TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE

Acupuncture
that treats the
whole person

Thousands of years of clinical wisdom, now supported by a growing body of modern research. At Acupuncture with Cassandra, it starts with truly listening to you.

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?

Ancient medicine,
modern understanding

Acupuncture involves the precise placement of fine, sterile needles at specific points on the body to stimulate the nervous system, promote circulation, reduce inflammation, and restore the body's natural regulatory balance.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this is understood as the movement of qi — the vital energy that flows through the body's meridians. When qi flows freely and the body is in balance, health follows naturally. When it is blocked, stagnant, deficient, or in excess, disharmony and illness emerge.

Modern science increasingly supports what practitioners have observed for millennia: acupuncture induces lasting changes in both the central and peripheral nervous systems, modulates the immune response, and activates the body's own pain-relieving and healing mechanisms.

THE SCIENCE AND THE ART

How acupuncture works

01

Nervous system regulation

Needle stimulation at specific points activates the peripheral nervous system, triggering signals that travel to the brain and spinal cord — reducing pain perception, calming the stress response, and promoting the release of the body's natural analgesics.

02

Circulation and inflammation

Acupuncture increases local and systemic blood flow, bringing oxygen and nutrients to tissues while helping to clear inflammatory mediators — supporting faster healing in acute injuries and reducing chronic inflammation patterns.

03

Qi and meridian theory

In TCM, the body's vital force — qi — flows through a network of meridians connecting every organ system. Acupuncture needles placed along these pathways restore the free flow of qi, addressing the root cause of imbalance rather than its surface expression. Modern science is beginning to offer an anatomical explanation: researchers have identified the interstitium — a fluid-filled network woven through the body's connective tissue — and studies suggest acupuncture points cluster precisely where interstitial fluid flows most freely, with tracer dyes following meridian paths through this network. Ancient mapping, modern confirmation.

04

Whole-person treatment

No two treatments at Acupuncture with Cassandra are identical. Each protocol is built from a full intake — your symptoms, your history, your constitution, and your goals — and evolves with you as your body responds and heals.

What acupuncture addresses

Acupuncture is one of the most versatile therapies in integrative medicine. People come for a single concern and often find that multiple aspects of their health improve together.

Pain & musculoskeletal

Chronic back and neck pain, joint pain, headaches and migraines, sports injuries, sciatica, arthritis, and post-surgical recovery.

Stress, anxiety & sleep

Anxiety, depression, chronic stress, insomnia, and burnout — acupuncture calms the nervous system and restores the body's natural rhythms.

Hormonal & reproductive health

Menstrual irregularity, PMS, perimenopause, fertility support, PCOS, and endometriosis — addressing hormonal patterns at the root.

Digestive health

IBS, bloating, acid reflux, constipation, and nausea — TCM views the digestive system as central to overall health and vitality.

Immune support

Frequent illness, allergies, autoimmune conditions, and long COVID — strengthening the body's defensive qi and regulatory capacity.

Integrative cancer care

Acupuncture plays a meaningful role in managing treatment side effects including nausea, fatigue, neuropathy, and pain — improving quality of life alongside conventional care.

SPECIALIZED TRAINING

MEP Orthopedic
Needling

In addition to Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncture, Cassandra is trained in MEP Orthopedic Needling in the Matt Callison style — a sophisticated, anatomy-informed approach that targets motor points, trigger points, and neurofunctional pathways to address musculoskeletal pain and movement dysfunction.

Where TCM acupuncture treats the whole person through meridian theory, orthopedic needling works with precise anatomical targets — the two approaches complement each other beautifully and are often woven together within a single session.

✦ Motor point needling ✦ Neurofunctional anatomy ✦ Movement assessment ✦ Sports & injury recovery

What to expect

01

Intake & listening

Your first session begins with a thorough intake — health history, current concerns, lifestyle, diet, sleep, and emotional wellbeing. There will be questions in the intake that make no sense to you, but just know that they help us as practitioners make a much stronger assessment of your underlying conditions and patterns.

02

TCM assessment

Pulse and tongue diagnosis help Cassandra understand your underlying TCM pattern — the root from which your symptoms grow — informing every point selection.

03

Treatment

Fine, sterile (single-use) needles are placed, and you rest for 20–30 minutes. Many clients feel deeply relaxed or fall asleep. Cupping, gua sha, or moxa may be incorporated.

04

Ongoing care

Cassandra will recommend a treatment frequency based on your goals. Acute conditions often respond in a few sessions; chronic patterns typically benefit from a longer series.

COMMON QUESTIONS

What people ask

Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine — much thinner than a hypodermic needle. Most clients feel little to no discomfort at insertion. You may feel a brief sensation of pressure, warmth, or a dull ache as qi arrives at the point. We call this “De Qi” — this is normal and typically passes quickly. If you experience any pain that lingers for more than a couple minutes, please let Cassandra know.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on your condition and how long you've had it. Acute issues may respond in 3–6 sessions. Chronic conditions often benefit from a longer series of 8–12 sessions, after which a maintenance schedule is recommended. Cassandra will give you an honest assessment at your first visit.

Is it safe?

Yes. Acupuncture has an excellent safety profile when performed by a licensed practitioner. Cassandra maintains Clean Needle Technique certification and uses only single-use, sterile needles. Serious adverse events are extremely rare.

Can I combine acupuncture with other treatments?

Absolutely. Acupuncture integrates beautifully with conventional medical care, physical therapy, chiropractic, and other wellness therapies. It can also be combined with cupping, gua sha, and moxibustion within the same session for an enhanced treatment.

Does insurance cover acupuncture?

Coverage varies by plan. Many insurance plans now cover acupuncture for certain conditions — particularly pain management. Cassandra can provide a superbill for you to submit for potential reimbursement but is not contracted with insurance companies. Check with your provider for your specific benefits.

What should I do before my appointment?

Eat a light meal 1–2 hours before your session (not on an empty stomach), wear comfortable, loose clothing, and avoid caffeine and alcohol beforehand. If you cannot wear loose clothing, a gown can be provided. Plan to rest or take it easy afterward — your body will be in healing mode.

Ready to feel
like yourself again?

Whether you're managing chronic pain, navigating stress, or simply ready to invest in your health — Cassandra is here to help. Book your first session today.

CONDITIONS TREATED

2,500+

Years of continuous clinical practice across Asia, now supported by a growing body of peer-reviewed Western research

14+

Conditions for which high to moderate certainty evidence supports acupuncture's efficacy, including chronic and acute pain, migraines, and more

12 mo

Duration of lasting benefit seen in a 2025 study of acupuncture for chronic lower back pain in older adults — outperforming standard care at every follow-up point