Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a modality of Chinese medicine that has been around for thousands of years. The foundation of acupuncture is based on the unique Chinese organ system and meridians, or channels, mapped throughout the body. The meridians support movement of the Yin and Yang energy in the body, and various stressors can disrupt or block the flow within these channels.

Acupuncture treatment is based on presenting signs and symptoms including visualization of the tongue and palpation of the pulse. Once the diagnosis is made, Dr. Kehoe utilizes needles as a primary means to stimulate and restore balance to the system. Additional therapies may include cupping, warming moxa, gua sha (scraping), and tui na (Chinese massage). 

Initial visits with Dr. Kehoe are 60 minutes. Subsequent visits are 45 minutes. We recommend a minimum of four visits to best evaluate the course of treatment.

• We encourage you to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes.

• Needles are approximately the size of a hair.

• Common sensations with needle insertion include heaviness or achiness, but pain is not a part of acupuncture. Rarely, you may have a brief twinge of pain with needle insertion that subsides quickly. Dr. Kehoe encourages open communication to ensure you feel safe and are comfortable while you are on the table.

• Although rare, the most common side effect may be a small, local bruise near the insertion point. This can occur if the needle bumps a blood vessel with insertion.

No. This is a common misconception. While incredibly effective for acute and chronic pain, acupuncture can be helpful for a wide array of conditions including anxiety, IBS, infertility, and even as adjunctive care to conventional cancer treatment.