Acupuncture
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient healing art that originated in China 3,000 - 5,000 years ago. It involves the placement of thin needles through the skin at defined locations that induce a change in the body’s natural healing and pain relief mechanisms.
What is Acupuncture? Is it different from ordinary acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the term used to describe acupuncture performed by a physician trained and licensed in Western medicine who has also had thorough training in acupuncture as a specialty practice. Such a doctor can use one or the other approach, or a combination of both as the need arises, to treat an illness.
Acupuncture FAQ's
The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up in others.
The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body’s internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians.
The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body’s own internal regulating system. The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.
While acupuncture is often associated with pain control, in the hands of a well-trained practitioner it has much broader applications. Acupuncture can be effective as the only treatment used, or as the support or adjunct to other medical treatment forms in many medical and surgical disorders. The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems, including:
- Neurological and muscular disorders: headaches, neck pain, frozen shoulder, osteoarthritis.
- Digestive disorders: gastritis and hyperacidity, spastic colon, constipation, diarrhea.
- Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, recurrent chest infections.
- Urinary, menstrual, and reproductive problems.
- Acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension, stress and emotional conditions.
The number of treatments is different from person to person. In general, the longer a condition has been present and the more complex a patient’s medical condition, the longer the course of treatment will need to be.
Patient visits are usually scheduled once a week, although two or three visits per week may be necessary. Visits may be scheduled every two or three weeks as patient conditions improve. Patients with chronic pain typically require maintenance treatments at four, six or eight-week intervals, depending on their response to treatment.
Usually not. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to take place. Often the original symptoms worsen for a few days, or other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or emotional state may be triggered. These should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work. It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These pass within a short time, and never require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome. Because we use disposable needles, there is no risk of infection from the treatments.
People experience acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted; some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt. Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid and are made from stainless steel. The point is smooth (not hollow with cutting edges like a hypodermic needle) and insertion through the skin is not as painful as injections or blood sampling. The risk of bruising and skin irritation is less than when using a hollow needle.
Schedule an Acupuncture Visit
New Patients, please contact us directly to schedule your initial appointment.
Schedule an Acupuncture Visit
New Patients, please contact us directly to schedule your initial appointment.
Patient Testimonials
“Dr. Larsh always goes above and beyond the status quo for the care of her patients, combining the best holistic-based care with excellent bed-side manner. She is extremely reliable and knowledgeable for both acute conditions or general wellness needs. Thank you Dr. Larsh for your top-notch care of myself, my wife, and our two children!”
– S. D., D. D. & M. D.
Testimonial for Lonna Larsh, MD
“Dr Larsh has been my doctor for almost ten years. I actually met her when I was admitted to the hospital by ambulance for diabetic ketoacidosis. She immediately took great care of me. The nurse told me she wanted to know my status every 2 hours throughout the night. After this experience I became Dr Larsh’s regular patient. She has taken care of me with both Conventional Western medicine and Integrative medicine. This is the first doctor I have ever been to whose visits I look forward to. She is also the greatest acupuncturist in the world. Every time I have acupuncture I fall asleep immediately. She cares about the whole patient and is a great listener. I truly trust her with my life, my husband’s life and my son’s life.”
– B. P.
Testimonial for Lonna Larsh, MD
“My family have been patients of Dr. Lonna Larsh for many years. We are blessed to have a doctor like her. Her integrative health care practice reminds me of doctors long ago where care is collaborative and supportive; she listens deeply, takes the time to understand and know me, and personally answers calls and emails the same day! This type of medical practice is a rare gift in these times. She has helped me heal and continues to help me stay balanced and well from some serious health conditions, using both conventional and complimentary medicines. Dr Larsh is a compassionate, kind and talented MD that can help you navigate the “system” and brings her vast knowledge of many different healing systems to her practice. Thank you Dr. Larsh for choosing an ideal medical practice model, for making it affordable and for always being available. I know I would not be this healthy and strong without your care.”
– E. H.
Testimonial for Lonna Larsh, MD
“This was one of the best doctor office experiences I have ever had! I had a terrible sinus infection. Amber was VERY attentive and understanding. She listened to everything I said and took my personal symptoms into consideration without rubber-stamping me with an antibiotic. She is an expert in BOTH traditional and pharmaceutical treatments (a very rare combo in my experience). I am not exaggerating: her recommendations for Chinese remedies have allowed my husband and I to wake up without headaches for the first time in 5 years!!"
– R. C.
Testimonial for Amber Weiss, PA-C, LAc
“Finding a knowledgeable, non-judgmental, available and caring physician these days is a difficult task. Even if physicians want to be all of those things, they are constricted by the way our current healthcare and insurance systems function. Dr. Larsh, with her private practice, is able to provide all of the above and more. Since our family has joined Dr. Larsh’s practice, we have received the best and most attentive care I have ever experienced from a physician. And we have been able to save money by not having to pay for the extra costs of a large physician group. Dr. Larsh is almost always available, and when she is not, she provides alternatives. Dr. Larsh understands the importance of seeing the whole person in her practice and accepting various modalities of care. Our family could not be more happy with her as our family care physician.”
– S. K. J.
Testimonial for Lonna Larsh, MD
“Before seeing Amber, I spent years going to specialists – neurologists, gastroenterologists, rheumatologists – none of whom could figure out why I was always tired and in so much pain. Amber took a detailed history and helped me figure out that gluten was the underlying cause of my migraines, stomach pain, and fatigue. Under her care, I am now 100% gluten-free and nearly 100% pain-free. I am so grateful for her diligent detective work, dietary suggestions, acupuncture, and anti-inflammatory supplements. Thank you Amber!”
– N. W.
Testimonial for Amber Weiss, PA-C, LAc
“Being in Dr. Lonna Larsh’s practice has been a comfort because I know I’m in good hands. Every time I come in, whether it’s a check-up or a concern, I know that I’m related to as a whole person and not an object of care. Lonna asks me pertinent questions about how I’ve been physically and emotionally and considers more factors than just the physical to evaluate before making a plan. When Lonna explains any concerns or a course of action, she explains what’s happening in a way that I can understand that reactivates my enthusiasm for stepping up more in caring for myself. When I leave her office, I feel revitalized, understood, cared for, and always ready to meet a new goal. It’s a blessing to be partners in care with Dr. Lonna Larsh.”
– H. A.
Testimonial for Lonna Larsh, MD
“I have been seeing Dr. Lonna Larsh for 7 years, mostly for acupuncture. I went to her on the advice of my father, who was also seeing her for chronic pain relief. Lonna has been great. I have seen her for acupuncture for chronic pain, but she also advises me on Holistic ways to stay healthy. It’s nice seeing a Doctor that really has the time to listen to what is going on, to help you decide what course of action to take concerning your health.”
– S. P.
Testimonial for Lonna Larsh, MD
“Dr. Larsh always goes above and beyond the status quo for the care of her patients, combining the best holistic-based care with excellent bed-side manner. She is extremely reliable and knowledgeable for both acute conditions or general wellness needs. Thank you Dr. Larsh for your top-notch care of myself, my wife, and our two children!”
– S. D., D. D. & M. D.
Testimonial for Lonna Larsh, MD
“Dr Larsh has been my doctor for almost ten years. I actually met her when I was admitted to the hospital by ambulance for diabetic ketoacidosis. She immediately took great care of me. The nurse told me she wanted to know my status every 2 hours throughout the night. After this experience I became Dr Larsh’s regular patient. She has taken care of me with both Conventional Western medicine and Integrative medicine. This is the first doctor I have ever been to whose visits I look forward to. She is also the greatest acupuncturist in the world. Every time I have acupuncture I fall asleep immediately. She cares about the whole patient and is a great listener. I truly trust her with my life, my husband’s life and my son’s life.”
– B. P.
Testimonial for Lonna Larsh, MD
“My family have been patients of Dr. Lonna Larsh for many years. We are blessed to have a doctor like her. Her integrative health care practice reminds me of doctors long ago where care is collaborative and supportive; she listens deeply, takes the time to understand and know me, and personally answers calls and emails the same day! This type of medical practice is a rare gift in these times. She has helped me heal and continues to help me stay balanced and well from some serious health conditions, using both conventional and complimentary medicines. Dr Larsh is a compassionate, kind and talented MD that can help you navigate the “system” and brings her vast knowledge of many different healing systems to her practice. Thank you Dr. Larsh for choosing an ideal medical practice model, for making it affordable and for always being available. I know I would not be this healthy and strong without your care.”
– E. H.
Testimonial for Lonna Larsh, MD
“This was one of the best doctor office experiences I have ever had! I had a terrible sinus infection. Amber was VERY attentive and understanding. She listened to everything I said and took my personal symptoms into consideration without rubber-stamping me with an antibiotic. She is an expert in BOTH traditional and pharmaceutical treatments (a very rare combo in my experience). I am not exaggerating: her recommendations for Chinese remedies have allowed my husband and I to wake up without headaches for the first time in 5 years!!"
– R. C.
Testimonial for Amber Weiss, PA-C, LAc
“Finding a knowledgeable, non-judgmental, available and caring physician these days is a difficult task. Even if physicians want to be all of those things, they are constricted by the way our current healthcare and insurance systems function. Dr. Larsh, with her private practice, is able to provide all of the above and more. Since our family has joined Dr. Larsh’s practice, we have received the best and most attentive care I have ever experienced from a physician. And we have been able to save money by not having to pay for the extra costs of a large physician group. Dr. Larsh is almost always available, and when she is not, she provides alternatives. Dr. Larsh understands the importance of seeing the whole person in her practice and accepting various modalities of care. Our family could not be more happy with her as our family care physician.”
– S. K. J.
Testimonial for Lonna Larsh, MD
“Before seeing Amber, I spent years going to specialists – neurologists, gastroenterologists, rheumatologists – none of whom could figure out why I was always tired and in so much pain. Amber took a detailed history and helped me figure out that gluten was the underlying cause of my migraines, stomach pain, and fatigue. Under her care, I am now 100% gluten-free and nearly 100% pain-free. I am so grateful for her diligent detective work, dietary suggestions, acupuncture, and anti-inflammatory supplements. Thank you Amber!”
– N. W.
Testimonial for Amber Weiss, PA-C, LAc
“Being in Dr. Lonna Larsh’s practice has been a comfort because I know I’m in good hands. Every time I come in, whether it’s a check-up or a concern, I know that I’m related to as a whole person and not an object of care. Lonna asks me pertinent questions about how I’ve been physically and emotionally and considers more factors than just the physical to evaluate before making a plan. When Lonna explains any concerns or a course of action, she explains what’s happening in a way that I can understand that reactivates my enthusiasm for stepping up more in caring for myself. When I leave her office, I feel revitalized, understood, cared for, and always ready to meet a new goal. It’s a blessing to be partners in care with Dr. Lonna Larsh.”
– H. A.
Testimonial for Lonna Larsh, MD
“I have been seeing Dr. Lonna Larsh for 7 years, mostly for acupuncture. I went to her on the advice of my father, who was also seeing her for chronic pain relief. Lonna has been great. I have seen her for acupuncture for chronic pain, but she also advises me on Holistic ways to stay healthy. It’s nice seeing a Doctor that really has the time to listen to what is going on, to help you decide what course of action to take concerning your health.”