Acupuncture and TCM Modalities

At Missoula Acupuncture, care begins with listening. Your first visit includes a thorough conversation about your health history, current concerns, goals, lifestyle, sleep, stress, digestion, movement, and any relevant medical care you are receiving. From there, we create an individualized treatment plan designed to support your needs and priorities.

Acupuncture involves the gentle placement of very thin, sterile, single-use needles at selected points on the body. Depending on your presentation and preferences, your treatment may also include supportive traditional Chinese medicine modalities such as cupping, gua sha, moxibustion, electro-acupuncture, acupressure, or lifestyle and self-care recommendations.

Many patients seek care for concerns such as persistent pain, injuries and recovery, tension, stress, sleep difficulties, headaches, digestive concerns, and overall wellbeing. Treatment is tailored to the individual, and recommendations may evolve as your symptoms, goals, and response to care change.

Appointments are intended to be collaborative and unhurried. You are welcome to ask questions at any time, and we will review the proposed treatment approach before beginning. Acupuncture needles are regulated by the FDA as medical devices and are required to be sterile and labeled for single use.

Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine are complementary approaches and are not a substitute for emergency or primary medical care. Please continue working with your physician and other qualified healthcare providers for diagnosis, urgent symptoms, and ongoing medical conditions.

• Your initial appointment includes a detailed health history and discussion of your goals.

• Treatment plans are individualized; not every modality is used at every visit.

• Most people rest comfortably on a treatment table during acupuncture.

• You may feel a brief pinch on insertion, followed by sensations such as heaviness, warmth, tingling, or relaxation.

• Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to your arms and legs when possible.

• Please let us know if you are pregnant, take blood-thinning medication, have a pacemaker, have a bleeding disorder, or have any concern that may affect treatment planning.

• Your provider will use sterile, single-use needles and will review care recommendations with you.