TCM naturally heals humans using three keys: acupuncture, herbal remedies and cupping therapy. Though commonly used together as a powerful holistic approach, each can be just as dynamic on their own. TCM believes the processes of the human body are interrelated and connected to the surrounding environment. And so, it treats the underlying root of health issues rather than the symptoms on the surface--all while strengthening the body’s internal defenses and enhancing its ability to sustain optimal health.

Acupuncture is an ancient system of complementary medicine that’s worked to keep people healthy for over 2,500 years. Acupuncture is the gentle insertion of hair-thin needles at key points on the body. These needles interact with the fascial network (our internal messenger system) to alter brain chemistry and stimulate internal responses, such as regulating hormones like cortisol, releasing pain-relieving endorphins, increasing circulation, reducing inflammation and more. Primary acupuncture benefits include managing pain, digestion, sleep and hormone-related health--as well as mental health issues like stress, anxiety and depression. Acupuncture not only has the potential to help you feel better, but it can also help you look better. It’s an ancient Chinese beauty secret known to reduce wrinkles and inflammation while boosting collagen and elastin.

Our treatments are designed with your comfort and relaxation in mind. When the needles are put in, it’s common to feel nothing at all. Sometimes, there’s a brief dull ache or warm sensation. Most people report how relaxed they are during the treatment, often falling asleep. We encourage you to find out for yourself, but personally we feel that an acupuncture nap is the nap to end all naps! Be warned: you may never nap this well again… When the treatment is over, you’ll barely notice when the needles come out. And chances are you’ll be so blissed out you won’t even feel it at all. Post-treatment, you should feel calm and relaxed at a minimum--and pat yourself on the back for taking the time to invest in your health. The rest of how it will feel depends on your particular health needs and treatment.

Acupuncture is scientifically proven for more than 300 health conditions! Hair-thin needles inserted in specific combinations at specific points interact with our internal messenger system by releasing chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, brain, etc. These biochemical changes stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.

Acupuncture for anxiety. Acupuncture for migraines. Acupuncture for depression. Acupuncture for lower back pain. Acupuncture for fertility. The list goes on and on--with over 300 use cases in total, according to the World Health Organization. At WTHN, we break it down to three major categories: Prevent, Heal + Glow:

○ PREVENT // Let’s start by busting a myth. You don’t need to be sick or injured to see some serious benefits from acupuncture. In fact, regular maintenance is a powerful way of keeping you healthy. If you’re busy and always on the go with zero time to get sick, acupuncture is a great way to ward off fatigue, soothe sore muscles, minimize stress and anxiety and majorly boost immunity.

○ HEAL // Acupuncture has healed for millennia, and been clinically proven to treat hundreds of medical conditions. Major areas that can be healed by acupuncture: pain (literally from head to toe, but more commonly neck, back + shoulder pain plus migraines), women’s health (PMS, fertility + menopause), digestion, insomnia and men’s health (sex drive + erectile dysfunction).

○ GLOW // You want to feel your best, why not look your best while you’re at it? Facial rejuvenation acupuncture is an ancient Chinese beauty secret that reduces inflammation, lifts sagging facial muscles and boosts collagen to reduce wrinkles and fine lines--and gives your skin an overall fresh-faced radiance from WTHN. Go on, give it a glow!

Relatively few complications from using acupuncture have been reported. Complications can result from use of nonsterile needles and improper delivery of treatments. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates acupuncture needles as medical devices for use by licensed practitioners and requires that needles be manufactured and labeled according to certain standards. For example, the FDA requires that needles be sterile, nontoxic, and labeled for single use by qualified practitioners only. When not delivered properly, acupuncture can cause serious adverse effects, including infections, punctured organs, collapsed lungs, and injury to the central nervous system (National Institute of Health, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health).

Acupuncturists have a minimum of a three-year Master’s degree with rigorous scientific coursework and clinical practicum. To practice acupuncture, acupuncturists must be licensed by the state in which they work. All of our Healers are Licensed Acupuncturists (LAC), and some have completed additional study to be a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM). In addition, our Healers actively participate in a rigorous, proprietary training program designed and delivered by WTHN Co-founder + Chief Healing Officer Dr. Shari Auth.

Yes! In fact, we encourage it during pregnancy because it can help with nausea, morning sickness, lower back pain, anxiety, insomnia and pre-baby jitters--not to mention that it’s a much-needed moment of “me time.” Acupuncture is also great after pregnancy for exhaustion, balancing hormone levels, depression and anxiety. It’s the perfect little escape for mamas and mamas-to-be.

Cupping therapy uses suction to put negative pressure on connective tissue and muscles to increase circulation and relax stiff muscles. Many say it feels like a reverse massage--and that it’s like sucking out all the bad stuff!

Ear seeds are acupressure (aka needleless acupuncture!) that are used exclusively in the ear. In TCM, the whole body is reflected in the ear, which means infinite symptoms and conditions can be addressed with points in the ear. Your Healer may use these as part of your treatment plan and you can also grab a kit from the boutique, which includes a user-friendly map and instructions.

Results can depend on what you’re working on, but many first notice feeling exceptionally relaxed – this is what we lovingly refer to as “Acu-high”! Other feelings might include reduced pain, better sleep, changes in digestion, or fatigue. It’s important to note, that for some the first treatment is all about getting used to the acupuncture process. It’s normal to need to mentally and physically adjust to electively being stuck with needles! For those of us in this boat, the Acu-high comes with session #2 or 3!