Both of us have decades of experience treating a wide range of concerns, so there is plenty of overlap in our practices. There are a few areas where our specialized training makes the choice clearer.

If you're seeking oncology support or facial rejuvenation acupuncture, choose Maria. For fertility, pregnancy, postpartum care, or Chinese herbal medicine, choose Shelbi.

For most other concerns — including pain, stress, chronic conditions, emotional health, and general wellness — either of us is a good place to start. And concerns don't always fit neatly into one category: menopause can come with shoulder pain; PMS can show up alongside knee pain. We can address more than one thing in the same course of care.

If either practitioner seems like a good fit, choose the person you were referred to or the appointment that works best with your schedule. You are also welcome to see both of us at different times; we simply maintain separate scheduling and records.

Acupuncture can support a wide range of health concerns, including pain, stress, headaches, digestive issues, insomnia, fertility, pregnancy, hormonal health, and chronic conditions. Every treatment is personalized to your individual health history and goals.

Most people are surprised by how gentle acupuncture feels. You may notice a brief pinch as a needle is inserted, but many patients hardly feel the needles at all. We use sterile, single-use needles that are much thinner than those used for injections or blood draws, and your comfort is always our priority.

Your first appointment includes time to discuss your health history, current concerns, and goals for treatment. After your consultation, you'll receive an individualized acupuncture treatment in a quiet, relaxing environment. Depending on your needs, your treatment may also include bodywork, cupping, lifestyle recommendations, or Chinese herbal medicine.

Treatment works cumulatively — a single session typically brings relief for three or four days, which is why most patients come weekly during an active course of care. This keeps the body from reverting to its old pattern between visits.

How many treatments it takes depends on the type and duration of the concern, your constitution, and how much of your lifestyle you're able to adjust. Fertility and hormonal treatment tends to run longer, since change is measured monthly rather than weekly.

After an initial course, most patients settle into a frequency that works as ongoing, preventative care. We'll recommend a plan based on your individual needs at your first visit.

Chinese medicine understands the body as an interconnected network. Meridians are pathways that link its different regions and systems, carrying qi—the movement and communication that support healthy function. Acupuncture uses specific points along these pathways to address areas of restriction, excess, or depletion. Modern research is beginning to reveal physical counterparts to this ancient map in connective tissue, nerve pathways, and the fluid-filled network known as the interstitium.