Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine that involves inserting acupuncture needles into the skin at specific points on the body to achieve a therapeutic effect.
The magic of acupuncture is that it is virtually painless.
Acupuncture
Dr. Kimberly Brown is an amazing holistic healer. With acupuncture she has relieved my sciatic pain that has plagued me for years now. She has also helped with my tendonitis and the general pains I have due to a stressful lifestyle. An hour with her twice a month makes all aspects of my life more bearable and much less pain free. I highly recommend her for anyone wanting to try acupuncture or if they have reached a point where traditional medicine is no longer helping them.
Michelle sought out acupuncture to help her sciatic pain and found that it helped in other ways too! Great for pain relief, but acupuncture also relieves stress, improves sleep, and boosts mental clarity and energy. Many people, like Michelle, report a feeling of deep relaxation during and after the treatment.
Our Approach
Our approach at San Jose Integrative Medicine is unique because we are able to offer naturopathic and medical massage in addition to acupuncture. Our holistic approach helps our patients feel their best!
Dr. Kimberly Brown ND, LAc is both a licensed naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist. She is able to provide both a western and eastern approach for her patients. For some patients, Dr. Brown ND recommends medical massage which is provided by Helena Reinken CMT.
Common complaints that we treat successfully are the following:
Pain Conditions:
Migraines
Neck Pain
Low Back Pain
Thoracic (mid back) Pain
Shoulder Pain
Sciatica
Arthritis
Bursitis
Hip Pain
Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow
Hand Pain
Plantar Fasciitis
Fibromyalgia
TMJ (jaw pain)
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Shingles
Nerve Pain
Other Conditions:
Nausea
Weight Loss
Menopause. Reduces frequency and intensity of hot flashes
Insomnia
Fatigue & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Irregular Periods
Anxiety, Depression, & PMS
Stress & Adrenal Dysfunction/Fatigue
Infertility
Morning Sickness in Pregnancy
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
High Blood Pressure
Hayfever & Allergies
Sinus Pressure
Bell’s Palsy
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Yes. Dr. Kimberly Brown ND, LAc is a licensed acupuncturist. She is well trained, holds a Masters in acupuncture, a doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and has been helping her patients with acupuncture for over 10 years.
At San Jose Integrative Medicine, we only use sterile, one time use disposable needles. After each appointment, the needles are disposed of and never used again.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Most people do not even feel the needles. The needles are very thin, as thin as a strand of hair. Unlike hypodermic needles, acupuncture needles are designed to separate tissue rather than tear it apart. As such, acupuncture needles cause none to very little pain.
Want a Treatment But Aren’t Comfortable With Needles?
No needles, no problem. We also offer acupressure, tuning forks, bodywork, massage, and cupping.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture relieves pain by stimulating the immune system, helping to reduce local inflammation, activating trigger points in muscles. Acupuncture also stimulates the body to produce its own pain-relieving chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins interact with hormones, like those related to stress, menopause, mood, and menstrual cycles. This is why acupuncture helps many conditions other than those that are pain related.
Where are the Needles Inserted?
There are over 300 acupuncture points on the human body, so there are a lot of choices. Each of these points have certain actions, and when used in combination with each other, make up an acupuncture “prescription”.
In the words of Dr. Kimberly Brown’s teacher, “When you first learn acupuncture, you will use very few acupuncture points because you do not know the points. When you learn more, you will use too many acupuncture points because you have not mastered the points. When you master all the acupuncture points, you will use only a few points because then you know the points.” Suffice to say, an acupuncture treatment does not require many needles.
What is Qi?
Qi (pronounced chee) is the energy of the body. Acupuncture restores the flow of qi. It’s believed that the flow of the qi must be free. If impeded or stuck, it leads to poor health and disease.
Can a Healthy Person Benefit From Acupuncture?
Absolutely! Acupuncture is also often used as a preventative medicine. A few of our patients have reported that their acupuncture treatment prevented the worsening of a cold or progression to bronchitis.
Depending on your lifestyle, regular weekly or monthly treatments can keep both body and mind in balance. Many people see their acupuncturist only 2-4 times a year for a “tune up” or “balancing” treatment. This can prevent disease and promote health, energy and vitality.
Your Acupuncture Appointment at San Jose Integrative Medicine
First appointments are typically 60 to 90 minutes. A full history and brief physical exam are performed. The acupuncture treatment is 30 to 45 minutes depending upon the individual. Most treatments are given on a massage table but if you are not able to lay down, you can receive acupuncture sitting in a chair. All treatments take place in private, serene rooms, ensuring privacy and a relaxing atmosphere.
The number of treatments required depends on the individual and the condition being treated. For acute problems, only a few treatments may be required. In some cases, one treatment is enough. For complex or long-standing conditions, one or two treatments per week for several weeks may be recommended.
If you would like to learn more, give us a call at 408-357-3422 or request a complimentary phone consultation.