Acupuncture can be effective in treating a range of issues, including cardiovascular, neurological, musculoskeletal, respiratory, gynecological, and psychological disorders. At Nguyen Wellness +Recovery, we specialize in treating general pain, sports injuries, neuropathy, headaches and migraines. However, we often see patients for things like reproductive health issues, digestion issues, general stress, insomnia & sleep issues, cosmetic acupuncture and more. Click here to learn more about acupuncture and what it can be used to treat.

A momentary prick may be felt near the site where the needle is inserted, similar to a bug bite, though some points you may not feel at all. Most of our techniques are gentle and not painful. Depending on the specific treatment being performed, there may be more stimulation or sensation, but the purpose is to reduce the overall pain that's being treated. Keep in mind that our needles are much finer than hypodermic needles - about the size of a hair! After needles are inserted, a tingling sensation, heaviness, or a dull ache may be felt...all of which are normal reactions. Most people are amazed by how relaxed they feel after a treatment, and many fall asleep soon after the needles are inserted.

Absolutely, but it's important to seek out an acupuncturist with proper qualifications, as many healthcare practitioners who practice medical acupuncture or dry needling have limited Traditional Chinese medical knowledge and/or hand-on acupuncture training. An NCCAOM-certified LAc. (Licensed Acupuncturist); Dipl.Ac. (Diplomat of Acupuncture); DAOM (Dr. of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine); or OMD (Oriental Medicine Doctor) will have a minimum of 4-5 years worth of training equivalent to a Masters Degree or higher, with 2700+ hours of onsite training, and experience treating 350+ patients prior to licensing. They are also required to complete continuing education courses specific to acupuncture and Chinese medicine annually. Be sure to ask for credentials.

This all depends on the severity of the condition, its duration and nature, and your overall state of health. Typically, a series of 5-15 treatments may resolve a chronic problem. Some degenerative conditions may require more treatments over time. Chinese herbs can be very helpful in speeding up the process, so we can certainly equip you with herbs to complement your acupuncture. It's not uncommon for patients to experience at least partial relief of their pain or other symptoms in just one treatment, but continuity is important! You will receive a customized treatment plan on your first visit, and an expectation of how many treatments you will need to resolve your specific issue.

Good question! 1. Please take the time to fill out our New Patient Intake Form, found in our secure patient portal (as well as the other forms & waivers) after booking your appointment. 2. On the day of your appointment, please eat a light meal or snack before coming in for your appointment. Never arrive on an empty stomach, to avoid potential light-headedness. 3. Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. 4. Please allow 80 minutes for the first appointment, so we have adequate time to assess your healthcare needs. For Acu-Facials, it is also helpful to come with clean, makeup-free skin!

Most people feel very relaxed after an acupuncture treatment. Many individuals notice what we like to call, "positive side effects" -- an improvement in sleep quality, digestion and/or overall energy levels, as well as a reduction in their stress levels after just one or two sessions. Since acupuncture helps to naturally stimulate the healing mechanisms within the body, unfavorable side effects are rare, but there are several to be aware of. Sometimes bruising can occur at needling sites, though we take the utmost care to avoid this. If you notice any initial bruising, apply ice and/or arnica gel to minimize the bruising. Drowsiness may occur just after a treatment, especially if your body is very exhausted or you've been under a lot of stress. If tired after a session, we encourage you to honor your body and take the time to rest and get some extra sleep at night. This typically only lasts a day or two. Because acupuncture helps to cleanse and balance the body, detoxification effects may occasionally be experienced as the body's nervous system is brought into a parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) state, and stimulated to release accumulated toxins. Fatigue, increased urination, a brief worsening of symptoms, temporary skin flare-ups, headaches, body aches, nausea or diarrhea may be experienced, however, this only occurs in a small percentage of treatments, and only lasts 1-3 days. When treating patients for emotional issues, occasionally a patient may experience an emotional release. This is normal and ultimately beneficial for the body. If this, or any other detox effects occur post-treatment, we encourage you to get plenty of rest, drink lots of water and eat healthfully, to assist the body in releasing and healing. We find that this typically only occurs in those individuals who are ready for this stage of healing. Most people simply experience improvement in symptoms after a session or two. Acupuncture is safe for people of all ages, including children and the elderly!

Both acupuncture and dry needling use the same needles, but the similarities stop there. Dry needling is focused on using strong stimulation on muscles to get them to release. Generally with dry needling, needles will be inserted and immediately withdrawn. PTs and other practitioners who practice dry needling also learn the craft in weekend courses (27-54 hours). Acupuncture, on the other hand, does not use strong stimulation and is based on meridian theory and the use of specific points to heal the body naturally. With acupuncture administered by a Traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, needles are retained for 25-30 min. and used holistically to balance the entire body, rather than just treat an individual part. Chinese Medicine theory understands that there are a variety of reasons that can cause a muscle pain or other issue in the body - like inflammation, blood stagnation and circulation issues, or a deficiency, to name a few. Acupuncturists aim to address these underlying issues, while also treating the pain locally. Licensed acupuncturists also have Master's degrees at minimum, have taken four to five years worth of coursework and clinical training (2700+ hours), and are required to treat several hundred patients under clinical supervision before becoming licensed.

Currently, we accept FSA and HSA in-clinic. If you have health insurance, we are happy to provide you with a superbill, which will have the appropriate medical treatment coding necessary for reimbursement by your insurance company, and are available upon request. We also offer treatment packages, which provide discounted rates. Most recently, we have opened our community acupuncture clinic, a more affordable treatment in a group-style setting. We also offer student, teacher, & military discounts -- please bring your ID!

We've heard it all.... nuh-guy-en.... nuh-gyu-en... nuh-goo-yen.... It's pronounced "win." :)