What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a regulatory medicine. It balances the body's life energy (Qi, pronounced chi) through the insertion of fine needles into carefully selected acupuncture points along the meridians of the body. The needles are inserted into the points and left in place. This stimulates the flow of energy and removes blockages so that the Qi can be dispersed and regulated. When the Qi is flowing properly throughout the body, the balance is restored and the body can self heal. Acupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It originated in China over 3,000 years ago.

What are cupping and gua-sha?

Cupping is part of TCM and uses glass or plastic cups that are applied to the skin using a pump or fire. The cups suction the skin producing the sensation of an inverted massage. Since cupping pulls on the muscles instead of pressing on them like a massage, it helps break up adhesions between muscle layers and increases the circulation of blood. This makes it a wonderful modality to relax tight and sore muscles. In TCM, cupping is always used to pain, and sprains, lower blood pressure, relieve stress, improve sleep, and treat upper respiratory issues because it benefits the lungs.

Gua-sha is also part of TCM and is used to treat the same , but is performed using a gua-sha spoon or other similar tool to gently scrape the muscles in the affected area using massage oil. Both cupping and gua-sha can leave bruising for a few days. The bruising is a sign of stagnation in the area that has been pulled out during the treatment.

Who can practice acupuncture?

Only practitioners who are licensed by the state and Board of Medicine can practice Acupuncture. In order to become licensed, practitioners must complete an undergraduate degree and a 4-year Master's degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The master’s programs include 3 years of academic learning and over 600 hours of clinical internships at the acupuncture student clinic and some at local clinics and hospitals. After graduating with a Master’s, practitioners must take several Medical Board Exams to get licensed. To stay licensed, acupuncturists must complete continuing education and renew their license every 2 years.

Is acupuncture safe?

This is a very common question among those who have never experienced an acupuncture treatment. When practiced by a licensed, trained acupuncturist, acupuncture is extremely safe. The most common adverse reactions include small bruises at the sight of needles and a headache if the client isn’t well hydrated before and after the treatment. Bruising can also occur with cupping and gua-sha. The Board of Medicine supervises acupuncturists in the United States and complete a rigorous 4-year Master's Degree to obtain their license.

What does acupuncture treat?

Does acupuncture hurt?

For the most part, no - but it is not void of sensations. Acupuncture needles are solid instead of hollow so they don’t hurt nearly as much as injections/blood draws. Most people feel a small pinch as the needle goes in and then clients describe feelings as a small ache, a buzzing, or warmth at the site of the needles. All of these sensations are normal and part of feeling our body’s energy/qi. If a point feels uncomfortable for you for a second or two please let your acupuncturist know and they will adjust the point. Acupuncture doesn’t need to hurt to work and should feel very relaxing. Your comfort is our #1 priority.

How should I prepare for my first treatment? What should I wear?

Be mindful of your digestion prior to your treatment. It is not recommended to get acupuncture on an empty stomach or after a large meal. If you are feeling hungry before your appointment, have a small snack. A handful of nuts and a piece of fruit is plenty.

If you're planning on working out on the day of your appointment, I recommend doing so before your treatment. It's okay to go on about your day after your treatment but over-exerting oneself could undo some of the benefits of acupuncture. I recommend taking it easy after your appointment to maximize the benefits, allowing the treatment to sink in.

Lastly, I would appreciate it if you could wear (or change into) comfortable, loose clothing that can easily be rolled up past your knees and elbows. You will remain clothed during the entire treatment.

What happens during an acupuncture treatment? What if I’m uncomfortable?

First, we will chat and go over your health history. Since TCM is a holistic medicine, I will ask you questions about every organ system in your body no matter what you are being treated for.

Then, I will look at your tongue, check your pulse on both wrists, and may palpate (touch) affected areas. These are all tools used to aid in forming a diagnosis according to TCM. Then, we will do the acupuncture treatment.

You will lay comfortably and fully clothed on a heated treatment table retaining acupuncture needles and receive any recommended TCM adjuncts for 30-45 minutes, depending on the case. Most become so deeply relaxed and some fall asleep.

You will be given a bell to ring in case you become uncomfortable once I’ve left you to rest. If you need me, ring it and I come right in to check on you. Your comfort is my biggest priority.

Is acupuncture safe for children and teens?

Yes, acupuncture is safe for everyone at every stage of life. Infants and young children are treated using gentle non-insensitive techniques such as acupressure, tuina, gua-sha, and cupping. Older children and teens can receive shorter treatments using very few needles to restore balance and aid the body’s ability to heal itself naturally without medications or aggressive interventions.

When I was in graduate school, I had the privilege to intern at BMC (Boston Medical Center) in 2011 where I treated newborns with neonatal absence syndrome and other infants and children on the in-patient pediatric floor. It was by far the most rewarding internship I’ve ever had. Children’s natural ability to heal itself is so strong that they usually respond very quickly to the treatments. I have also worked with many athletic teens to help them recover between practices.

Where can I park?

There is free 1-hour parking up and down Moody Street. If you can’t find a spot, the closest municipal lot is located 1/2 block away from the building on WALNUT STREET it requires paying at a self-pay-kiosk. You can see it from the treatment rooms at the clinic, it’s very close and hardly ever gets full.

“I started with acupuncture treatments about 7 months ago, when I noticed early arthritis setting in, related to two fingers on one hand. The treatment has been a game-changer. Before I was waking up at night due to the discomfort. Now I'm not, and the pain is gone, and the flexibility is back. What I liked about receiving treatments was the consistency with results -- after a few sessions, I really began to see the improvement. I would recommend Manuela, she has a lovely way with clients, and the treatment works.”

MM, College Professor

“After 5 unsuccessful IUIs ( 3 with fertility drugs) I turned to acupuncture with hopes that the 6th try would take. Manuela became my safe place. She stayed in touch almost daily, tracked ovulation, and was able to see me right before and after the IUI. Throughout my whole pregnancy, I saw Manuela weekly. My energy levels were great, no heartburn, no morning sickness, and slept like a baby my whole pregnancy. When my due date came in went I worried about having to be induced which was the one thing I didn’t want. Manuela saw me every other day during the last week of pregnancy and I was able to go into labor naturally. My labor was quick and Colin was in the right position which made for easy labor. Before I try for baby #2 I will be coming to see you before I talk to Boston IVF.”

BG, Childcare provider

"I have been a patient of Manuela for several years now. She is a meticulous practitioner with a kind and caring demeanor. Initially, she will ask how you are feeling presently and then request feedback on your last session together so that she can adjust and refine treatments as needed. Being an accomplished professional she is a good listener, an important component of zeroing in on the treatment of pain and stress management. We are all complex beings and Manuela not only administers strategic areas of need but treats the whole body in a journey toward wellness. She is a gem."

JZ, Retiree

"Manuela is the absolute best!! She made me feel comfortable from the minute I stepped in the room. She listens carefully and tailors each acupuncture treatment to what you are experiencing at that particular time. She has truly helped me feel much more balanced and relaxed. Love her!!"

MH, Graduate Student

"I had never had acupuncture done before, but some friends recommended it for dealing with some anxiety I was having. Manuela made me feel very at ease. She went over all problems that my body was having before doing anything. The acupuncture was very helpful and extremely relaxing. Highly recommend Manuela!!”

RT, Firefighter

"I have been seeing Manuela for acupuncture since 2013. She's attentive and knowledgeable. Not only does she give me my tune-up, but she also follows up with suggestions for whatever I need help with at that time. She's an amazing practitioner. Her smile is radiant and she is informative, gentle, professional and you can tell she cares. I highly recommend Manuela.”

KS, Homeopath/Realtor

“Manuela gave me my first ever acupuncture treatment, and it couldn't have been better! She was very thorough in trying to understand my particular needs and pains. Throughout the treatment, she explained what she was doing and why, and made sure I wasn't in any pain. I loved my first treatment, and it's all thanks to the exceptional talent of Manuela!"

SB, Web Developer

“After a bad car accident, I was diagnosed with Post Concussion Syndrome (PCS), something I've never heard of before, but soon learned it is when you get a concussion so severe that you have concussion symptoms that last more than the typical few week length of time. I was getting SEVERE migraines everyday, and when I didn't have a migraine, it was a bad headache. I couldn't function normally throughout the day, I couldn't work and I was couch bound for quite some time. I was put on SEVERAL different medications to help me get through the day, each had intense side effects... One gave me tingling and numbness in my hands and face.

Friends and doctors started recommending acupuncture, but I had a fear of needles! The pain was so severe, that I no longer cared about my fear and was willing to try anything.

That's when I met Manuela! She was so sweet, understanding, and talked me through everything. She would go above and beyond to teach me about my body and what it needs to heal. I started to feel better with my weekly treatment of acupuncture and I even started trusting Manuela's holistic advice over my doctor's opinions in prescribing prescriptions on top of prescriptions.

I am moving today and I'm looking at all the meds I get to throw away because I no longer need them in my life. Thanks to Manuela, I’m no longer on everyday meds and I feel good! I only get occasional migraines and my headaches are manageable. I am back to work and back to being sociable. I feel like I got my life back because acupuncture had helped me to heal. I often wonder where I would be right now if I didn't try acupuncture and if I would even be throwing these prescriptions away.”

KO, Social Worker

 “Before seeing Manuela, I had been having many digestive issues which were leading to anxiety around my health. The medicine I had been taking for years wasn’t helping, and I was frustrated. A friend suggested acupuncture, but I was hesitant to try it. I was worried about the needles and honestly wasn’t sure if it would work. After my first visit with Manuela, my worries were eased. The session was painless, and I felt a sense of hope that I would start to feel better soon. I now have been seeing Manuela for over four months and am so happy with our progress. In addition to the acupuncture sessions, her knowledge of using food as medicine has helped me figure out what works best for my body. I have started eating much healthier, have lost excess weight, and feel less anxious. On top of that, my digestion is the best it has ever been. I no longer see Manuela every week, but I always look forward to our sessions. She answers my food and Chinese medicine related questions, offers suggestions, and is the easiest person to talk to. I highly recommend Manuela; acupuncture sessions with her have truly improved my overall health.”

KB, Elementary School Teacher