Practitioner using a tool called a teishin on a patient's back

Japanese Acupuncture

Japanese style acupuncture, often characterized by a gentle, minimalist approach, emphasizes a deep understanding of the body's energy pathways, or meridians. Practitioners focus on achieving balance and harmony by using fine needles inserted at specific points, often with minimal discomfort. Techniques may include palpation to assess energy flow and tension, allowing for a personalized treatment experience. The overall aim is to promote both physical and emotional well-being, making it a holistic method of care that has gained popularity worldwide.

What can acupuncture help with?

Acupuncture helps to bring our bodies back into balance. It works with our nervous system and helps takes us out of fight or flight and into rest and digest. Acupuncture can help with a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, stress, anxiety, and digestive issues. It is often used to alleviate symptoms associated with migraines, insomnia, and even certain hormonal imbalances. Many individuals find relief from musculoskeletal problems, such as back pain and arthritis, through targeted acupuncture treatments. Additionally, it enhances overall well-being by promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality. As a whole body, holistic approach, acupuncture addresses not only physical ailments but also supports mental and emotional health.

  • Pain

  • Digestion

  • Fertility challenges

  • Anxiety and depression

  • Neuropathy

  • TMJ

  • Insomnia

  • Migraines

  • Autoimmune disorders

  • Allergies

  • Women’s health

  • Stress

Practitoner is wearing an orange dress, and you see her hands performing tui na on a patient.

Katie LeClair L.Ac

has a background in fine arts and office administration before she embarked on her journey to becoming a licensed acupuncturist. She spent 3 years at NESA studying Traditional Chinese Medicine, biomedicine and anatomy. She has a passion for helping others and her dream is to provide her community with the benefits of acupuncture.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three daughters. She loves board games, walks in nature, painting and ceramics.

FAQs

  • The practitioner will ask you questions pertaining to your health. Sometimes the questions seem obscure, but we look at the body as a whole, connected system. We will take your pulse on both arms because we are looking at rate, quality, in 6 different positions and depths and that gives us an idea of what is happening within the body. We will also palpate your abdomen, looking for temperature and texture changes, as well as pressure and tension. We will then determine the pattern of needle placement in the body. Typically the needles are in the hands, feet, and ears, however that’s not always the case. Once the needles are placed, you can expect to relax with them for about 20-30 minutes. After that time, the practitioner will come back into the room, remove the current needles, and have the patient turn over to put a few needles in the back for about 10 minutes. After a treatment, often times the patient will feel a sense of relaxation, improved digestion, and a decrease in pain.

  • If it is your first appointment with LeClair Acupucture, you want to make sure all your new patient paperwork is filled out, or come in 20 minutes early. You want to make sure that you have eaten recently and stayed hydrated. Wearing loose clothing is recommended as we need be able to get up to your elbows and knees. Under no circumstances will a patient under the influence of drugs or alcohol be treated.

  • Japanese treatments typically work for 10-14 days. You may need to come in more frequently if you’re coming in for an issue with acute pain. Acupuncture works as an accumulative treatment, and patient’s typically see significant changes within 3-4 visits.

  • Acupuncture should not hurt. You should be able to easily relax with the needles in. If a needle is a little pinchy, it will be adjusted. Our needles are very fine, about the width of a single strand of hair. Accommodations can be made if someone has an aversion to needles.

  • Yes! Children younger than 7 years old will not get treated with needles but instead with magnets, shoni shin tools (tools that does not penetrate the skin) and tui na (massage). Acupuncture for children is great for digestion, mood, and sleep challenges.