acupuncture

RESTORING BALANCE WITHIN YOUR BODY

What is acupuncture?

Your first acupuncture visit begins with a discussion around the chief concern that brought you in, followed by a comprehensive review of your health history. Dr. Swords will ask a series of detailed questions followed by an assessment of your tongue and pulse as well as palpation of your abdomen. These diagnostic techniques provide quantitative data crucial for identifying areas of disharmony and their underlying causes. We then develop a treatment plan that includes a unique set of acupuncture points for that day and may incorporate other modalities such as moxa, cupping, gua sha, and manual therapy if suitable for your pattern. Herbs may also be prescribed if deemed necessary along with supplement, nutritional, and lifestyle suggestions. As with all aspects of Eastern medicine, your entire system is taken into consideration so that we can address the root cause.

Initial visits are 90 minutes that dedicate half of the time to the intake, while still allowing sufficient time for the treatment. Follow-up visits can be scheduled for 60 or 90 minutes, depending on the preference of the patient. Some people prefer longer treatment times to enjoy the time to themself in a heightened state of relaxation.

chinese-medicine-balance

Initial Visit

Your first acupuncture visit begins with a discussion around the chief concern that brought you in, followed by a comprehensive review of your health history. Dr. Swords will ask a series of detailed questions followed by an assessment of your tongue and pulse as well as palpation of your abdomen. These diagnostic techniques provide quantitative data crucial for identifying areas of disharmony and their underlying causes. We then develop a treatment plan that includes a unique set of acupuncture points for that day and may incorporate other modalities such as moxa, cupping, gua sha, and manual therapy if suitable for your pattern. Herbs may also be prescribed if deemed necessary along with supplement, nutritional, and lifestyle suggestions. As with all aspects of Eastern medicine, your entire system is taken into consideration so that we can address the root cause.

We treat the person as a whole, not just the symptom, so an extensive evaluation is necessary for this first visit. 

Initial visits are 90 minutes that dedicate half of the time to the intake, while still allowing sufficient time for the treatment. Follow-up visits can be scheduled for 60 or 90 minutes, depending on the preference of the patient. Some people prefer longer treatment times to enjoy the time to themself in a heightened state of relaxation.

acupuncture-moxa-san-diego-pain-relief

Above: adhesive mugwort moxa

What can acupuncture treat?

  • endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS, irregular menstruation, infertility, IUI & IVF support, pregnancy support, breech presentation, labor prep, menopausal symptoms, incontinence

  • infertility / low sperm count, erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, incontinence

  • ADD/ADHD, autism, behavioral disorders, depression & anxiety, digestive complaints, allergies, asthma, eczema, chronic ear infections, recurrent respiratory infections

  • IBS / IBD, Crohn’s, colitis, gastritis, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, gas / bloating

  • diabetes, Hashimoto’s, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Grave’s disease

  • brain fog, vertigo, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, stress, insomnia, chronic fatigue syndrome, anorexia, PTSD, Parkinson’s, ALS, chronic Lyme disease, addiction / substance dependency

  • migraine / headache, musculoskeletal pain, sports injury, trauma, breaks, sprains, tendonitis, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, TMJ, gout, earache, sore throat

  • acne, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, rosacea, pruritus, scarring, ringworm, burns

  • Bell's palsy, trigeminal neuralgia, facial nerve damage, lost sense of smell or taste, facial spasm

  • fatigue, pain, dry mouth, peripheral neuropathy, nausea / vomiting

  • high blood pressure, tachycardia, hypotension, Raynaud’s

  • allergies, cold & flu, fever, sore throat, covid & long haul covid