Acupuncture
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine, hair-thin sterile needles into specific points on the body to encourage communication and healthy flow between the body’s systems. These points may be located near an area of injury or along pathways called meridians, which are networks that have been used in traditional East Asian medicine for thousands of years to support healing, restore balance, and help prevent disease.
Modern research has shown that acupuncture influences many of the body’s major systems, including the nervous, cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine, and immune systems. By gently stimulating these systems, acupuncture can help reduce pain, improve sleep and digestion, regulate immune function, and support an overall sense of balance and well-being.
Acupuncture treatments are whole-body treatments that are tailored to your individual needs. Depending on the condition being addressed, sessions may include techniques such as electroacupuncture (e-stim), auricular acupuncture (ear acupuncture), or cosmetic acupuncture. Treatments may also be combined with bodywork, herbal medicine, and nutrition or lifestyle guidance when appropriate.
What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?
Many people are surprised by how gentle acupuncture feels. The needles used are extremely thin—about the width of a human hair—and are very different from the needles used for injections. When a needle is inserted, you may feel a brief sensation such as warmth, heaviness, tingling, or a mild dull ache. These sensations are normal and often indicate that the body is responding to the treatment.
Most people quickly relax once the needles are in place. Treatments typically last 20–40 minutes, and it is common to feel deeply calm during this time. Some people meditate, some rest or nap, and others simply enjoy the quiet pause in their day.
After treatment, many people report feeling more relaxed, clear-headed, and balanced.
Electro-Acupuncture
E-stim is electric stimulation of the needles via a machine that passes a small current through cables (similar to miniature jumper cables). This activates sympathetic nerve fibers, releases endorphins, and reduces inflammation. Blood flow is increased, pain is relieved, and circulation is optimized.
Auriculotherapy
Auriculotherapy is acupuncture applied to the ears. The ear is seen as a microsystem representing the entire body. Points on the ear can be stimulated by tiny needles or Vaccaria seeds taped into place to extend the treatment. This method can be used to treat chronic pain such as low back pain or sciatica, neurological conditions, insomnia, anxiety, and addictions.
Cosmetic Acupuncture
Cosmetic acupuncture is acupuncture applied mainly to the face and scalp to increase circulation and collagen production, and produce a radiant and even complexion. Points used are along meridians and in areas of muscular tension that may present as fine lines, discoloration, puffiness, dry skin, or acne. A full body treatment is included to address the root cause of the disharmony leading to the issue. While you may see immediate results, 6 to 12 treatments is the recommended course.
Now Offering Community acupuncture!
What is Community Acupuncture?
Community acupuncture is rooted in the idea that healing is not something we have to do alone.
In this setting, several people receive acupuncture together in a quiet room of comfortable reclining chairs. The space becomes still and peaceful as each person settles into their own experience of rest and restoration.
Treatments focus on acupuncture points on the arms, legs, head, and ears so that you can remain fully clothed. The simplicity of this approach allows care to be offered at a lower cost while making it easier to receive acupuncture more consistently.
At Confluence Healing, community acupuncture is offered as a place to pause, breathe, and come back into balance—both individually and together.
When is it available?
Community acupuncture is currently offered Saturday afternoons from 3–6 PM. As this offering grows, the schedule may evolve and we may adjust the hours, add additional times, or include another day based on what works best for the community.
Generally, four people can reserve per hour, so please reserve your spot ahead of time. If you’d like to come with a friend, simply book two spots in the same time slot and arrive together.
Cost?
Sessions are $40, with the intention of making this medicine more accessible to the community and making more consistent treatment an option. Payment can be made in cash at check-in or online using the card used to reserve your appointment.
What to expect
When you arrive, you’ll check in, complete a short intake form, and settle into the space. Community acupuncture takes place in a quiet room with comfortable reclining chairs where several people receive treatment at the same time. Once you’re seated, I’ll come by to briefly check in with you and place acupuncture needles on points on the arms, legs, head, or ears while you remain fully clothed. After the needles are in place, you’ll have time to rest quietly while the treatment works. Most people relax deeply during this time—some meditate, some nap, and some simply enjoy the stillness. When your treatment is complete, the needles are gently removed and you’re welcome to slowly transition back into your day.
Please wear loose clothing that can roll up to the elbows and knees, speak in soft voices, and silence your phone to help maintain the calm atmosphere of the room.
Community vs. One on One Sessions
Both community acupuncture and private one-on-one sessions offer meaningful ways to receive care, each with their own benefits. Community acupuncture takes place in a shared, quiet space where several people receive treatment at the same time. This model allows sessions to be more affordable and makes it easier for many people to receive acupuncture regularly, while the collective calm of the room can deepen relaxation. Private sessions, on the other hand, allow for more time together and may include a wider range of techniques such as bodywork, cupping, moxibustion, or more detailed consultation. Many people find value in both styles—using community acupuncture for consistent support and private sessions when a more individualized or in-depth treatment is desired.
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Ready to schedule an appointment? Have a question about our services? Contact us today and we'll be happy to help.