?
Micro-needling is not intended to give the same results as chemical fillers and injections. The results from micro-needling appear more subtle and natural. During the initial appointment, the session begins with a brief intake to go over the patients’ medical history. The treatment starts with acupuncture to help relax the body during the micro-needling session. Next, a thin layer of hyaluronic acid* will be applied to the skin and the appropriate pen setting selected based on individual needs. The pen will be gently pressed against the skin while gliding in a crosshatch motion until the entire treatment area has been covered (the face, into the hairline, and the neck). Finally, a cooling aloe-vera mask is applied to the face and the patient relaxes for 10 minutes before the treatment is complete. Skin sensitivity varies greatly, however, if you find that the treatment is too painful a topical anesthetic can be applied or an alternative less painful method of nano-needling* can be used.
Immediately after the treatment most patients notice a bright redness to the skin. The healing time depends on individual sensitivity to the treatment, but typically the redness will go away in 8-12 hours. It is recommended to have at least 4-6 treatments to achieve optimal results. The procedure usually takes about 15-30 min depending on the size of the area being treated. Visible changes to the skin develop over the course of several days and weeks. Once a course of treatment has been completed, results can last up to 3-5 years. Treatment outcomes can be improved by bi-yearly maintenance visits. Please note that individual results may vary, there is no guarantee provided.