Acupuncture is an ancient modality from Traditional Chinese Medicine, a holistic wellness system that has been used for over 3,000 years. Acupuncturists 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 at The NOW is a regulated modality that meets all FDA standards. Sterile, nontoxic, and single use needles are provided by licensed practitioners. All licensed practitioners are all carefully chosen and trained with degrees in Chinese Medicine and Clean Needle Technique. Minimal risk of complications is involved when proper needling practices are in place.

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.

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.

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.

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 is great for muscle tension, pain and detox support. Other benefits of cupping that we love include:

• Lymphatic Drainage
• Immune System Support 
• Clears Toxins
• Boosts Metabolism
• Increases Blood Oxygen
• Improves Fascial Fluid Dynamics
• Supports Cellular Regeneration 
• Improves Blood Circulation 
• 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.

Acupuncture is safe for women breastfeeding. Cupping can be beneficial to increase breastfeeding but guests should confirm and get approval from OBGYN, due to its detox effects, it might be unwarranted for any women with high toxic loads to limit it going into circulation.

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