Body Acupuncture Treatment
When performed by a trained professional, body acupuncture is a safe, natural, and effective adjuvant, and in some cases, an alternative to traditional medical therapies.
The Process
Acupuncture points (Acupoints) represent anatomic sites that promote the natural healing of tissues, muscles, and organs when stimulated. Body acupuncture is performed using fine, sterile needles that are gently inserted into acupuncture points located under the skin in different body areas. You may require as few as one needle or several depending on the condition(s) being treated. In addition, heat and very low electrical (battery) current may enhance the acupuncture treatment.
Recommended Number of Treatments
The number of treatment sessions varies based on the type of treatment. The sessions which are recommended for different conditions are:
Acute Injuries
One or two consecutive sessions may suffice for acute injuries (e.g., muscle strain/sprain or poison ivy rash).
Chronic Conditions
Seven to ten weekly sessions are usually required initially to improve a condition, followed by a few biweekly to monthly sessions to reach a maintenance stage, that can then usually be reinforced every 6 months to a year, depending on the severity of the chronic condition.
Additional Information
A session of body acupuncture typically lasts 45 mins to one hour, depending on whether additional modalities like ESTIM (electrical stimulation) or moxibustion (herbal heat) are used to enhance acupuncture. Dr. Lopez performs all treatments following an initial consultation. Please refer to the Treatable Conditions page for a list of the conditions treated by Body Acupuncture.
Body Acupuncture Cost: Ranges from $70-140 depending on the complexity of care.
Facial Acupuncture
When a trained professional performs Facial acupuncture, it is a safe, natural, and effective alternative to Botox and cosmetic surgery.
The Process
Recommended Number of Treatments
A complete series of treatments, performed once a week for 10-13 weeks, followed by monthly treatments, is recommended for long-lasting results.
For an upcoming special event, a few sessions performed more frequently will suffice.
Additional Information
One session typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on whether the facial acupuncture treatment is combined with the scalp, ear, or body acupuncture or facial cupping.
Benefits of Facial Acupuncture
Who Can Get Facial Acupuncture
Women and men in their forties typically use facial acupuncture till their sixties, but it can be performed on anyone who wants to improve their facial appearance.
Those who are pregnant and have bleeding disorders, seizures, and severe health conditions should not have facial acupuncture.
Facial Acupuncture Cost: $70-140 depending on the complexity of care.
Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture
Ear acupuncture is a safe and effective method to treat multiple medical conditions. Used alone or in combination with body acupuncture, it is instrumental in treating tobacco, alcohol, and drug addiction or withdrawal symptoms. It is also beneficial for the treatment of anxiety, stress, appetite disorders, and pain control.
The Process
Ear acupuncture is performed using tiny needles inserted into external ear acupuncture points. Like body acupuncture, ear acupuncture needles can be connected to gentle, low current electrical stimulation or warmed with moxibustion, when necessary, to augment treatment of various conditions.
Benefits of Ear Acupuncture Treatment
Ear Acupuncture Cost: $45-80 depending on complexity of care
Facial Cupping
Facial cupping is a therapy that uses small, soft suction cups to stimulate your facial skin and muscles.
The Process
Benefits of Facial Cupping
Recommended Number of Treatments
For long-lasting results, one treatment/week for ten weeks, followed by monthly treatments. If only cupping is performed, there will be no post-cupping restrictions. If combined with acupuncture, post-acupuncture instructions will be provided.
Benefits of Facial Cupping
Side-effects
Although considered very safe, facial cupping can sometimes cause temporary
These symptoms typically resolve shortly after cupping is stopped.
Additional Information
Before the cupping session, you should wash your face with a gentle face wash and pat it dry. Dr. Lopez will apply a light layer of facial oil before beginning the treatment. If only cupping is performed, the session will take about 15-30 minutes. If combined with acupuncture, the session may last up to an hour.
Facial Cupping: TBA
Body Cupping
Body cupping is a therapy that uses silicone, plastic, or glass cups to create a suction of the skin and muscles to improve blood and Qi (life force energy) circulation, to help reduce pain, improve cellular repair, and improve resistance to pathogens. It is used without applying oils to the skin and can help those with acute injury and chronic pain, including fibromyalgia.
The Process
Cups are applied to the skin over muscles that are stiff, tender or painful and suction is created using h and tissues are pulled into the cups and help release tension and relieve pain. Body cups remain in place for several minutes and often leave a purplish discoloration for a few days.
Benefits of Body Cupping
Side Effects
Although considered very safe, body cupping can sometimes cause temporary Dizziness Lightheadedness Nausea Cold Sweats These symptoms typically resolve shortly after cupping is stopped.
Body Cupping: $45/15 mins
Gua Sha
Gua Sha is an ancient Chinese healing technique, where your skin is covered with a thin layer of oil, and the skin is scraped with a smooth-edged instrument known as a gua massage tool. The repeated scraping stimulates the microcirculation of soft tissues and breaks up stagnant circulation, which is believed to cause inflammation and lead to chronic pain. By relieving inflammation, pain is relieved naturally, without the use of drugs.
The Process
The skin overlying tense muscles is scraped repeatedly using a porcelain or jade gua massage tool. This scraping improves blood and Qi circulation to underlying muscles, tissues and skin generating a sensation of warmth and relaxation. Gua Sha is performed on the neck, back, arms, buttocks, and legs and can even be used on the scalp and face.
Benefits
Gua Sha is beneficial for those suffering from chronic pain due to arthritis and fibromyalgia. It has also been used successfully to treat migraine headaches, Hepatitis B, Tourette Syndrome (facial tics, throat clearing, and vocal outbursts), breast engorgement (during breastfeeding), fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, irregular periods, and hot flashes.
Side-effects
Gua Sha is safe and should not cause pain. However, because the skin is scraped with a massage tool, tiny blood vessels (capillaries) in your skin can burst, resulting in minor bruising, which typically resolves in a couple of days.
Additional Information
Gua Sha should be avoided:
Gua Sha: $45/15 mins
Moxibustion
Is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the burning of mugwort leaves. Mugwort is a small, spongy herb that, when burned, generates a soothing heat that stimulates the circulation of blood and Qi. It can be used alone or in conjunction with acupuncture.
The Process
The burning moxa (compacted or charcoaled mugwort) is placed near an inserted needle, or over painful muscles or tissues.
Benefits
Placing the moxa (burning mugwort) near inserted acupuncture needles facilitates delivery of heat deep within the acupuncture point. It augments the stimulation of blood and Qi flow to the area and also increases the flow of energy throughout the body. Please refer to Treatable Conditions for a list of conditions commonly treated by moxibustion.
Side-effects
Use should be avoided if any of the above develop.
Moxibustion: $20/15 mins
Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy
Platelet-rich Plasma Therapy (PRTP) Is a Form of Regenerative Medicine That Harnesses the Body’s Ability to Heal Itself by Using Growth Factors Contained in Platelet Cells.
About Platelet Cells
Platelet cells (thrombocytes) are the blood cells that, when activated due to an injury to a blood vessel, form blood clots to prevent excessive bleeding and release growth factors that help heal the injured tissues. Platelets circulate with red and white blood cells in the liquid portion of the blood known as the plasma.
The Process
In PRPT, Your Blood Is Collected Through Phlebotomy (the Same Process Used to Collect Blood for Lab Work).
-The Blood Is Then Processed Using a Special Centrifuge and Separation Kit So That Red and White Blood Cells Are Removed, and Only Platelet Cells Remain in the Plasma.
-This Platelet-rich Plasma Is Then Injected Into Your Injured Tissue(S) Through a Special Needle That Sheers the Platelet Cells and Releases the Growth Factors Directly Into the Area Where You Need Them.
-Because the Collection Process Does Not Introduce Any Chemicals Into Your Plasma, There Is No Fear of Reacting to the Injection. This Therapy Can Reduce Pain and Therefore Reduce or Eliminate the Use of Anti-inflammatory and Narcotic Pain Medications.
Benefits of PRPT
PRPT can accelerate the healing of injured tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints. It can also be used to reduce wrinkles and stimulate hair growth. Please refer to the Treatable Conditions page for a list of the conditions commonly treated by Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy: TBA
Neural Therapy
Neural therapy is a healing technique developed in Germany that involves the injection of local anesthetics into autonomic nerve ganglia (grouping of nerves), peripheral nerves, scars, glands, acupuncture points, trigger points, and other tissues. This therapy treats chronic pain syndromes.
The Process
The skin that overlies the affected tissues, muscles or nerves is cleaned thoroughly with a medical grade disinfected. Local anesthetic is then injected into the tissues or nerves that are contributing to the chronic pain problem.
Benefits
Improvement of chronic pain due to a number of conditions that have not responded to more conservative treatments. Please refer to the Treatable Conditions (please create a link) for a list of the conditions treated by Neural therapy.
Side-effects
Neural Therapy: $120-155
Cosmetic Rejuvenation
There are a number of methods used to accomplish cosmetic rejuvenation. Dr. Lopez offers facial acupuncture, facial cupping, and micro-needling using platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRPT) to treat wrinkles, scars, cicatricial acne, and many other skin conditions. Hair loss is also treated with scalp PRPT with or without acupuncture. During your initial consultation, Dr. Lopez will ask about your treatment goals, conduct a thorough exam and discuss treatment options.
During your initial consultation with Dr. Lopez, she will ascertain your treatment goals, conduct a thorough exam, and discuss treatment options.