Acupuncture

Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese Medicine, including acupuncture, can support overall health and treat a wide range of conditions. Acupuncture (insertion of very fine needles through the skin) is recognized by the World Health Organization as an effective treatment modality and is increasingly applied in conjunction with Western medicine in the U.S.  It is one aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which treats health holistically and promotes optimal homeostasis (balance) in the body.

Traditional Chinese Medicine can treat a wide array of health and wellness concerns. Consider trying it for:

  • Chronic Pain

  • Headaches

  • Frequent Colds and/or Infections

  • Digestive Issues

  • Stress, Anxiety, and/or Depression

  • Menstrual Cycle Irregularities

  • Fertility Enhancement

Acupuncture Options

  • The Pacific College of Health and Science (PCHS) offers acupuncture appointments at CHWC with supervised interns from the college on Thursday evenings. Appointments with the interns are offered on a sliding scale from $80-$25. To learn more about current availability, call our front desk at (733) 935-6126. Appointments will be available in the New Year starting on Thursday, January 16th 2025.

  • Vanessa Prado DC, ND (she/her) provides sliding scale acupuncture services at CWHC every Wednesday morning from 10am to 2pm. Appointments with Vanessa are offered on a sliding scale from $80-$25. Operating outside of the scope of Chinese Medicine, Vanessa uses the singular modality of acupuncture to treat anything from headaches and joint pain to chronic pain and stress. She incorporates client education into all her visits with the goal of empowering others to take charge of their health. To read more about Vanessa and her services, click here.

Your First Acupuncture Appointment

Because Traditional Chinese Medicine treats the whole individual and not just symptoms, it requires an in-depth intake process. After completing confidential paperwork, you will spend 30-45 minutes discussing your health history and concerns with your practitioner. Additional diagnostic tools include observations of the tongue and feeling the wrist pulse.

Your treatment then lasts about 30 minutes. Our practitioners use single-use, sterile, disposable needles. Needle insertion can elicit warmth, a slight ache, or, occasionally, a brief, sharp sensation (any of these should subside within a few minutes). Your practitioner will communicate with you about your level of comfort. Once the needles are in place, you will rest on the table for the remainder of treatment. Most people find this time deeply relaxing, pleasant and rejuvenating.

What to Bring

  • Bring or wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing

  • It may be helpful to bring the following items, but is not required: Medical history and current diagnoses, most recent blood work and labs, medications and supplements you are currently taking

In Preparation for Treatment

  • Don’t brush your tongue, as your tongue coat provides useful information for your diagnosis.

  • Eat a light meal 1-2 hours before treatment. Don’t come in hungry or over-full.

  • Refrain from recreational drugs and alcohol the day of treatment.

Cancellations

If you need to cancel, please try to give at least 24 hours notice by calling (773) 935-6126.