Welcome to The
Acupuncture + Cupping Residency
A Traditional Chinese Medicine technique that targets specific energetic points to support the body in obtaining optimal health.
Acupuncture FAQs
Acupuncture is an ancient modality from Traditional Chinese Medicine, a holistic wellness system that has been used for over 3,000 years. Acupuncturist’s insert thin, single-use sterile needles into specific energetic points to support the body in obtaining optimal health. The needles help the body regulate all chemical signals to create a state of balance – the state we are intended to live in!
Research has shown that acupuncture has an adaptogenic effect on the body – it restores a state of balance. At the time of needle insertion, the needle creates an energetic shift on the fascia. This signals to the nervous system to create a chemical response to the body to upregulate or downregulate whatever the body is in need of to express balance. If there is pain, the body will release its natural painkiller chemicals to provide relief. If there is tension, the body will create a chemical shift to relax.
Acupuncture at The NOW is intended to create a state of relaxation. At the time of needle insertion, you can expect a light pinch, sting, and/or ache immediately followed by a sensation of gentle pressure, tingling, warmth, tightness and/or heaviness. Most people feel calm, relaxed and some even sleep during treatment.
Acupuncture’s adaptogenic effects on the body provide many benefits! Some of the most notable that we absolutely love at The NOW include:
- Pain Relief
- Stress Reduction
- Releasing of Muscle Tension
- Increased Parasympathetic State (rest/repair state)
- Immune System Benefits
- Improvement of Blood Flow and Circulation
- Reduction of Inflammation
- Support of Athletic Recovery
Acupuncture is a fairly safe practice with minimal risks. Complications present when improper needling practices are carried out. Acupuncture at The NOW is up to FDA standards – sterile, nontoxic, and single use needles provided only by licensed practitioners. Acupuncture at The NOW is a safe and regulated modality carried out with the highest standards when it comes to safety.
During treatment, guests experience slight tingling, sleep, deep relaxation, warmth, electrical sensations, muscle relaxation, sensation of floating, emotional releases, intense sensations that come and go at needling site, shifts in spatial awareness. The deeply relaxed state that guests experience during acupuncture is how we are intended to live in the now.
Most guests report feeling relaxed, calm, and grounded after treatment. Some soreness and/or light bruising may occur but will subside within a couple of days of treatment. Slight bleeding may also present but will subside within minutes of treatment. Cupping marks are common and expected and may last up to 8 days. People experience a state of relaxation after treatment similar to a state of zen floating on clouds.Â
Relaxed and loose clothing is best for treatment. The acupuncturist will inform you at the time of treatment what articles of clothing need to be removed for needle & cup placement and for your own comfort!
For your first month of Acupuncture + Cupping treatment we suggest weekly visits for optimum results. Moving forward, making acupuncture a part of your wellness routine with monthly appointments is the ideal way to harness its effects.
Because acupuncture is a relaxing and balancing experience, it is recommended to limit high intensity activity after. The longer we can exist in a state of relaxation, the greater benefits we can reap.
Either works! There are benefits to both options- having a massage before acupuncture helps the muscles relax, making the body more receptive to the needles. Choosing to follow acupuncture with a massage supports the body in releasing muscular holding patterns (or soreness) and retaining a calm, parasympathetic state.
No, in accordance with California law, all acupuncturists providing services through The NOW are independent, duly licensed acupuncturists. The NOW provides them with space at its locations, but acupuncturists are providing their services independently and not supervised by The NOW.
Cupping FAQs
Cupping is a traditional Chinese medicine healing approach that creates a negative pressure system within the body to support healthy fluid circulation. At The NOW, we use plastic cups and a gun to apply stationary cups on the back.Â
Cupping feels like the opposite sensation of a massage – there is a sensation of suction. Guests find that cupping makes them feel relaxed and calm, releasing pressure on the body! The cupping marks created during treatment are indicative of how well blood, lymphatic and fascial fluids are circulating in your body. These may last up to 8 days but typically resolve within a few days. The lighter the marks, the quicker they will fade. Although they do have the same appearance of a bruise they don’t hurt at all and we just love them at The NOW – the mark of a true wellness connoisseur!
Cupping is great for muscle tension, pain and detox support. Other benefits of cupping that we love include:
- Lymphatic Drainage
- Immune System SupportÂ
- Clears Toxins
- Boosts Metabolism
- Increases Blood Oxygen
- Improves Fascial Fluid Dynamics
- Supports Cellular RegenerationÂ
- Improves Blood CirculationÂ
- Supports Athletic Recovery
You definitely can and it is highly encouraged – the more time your body is in a relaxed state, the easier the pregnancy will be. Just ensure that you inform the acupuncturist of your pregnancy so that they provide you with an appropriate and comfortable treatment.
*Disclaimer: All information provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be considered to be medical advice, diagnosis or recommendation. We make no claim of health benefits or to cure or prevent disease. There are no promises or guarantees of results. Please consult with your physician or other healthcare professional before utilizing any product or service available through this website or receiving any treatment.
