Acupuncture is a time-tested, holistic healing medicine that involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body to activate the body’s natural healing response. These points are chosen based on traditional Chinese medicine principles and modern clinical understanding to restore balance, relieve symptoms, and improve overall health.

Used for thousands of years in China and throughout Asia, acupuncture is now one of the most widely used forms of complementary medicine in the United States. It has been shown to be effective for a wide range of conditions, including acute and chronic pain, arthritis, sport’s injuries, autoimmune disorders, digestive issues, sinus and respiratory issues, allergies, hormonal and gynecological concerns, stress, anxiety, insomnia, and even support for addiction recovery. When performed by a fully trained and licensed acupuncturist – like Dr. Jennifer Dabu, DACM at DoAcupuncture – acupuncture is a safe, natural, effective, and highly personalized approach to healing.

Most patients are surprised by how comfortable acupuncture feels. The needles we use at DoAcupuncture are extremely thin – so much so that 12 to 24 can fit inside the tip of one standard medical needle used for injections or blood draws. They are inserted gently and at a shallow depth, often causing little to no discomfort at all.

Many people don’t feel the needles going in, and if they do, it’s typically a mild, momentary sensation. Once the acupuncture needles are in place, most patients feel deeply relaxed – some even fall asleep during their treatment. Acupuncture is designed to be a calming and restorative experience, and most patients leave their sessions feeling lighter, more balanced, and refreshed.

• Pain

• Arthritis, Bursitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Concussion, Elbow Pain, Fibromyalgia, Gout, Headaches, Hip Pain, Knee Pain, Low Back Pain, Migraines, Neck Pain, Peripheral Neuropathy, Pinched Nerves, Plantar Fasciitis, Sciatica, Shoulder Pain, Sports Injuries, Stenosis, TMJ Pain

• Autoimmune

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic Inflammation, Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sjögren’s Syndrome

• Neurological

• Bell’s Palsy, Lyme Disease, Meniere’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease (Symptom Management), Peripheral Neuropathy, Postherpetic Neuralgia (After Shingles), Post-Concussion Syndrome, Restless Leg Syndrome, Stroke Recovery, Vertigo

• Digestion

• Abdominal Pain, Acid Reflux, Bloating, Constipation, Diarrhea, Gas, GERD, IBS, Nausea, Sugar Cravings, Vomiting, Ulcers

• Stress

• Acne, Anxiety, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Dizziness, Eczema/Psoriasis, Emotional Distress, Heart Palpitations, Hives, Itchy Skin, Smoking Cessation, Sugar Cravings, Trouble Sleeping, Vertigo

• Respiratory

• Allergies, Asthma, Common Cold, Ear Infections, Flu, Hay Fever, Long COVID, Post-Nasal Drip, Sinus Congestion, Sinus Headaches, Sinus Infections, Sore Throat, Tonsillitis

• Women’s Health

• Cysts, Endometriosis, Fibroids, Hot Flashes, Incontinence, Irregular Periods, Menopause, Menstrual Cramps, Menstrual Migraines, Night Sweats, PMS, Yeast Infections

To read more information on the controlled clinical trials the NIH (National Institution of Health) conducted on the effectiveness of acupuncture on certain conditions, please click here.

• Acupuncture Stimulates and Balances Immune Function.

• By enhancing your immune system, acupuncture helps strengthen your body’s natural defenses against bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. It also supports the regulation of autoimmune conditions and helps reduce chronic inflammation while promoting healing and recovery from issues like muscle strain and tendonitis.

• Acupuncture Stimulates the Release of Endorphins.

• Acupuncture triggers the release of endorphins, your body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals, which can be up to 10 times stronger than morphine. The effect is so profound that acupuncture has been used as a form of anesthesia for surgery in China. By activating these natural chemicals, acupuncture not only relieves pain but also promotes a deep sense of relaxation and overall well-being that many of our patients feel during and after their treatments.

• Acupuncture Regulates Neurotransmitter Levels, Like Serotonin and Norepinephrine.

• These important brain chemicals act as natural mood stabilizers, playing a key role in managing mood and supporting emotional imbalance. By encouraging the body to regulate these neurotransmitters naturally, acupuncture can help relieve symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and even reduce addictive behaviors or help with appetite control. Unlike medications that may cause side effects or rely on daily use, acupuncture works with your body’s own systems to restore balance gently and holistically – often with long-term benefits and fewer risks.

• Acupuncture Regulates Pituitary, Thyroid, Pancreatic and Adrenal Function.

• Acupuncture gently helps regulate key glands like the pituitary, thyroid, pancreas, and adrenals – your body’s hormonal powerhouses. By encouraging these systems to function at their optimal levels, it supports more efficient metabolism, healthier cholesterol and fat processing, improved energy, and better weight regulation. For many patients, this means feeling more in control of their health – with fewer highs and lows.

• Acupuncture Promotes Blood Circulation.

• One of the key benefits of acupuncture is its ability to enhance circulation throughout the body. It encourages blood vessels to dilate and constrict as needed and improves microcirculation – allowing more oxygen, blood, nutrients, and immune cells to reach the tissues that need healing. Improved circulation helps reduce muscle tension, flush out inflammation-causing waste products like lactic acid, and speed up the repair of injured or strained tissue. It also supports better skin tone, nerve function, and even cardiovascular health. For patients, this often means faster recovery, less pain, improved mobility, and a greater sense of vitality overall.

Yes, absolutely. At DoAcupuncture, your safety is our top priority. We only use single-use, sterile, and disposable acupuncture needles. Each needle is individually packaged, used once, and then safely discarded to eliminate any risk of contamination or infection.

In 1996, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified acupuncture needles as medical devices, subject to strict quality control and safety standards – further ensuring their cleanliness and reliability in clinical use.

Acupuncture is extremely safe when performed by a licensed and properly trained practitioner, like Dr. Jennifer Dabu, DACM at DoAcupuncture. Serious side effects are rare. The most common minor effects include slight bruising, temporary soreness, or light bleeding at the needle site, all of which typically resolve on their own within a day or two.

That said, many of the “side effects” our patients experience are actually positive. These can include deep relaxation, better sleep, improved digestion, a clearer mind, reduced anxiety, and an overall sense of calm and well-being. Some even feel an immediate boost in energy and mood after treatment.

Acupuncture is safe for most people, including children, older adults, and during pregnancy. During your new patient consultation, Dr. Jennifer Dabu, DACM will carefully review your health history and goals to ensure your treatment is both safe and personalized to your needs.

Preparing for your acupuncture treatment at DoAcupuncture is simple and a few small steps can help you feel more comfortable and get the best results:

Complete any necessary paperwork online ahead of time – or arrive early to fill out your forms in a relaxed, unhurried way. A link to your medical intake forms will be sent to your email address on file.

Eat a light meal or snack beforehand. This helps keep your energy stable and allows your body to respond better to acupuncture.
For your safety and the effectiveness of treatment, we cannot provide acupuncture to patients who are under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing so we can easily access areas like your arms, legs, or back as needed. If your clothes do not allow access to necessary acupuncture points, then a towel or gown will be provided for you to change into.
There is no downtime after acupuncture. Most patients leave feeling relaxed, centered, and often more energized. You can return to your normal daily routine right away, although we recommend taking it easy and enjoying the after-effects whenever possible.

Your first acupuncture session will usually last about 60 to 90 minutes and follow-up visits typically last about 45 to 60 minutes. When you come in for your initial appointment and new patient consultation, you will have a chance to sit down with Dr. Jennifer Dabu, DACM, to discuss your health concerns and healthcare goals. She will take the time to listen carefully and conduct a thorough assessment and medical history to better understand your individual needs .

From there, Dr. Dabu will create a personalized treatment plan just for you. This plan will outline the estimated number of sessions, treatment frequency, complementary therapies that may be used, and lifestyle or dietary changes to support your long-term healing and goals.

During treatment, usually 10 to 20 strategic acupuncture points are used, mostly located below the elbows and knees. Depending on your needs, points on the scalp, ears, face, back, or abdomen may also be included. The needles stay in place for about 30 minutes while you relax comfortably on the treatment table, often with dimmed lighting or with the lights off. Many patients find this time so relaxing that they even drift off to sleep.

Most people start to feel relief—sometimes as much as 25% to 100%—even during their very first session. With ongoing treatments and following your personalized treatment plan, many experience lasting benefits that can last for months, years, or even a lifetime.

At DoAcupuncture, we accept a variety of payment methods for your convenience, including cash, checks, credit and all major credit cards. We also accept HSA and Flex Spending cards.

Yes! At DoAcupuncture, you can pay with your HSA, Flex Spending Account (FSA), or any other eligible healthcare cards to pay for your treatments.