Our Services:
Our treatments are rooted in the five pillars of Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM), a complete system of natural healing that includes:
Acupuncture
Herbal medicine
Manual therapies such as cupping, gua sha, and tuina
Nutrition therapy, using food as medicine
Therapeutic exercise, including Tai Chi and Qi Gong
Acupuncture
The insertion of hair-thin sterile needles into specific points on the body is known as acupuncture. This treatment stimulates a strong anti-inflammatory response and increases blood flow to injured or compromised tissues, muscles, joints, and organs. Research shows that the body releases endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine during acupuncture, while also supporting healthy immune function. In simple terms, acupuncture helps activate the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
Although acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years, it remains highly effective for many modern health conditions. Treatments at Acorn Acupuncture are safe, relaxing, and provided by board-certified, licensed acupuncturists in a calm, comfortable, and professional environment.
Tuina Massage
Tuina is a form of traditional Chinese medical massage that uses pressure along the acupuncture meridians to promote healing, improve circulation, and relieve pain. Tuina therapy is invigorating and works on both the muscles and the internal systems of the body using techniques such as rocking, kneading, scrubbing, plucking, and tapping.
Tuina is taught as part of formal training in Chinese Medicine, and many licensed acupuncturists use it to enhance the effects of acupuncture treatment.
Cupping
Cupping is a manual therapy often used to relieve pain, improve circulation, and reduce muscle tension. It became widely recognized during the 2016 Olympics when swimmer Michael Phelps competed for Team USA with visible cupping marks on his shoulders. Today, many professional athletes and performers use cupping to help with muscle recovery, strain, and overall physical performance.
In addition to treating muscle and joint pain, cupping is also used in East Asian Medicine to support lung and immune function. It is commonly used for cough, congestion, and respiratory conditions, and has long been used worldwide for both adults and children.
Guasha
Gua sha has gained recent popularity for facial lifting and smoothing, however it has been used to break down painful adhesions, knots, and sore muscles for thousands of years. It is classically performed with a tool like Chinese soup spoon or a flat piece of jade that is “scraped” along sore muscles or scar tissue to create therapeutic inflammation. Dr Jill says that just like cupping “it feels better than it looks!”
Herbal Medicine
Licensed acupuncturists complete years of training at accredited schools, earning a Master’s or Doctorate in Acupuncture or East Asian Medicine, and must pass national board examinations. At Acorn Acupuncture, we often recommend herbal medicine as part of your treatment plan when appropriate.
We carry only high-quality, professional-grade herbal formulas that we trust and use ourselves. Herbal therapy can be combined with acupuncture or used as a stand-alone treatment, and herbal consultations may be scheduled even if you are not receiving acupuncture.
Nutrition
TEAM recognizes the importance of five flavors: sour, salty, sweet, pungent (spicy), and bitter. Balance among these flavors is considered essential for good health, and each flavor is associated with a different organ system in the body. Food cravings can sometimes give your practitioner insight into areas of imbalance.
Your acupuncturist can provide individualized TEAM dietary recommendations to help support healing and restore balance.
Exercise
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), therapeutic exercise often includes Tai Chi and Qi Gong. Many healing traditions recognize that gentle, regular movement can help prevent pain and stiffness while supporting both physical and mental well-being.
Tai Chi and Qi Gong are especially valued because they combine slow movement, breathing, and meditation to improve circulation, reduce stress, and nourish the body’s energy. Try it! You may be surprised when your cold hands become warm and relaxed during practice.