To Reach Locations in:
Hopkinton Mansfield Framingham
P: 1-508-589-5333
F: 774-759-3110
Questions about billing?
E: chrissy@vendettiwellnessgroup.com
P: 1-508-589-5333 x 301
Learn About Acupuncture
WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is a natural, effective and safe therapy that has stood the test of time for thousands of years. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete medical system of which acupuncture is one part. The goal of acupuncture is to establish a healthy balance within the patient, by stimulating the bodies self-healing abilities and regulating the flow of Qi (pronounced "chee"). Qi (aka "energy") is essential for the optimal functioning of a person as a whole. As the body and its Qi are guided more into balance, the patient experiences more vibrant health, on all levels (physical/mental/ emotional/spiritual).
Generally speaking, acupuncture is tolerated exceptionally well and is a very relaxing experience, with virtually no unpleasant side effects. Your practitioner uses a minimal needle approach and is known for her incredibly gentle style of acupuncture.
COMMON USES OF ACUPUNCTURE:
Stress
Insomnia
Anxiety & Depression
Digestive Health
Headaches & Migraines
Pain Management
Colds & Immunity
Women's Health
Post-Operative Recovery
And Much More...
WHAT TO EXPECT IN YOUR SESSION
Your acupuncturist will familiarize herself with your health history before your initial appointment, upon completion of the required online forms. At your first session, you will discuss your history and health goals with your practitioner and she will propose a treatment plan for you. You will have a full acupuncture treatment during this first visit.
Treatment plans vary from weekly or monthly maintenance visits when your health is in good balance, to recommendations of multiple sessions per week for acute or long-standing, chronic conditions.
Please wear loose, comfortable clothing that can easily be adjusted to expose the lower legs and arms (where needles are often applied). Our acupuncture sessions take place in a cozy, private room on a heated massage table.
Follow-up sessions will include a brief check-in, followed by a full acupuncture treatment. During your treatment, sterile, ultra-thin needles are used to stimulate the acupuncture points. The use of far-infrared/mineral heat therapy and/or topical herbal moxa may also be utilized. Add-on services are available for those interested in enhancing their treatments. These include cupping, gua sha or Reiki for an additional fee. You will receive more information on each of these therapies at your first visit.
In addition to traditional diagnostic methods, we utilize a cutting-edge healthcare tool during your sessions to measure and analyze the balance of your acupuncture meridians (where energy flows in the body). The AcuGraph Digital Meridian Imaging System offers objective scientific data and a visual representation to help follow your progress with every treatment. You will get an in-depth explanation of this process at your first appointment. Note: It's completely easy, painless and totally fascinating! Check out our patient education video here.
Laser (Non-Needle) Acupuncture
Lasers are a highly effective way to therapeutically treat acupuncture points without needles. The lasers we use at our practice are known as "low-level" or "cold" lasers, as they do not produce heat. These lasers are extremely safe when handled properly. They are a Class IIIA medical device, which specifies they are not a skin or materials burn hazard.
Low-level lasers are known to stimulate acupuncture points for their intended purposes, as well, can help to reduce inflammation, repair cells, improve circulation and much more. We use both red and blue spectrum lasers in our practice to help relieve patient symptoms and guide the body back into balance.
Pediatric Acupuncture
People of all ages can enjoy the benefits of acupuncture, with or without the use of needles. "Shonishin" is a Japanese-derived system that uses small metal tools to stimulate the acupuncture meridians without the use of needles and is completely painless. Gentle cupping (read: no dark marks), acupressure and laser acupuncture may also be utilized during pediatric sessions.
Children are particularly receptive to acupuncture treatments and require much less time during sessions to receive benefit. Almost any childhood complaint may be addressed with acupuncture including digestive complaints, nausea, teething, earaches, pain, sleep complaints, anxiety and behavioral complaints, allergies, immunity and much more.
Auriculotherapy
In addition to our standard acupuncture sessions, we also offer auriculotherapy-only (ear acupuncture) treatments. The ear is what is known as a "microsystem" of the entire body, therefore, a complete and thorough treatment can be done entirely by needling the ears alone. These are convenient treatments for patients with limited time.
Cupping
Cupping uses suction and negative pressure to increase circulation, loosen stiff muscles and detoxify the body. A free flow of Qi and blood is essential in maintaining a healthy, well-functioning body and mind. Cupping therapy helps to decrease stagnation (often manifesting as pain) and allow improved Qi and blood circulation to improve the bodies healing ability and overall performance.
During and after your treatment, your body is working hard to release the toxins, stagnant cells, debris and lymph fluids that were drawn out from the blood, muscles and deeper tissues of your body. Often, dark circular marks remain on the skin for several days that resemble a bruise. The color and darkness of these marks is indicative of the amount of stagnation that was present in the localized area. It is a positive sign to see these dark marks, as this indicates a great release of unhealthy build-up in the body. Please plan cupping sessions around important events where more skin may be exposed (generally the back and shoulders).
Insurance for Acupuncture
We currently accept acupuncture as an out-of-network provider and are soon to be in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Allways and Aetna. Please click the insurance verification link below and fill out the associated form to verify if your plan covers our services.