Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a key part of traditional East Asian medicine and involves the use of very fine, sterile, single-use needles placed at specific points on the body. At Tara Acupuncture & Wellness, treatment is individualized and guided by your symptoms, health history and what is most important to you.
Acupuncture may be used for a wide range of concerns, including pain, stress, sleep, digestive issues, headaches, women’s health, fertility, menopause and more.
Personalized Approach to Acupuncture
No two treatments need to look exactly the same. Dr. Shah draws from different acupuncture approaches and related techniques depending on what is most appropriate for the person and the goals of the visit.
Appointments are reserved for one patient at a time, allowing time for questions, thoughtful assessment and treatment without feeling rushed or divided between multiple patients.
Japanese Meridian Therapy
Japanese Meridian Therapy is a gentle style of acupuncture that uses subtle needling, palpation and traditional meridian diagnosis to guide treatment. It is highly individualized and may be especially appealing to those who prefer a lighter, more refined approach to acupuncture.
Treatment may include very shallow or non-insertive techniques, including the use of specialized tools such as a teishin
Acupuncture Approaches and Related Techniques
Electroacupuncture
Electroacupuncture is a modern variation of acupuncture in which a gentle, pulsating electrical current is applied to selected acupuncture needles. It may be used for concerns such as pain, muscle spasms, numbness and certain neurological symptoms.
Auricular Acupuncture
Auricular acupuncture uses specific points on the ear, based on the idea that different areas of the ear correspond to different parts and functions of the body. It may be incorporated into a full-body acupuncture treatment for concerns such as pain, stress, sleep, recovery and trauma-related symptoms.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy often used alongside acupuncture that involves burning dried mugwort on or near the body to warm and stimulate specific points or areas. It may be used to support circulation, ease pain and address concerns related to digestion, fatigue, women’s health and overall resilience.
Gua Sha
Gua sha is a tool-assisted technique that uses a smooth-edged instrument to gently work over areas of tension or stagnation. It may help improve circulation, ease muscle tightness and promote greater comfort and mobility.
What to Expect at Your Visit
Your first visit begins with time to discuss your health history, current concerns and what you hope to address. Treatment is then planned around the information gathered during that visit.
Acupuncture may be combined with related East Asian medicine techniques when appropriate. Supportive elements such as BioMat® therapy, nutritional and lifestyle guidance, Chinese herbal medicine or a brief massage at the end of treatment may also be incorporated depending on your needs.
For more information about preparing for your first visit and what to expect before and after treatment, visit our Patient Information – Acupuncture page.
What Can Acupuncture Help With?
Patients seek acupuncture for many different reasons. Common areas of focus include:
- Back, neck and joint pain
- Muscle tension
- Headaches and migraines
- Stress and anxiety
- Sleep concerns
- Digestive symptoms
- Women’s health
- Fertility
- Menopause
- Neuropathy and nerve-related symptoms
- Recovery and general wellness
Acupuncture in Rancho Bernardo, San Diego
Tara Acupuncture & Wellness provides one-on-one acupuncture care in Rancho Bernardo, serving patients from throughout San Diego and nearby communities in a calm, welcoming setting.