Acupuncture in Palo Alto

Acupuncture at the Palo Alto Massage Therapy Center offers a traditional, individualized approach to health and wellness under the care of licensed acupuncturist Susan Cheng, L.Ac., OMD. Acupuncture has been practiced in China and other parts of East Asia for thousands of years and is now widely used as a complementary approach for pain management, stress, sleep concerns, and overall well-being.

Traditional Chinese medicine views health in terms of balance and the flow of qi, or vital energy, through pathways known as meridians. Acupuncture involves inserting very thin needles at specific points on the body selected according to the client’s symptoms, health history, and treatment goals.

Modern research has also examined acupuncture’s effects on the nervous system and the body’s pain-processing mechanisms. Today, many people incorporate acupuncture into their healthcare and wellness routines alongside conventional medical care.

A Personalized Approach to Acupuncture

Every client is different. Your initial appointment includes a consultation and health history so Susan can learn about your concerns and develop an individualized treatment plan.

Depending on your needs, a session may include acupuncture along with complementary techniques such as cupping, moxibustion, or electroacupuncture. Susan may also discuss lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management as part of a broader approach to well-being.

Acupuncturist

Susan Cheng, L.Ac., OMD

Acupuncture for Pain

Back pain, neck and shoulder pain, sciatica, headaches and migraines, knee and hip pain, carpal tunnel symptoms, tennis elbow, arthritis, and other musculoskeletal concerns

Pain is one of the most common reasons people seek acupuncture. Acupuncture may be used as part of a broader approach to managing chronic or recurring pain, muscle tension, and physical discomfort.

In traditional Chinese medicine, pain is often understood as a disruption in the normal flow of qi and blood. From a modern perspective, researchers have studied how acupuncture may influence the nervous system and the body’s natural pain-regulating mechanisms.

Treatment is individualized according to the location and nature of the discomfort, how long it has been present, and the client’s overall health. The number and frequency of treatments vary, and Susan can recommend a treatment schedule after your initial evaluation.

Stress and Emotional Well-Being

Stress, anxiety, difficulty relaxing, and related concerns

Many clients seek acupuncture during periods of increased stress or anxiety and find the experience calming and restorative. A typical session provides quiet time to relax while the acupuncture needles remain in place.

Because stress can also affect sleep, muscle tension, energy, digestion, and overall well-being, treatment may consider these concerns together rather than focusing on a single symptom.

Acupuncture can be used as a complementary part of an overall approach to emotional well-being alongside appropriate medical or mental health care when needed.

Menstrual Health

PMS, menstrual cramps, cycle-related discomfort, irregular cycles, and other menstrual concerns

Some women seek acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine for concerns related to their menstrual cycles, including cramps, premenstrual symptoms, and cycle-related discomfort.

Traditional Chinese medicine considers the characteristics of the menstrual cycle together with other aspects of a person’s health and well-being. Treatment is individualized according to symptoms, health history, and treatment goals.

Acupuncture may be used as a complementary approach for menstrual symptoms while clients continue to receive appropriate medical care for underlying gynecological or hormonal conditions.

Menopause

Hot flashes, night sweats, sleep difficulties, fatigue, and other menopausal symptoms

Menopause is a normal stage of life, but hormonal changes can be accompanied by uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, fatigue, and changes in mood.

Some women incorporate acupuncture into their approach to managing menopausal symptoms and supporting overall well-being during this transition. Treatment can be tailored according to the symptoms that are most disruptive to daily life.

Lifestyle factors such as sleep, exercise, stress management, and diet may also be discussed as part of an individualized wellness plan.

Acupuncture for Sleep and Relaxation

Difficulty falling asleep, waking during the night, waking too early, and difficulty relaxing

Sleep difficulties can have many causes, including stress, lifestyle factors, and underlying health conditions. Some clients seek acupuncture because they find treatments deeply relaxing and want to incorporate them into a broader approach to better sleep and well-being.

Traditional Chinese medicine looks at patterns of sleep together with other aspects of a person’s health. Susan can tailor treatment according to your particular sleep concerns, stress levels, and overall health history.

Acupuncture at Massage Therapy Center

Massage Therapy Center has served the Palo Alto community for more than four decades. In addition to massage and therapeutic bodywork, acupuncture offers clients another option for complementary care in a comfortable and professional setting.

If you’re looking for acupuncture in Palo Alto, schedule an appointment with Susan Cheng, L.Ac., OMD to discuss your concerns and treatment goals.

Book online or call (650) 328-9400 to schedule your acupuncture appointment.