FAQs

ACUPUNCTURE

How does acupuncture work?

Scientific research studies have revealed the following actions of acupuncture:

  • inducing analgesia (pain reducer)

  • protecting the body against infections

  • regulating various physiological functions (ie: digestion, respiration, immune)

During an acupuncture treatment, needles are inserted at various points located on channels throughout the body. In TCM Theory, these points help to balance the flow of energy and life force (chi or qi) that flows along the pathways. Many acupuncture points are located alongside fascial planes and connected to neural structures, which when activated, trigger the body to produce endorphins and release opioids that help to relieve pain and aid in regulating hormones while also supporting healthy cortisol levels.

Does it hurt?

Acupuncture needles are thinner than a hair! In fact up to 40 acupuncture needles can fit inside a doctor’s standard needle. Sensations vary upon insertion from completely painless to a quick pinch, with most people feeling very little if any discomfort.

My approach at Mama’s is to be as gentle as possible. I will walk you through the treatment and you will always have a call button available to reach me during the duration of your session. Please know that there is never a point you absolutely have to have and we will make easy adjustments if they are needed.

It is common to feel a heavy, dull, achy or tingling sensation (more commonly felt in the arms) or even the sensation that something is “moving” within the body while the needles are in. Most clients receiving acupuncture go into a deep and restorative state during treatment, some even call it an acu-high!

How many treatments will I need?

TCM focuses on preventative care but is often used to treat acute and long-term issues such as injuries, chronic pain, hormone imbalance, ED, and infertility to name a few.

My approach focuses on your specific needs with each treatment plan tailored for you. Treatment plans range in duration and number of sessions depending on what your health goals are. Here are some examples of general recommendations for clients:

Period Support - Painful periods, PCOS, irregular periods, anovulation, fibroids, endometriosis and more - 1x a week for a minimum of 3 months alongside appropriate herbal supplementation, lifestyle and nutritional guidelines.

Fertility Support - Those with a prior history of irregular periods, anovulation, miscarriages, or a long history of trying to conceive with no success - 1x a week for a minimum of 3 months alongside appropriate herbal supplementation, lifestyle and nutritional guidelines.

IUI and IVF Support - 1x a week while going through the IVF process, additionally once before transfer. During pregnancy as needed based on pregnancy symptoms.

Acute Injury - 2-3x a week for three weeks. Tapering out as the pain and inflammation decreases.

Chronic Headaches - 2-3x a week until headaches subside. Then 1-2x a month for preventative care and maintenance.

Acupuncture affects are cumulative! As you continue to receive care, effects last longer and you are able to space out treatments. It is better to invest in consecutive treatments for a shorter time period than to space out treatments to the point where you are constantly making up the progress you achieved. For example, I had a dear client with a history of horrible migraines who was coming in once a week for two months. After her immediate pain dissipated, she was able to space out her sessions to twice a month and then down to once a month as preventative care.

*Monthly packages are available on the booking page. I offer this in the hopes that for those who need more frequent care, there is an accessible option to support you. Please reach out to me directly if you do not have the resources to receive the care you need.

What should I expect at my first appointment?

*Please make sure to fill out your intake and consent forms online before your first appointment! Thank you!

At your first session, we will review your main concerns and health history to understand your goals and how I can best support you. The intake may include more detailed discussion of your medical history as well as an examination of your tongue and pulse. We will come up with a treatment plan that works well with your budget and daily lifestyle. You will be able to ask me any questions you have about acupuncture, the treatment, and your health!

After the intake, you will have time to find a comfortable space on the massage table. You can wear whatever you want to the session as there are always Turkish towels to use if you need to change. When you are ready, I will begin inserting the acupuncture needles. After making sure you are comfortable and warm, I will leave you on the table for 30 minutes. A call button will always be given to you so that you can reach me at any time during your treatment.

Once your session is over, I will remove the needles for you and check in to see how you are doing. You will be able to ask me any remaining questions you may have.

At each consecutive treatment we will check in on your progress and adjust our approach as necessary for the most effective results.

Are the needles clean?

Yes. Always!

The needles used at Mama’s Acupuncture are single use only. Made by AcuFast, these needles are high quality surgical-grade stainless-steel for smooth, uniform, and painless insertion. The use of gamma ray sterilization means harmful emissions caused by ethylene oxide sterilization commonly used in the needle industry are eliminated. AcuFast needles are also the first environmentally low-impact acupuncture needles with biodegradable packaging, reduced and recyclable plastic materials.

Are there any side effects?

Although short lived, common side effects can include soreness and minor bleeding or bruising where the needles are inserted.

Please note that treatments can also support emotional release. If you have been holding a lot in for a long time, acupuncture may trigger feelings you may not have realized were there. Please known that the clinic is and will always be a safe space for you to flow through them. If you ever need any extra support post-treatment, please let me know.

Can I receive acupuncture if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Yes! Acupuncture during pregnancy can help with first trimester woes like nausea, morning sickness, lower back pain, anxiety, and insomnia as well as through the third trimester in order to support labor prep.

Post-pregnancy, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can help with fatigue, balancing hormone levels, depression and anxiety.

Please make sure to let me know if you are trying to get pregnant or may possibly be pregnant as there are various points that are contraindicated during pregnancy.

What type of training do Licensed Acupuncturists have?

Acupuncturists have a minimum of a three-year Master’s degree with scientific coursework and clinical practicum that encompasses over 600 hours of practical needling classes and 650 hours of clinical hours treating patients with supervision.

In order to practice acupuncture, acupuncturists are required to be licensed in the state in which they work. Additional accreditation includes NCCAOM (The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) who administers the national board examinations for the profession.

FERTILITY ACUPUNCTURE

How does acupuncture support fertility?

Scientific research has revealed:

Acupuncture can:

  • Increase blood flow to the ovaries and uterus

  • Relax the uterus + address uterine spasm after embryo transfer or IUI

  • Reduces stress + side effects from fertility drugs

  • Support you emotionally throughout your journey

  • Help bring you back to baseline after egg freezing, IUI, or IVF.

When should I start coming in for fertility support?

The earlier the better! If you have a history of irregular periods, PCOS, or miscarriages, the more time we have to prepare your body the better.

Acupuncture will help support a regular menstrual cycle and healthy blood circulation to the uterus and ovaries. Herbal formulas and appropriate supplementation can help to nourish the body, tonify the blood, support egg quality and regular ovulation, and prepare the uterus to hold a healthy pregnancy.

There are many ways to support you in your fertility journey, from acupuncture to herbs to diet and lifestyle changes. Each client is unique, and each treatment plan is tailored to meet your needs.

Can I receive acupuncture while pregnant?

During pregnancy you can receive acupuncture treatment as often as desired based on pregnancy symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, nausea/morning sickness, body aches, fatigue and more. For strong morning sickness presentations it may be that you come in 2-3x’s a week in the first trimester and then once you get over the hump you come in as needed.

Around 34 weeks is a great time to start coming in 1-2x’s a week for labor prep.

How many treatments will I need? And how often will I need them?

The answer varies depending on where you are in your fertility journey and can be adjusted as needed.

It would be great to see you at least a month before you start IVF, egg retrieval, or IUI in order to prepare you and your body for the best possible outcomes. If you are looking to conceive naturally and trying to regulate your period first, I recommend a minimum of three months to prepare. Here are some general guidelines below:

Fertility Support - Those with a prior history of irregular periods, anovulation, miscarriages, or a long history of trying to conceive with no success - 1x a week for a minimum of 3

IUI and IVF Support - 1x a week while going through the IVF process, additionally once before transfer as close to before transfer as possible (ideally morning of).

*Please note, I do NOT recommend coming in again the same day after transfer for a few reasons; most recent studies looking at the protocols used showed that unless you are receiving acupuncture treatment within 20 minutes after the procedure then the acu benefit becomes null. I would rather you go home after your transfer and chill the f out, lay down, and rest, then worry about getting yourself to another appointment. You are welcome to come in a a week after your transfer to continue ongoing support as needed!

Can I take herbal formulas while going through ART?

I do not recommend TCM herbal formulas while actively going through IVF and on medication; most fertility specialists will ask you to refrain from them as they are not familiar with herbs and how they function. I do recommend TCM herbal formulas for the appropriate candidates to be taken 3-4 months before ART is started to optimize outcomes. There is growing evidence to suggest TCM herbal formulas, especially those containing Yang tonifying herbs may help support the health of your cells, particularly the mitochondria. Mitochondria are like the “powerhouses” of your cells, and healthy eggs (follicles) need a lot of this energy to grow and develop properly.

Some herbs commonly used in these formulas, such as Yin Yang Huo (Horny Goat Weed) and Tu Si Zi (Dodder Seed), have been found to improve how mitochondria function. This may be especially helpful for women with low ovarian reserve or age-related fertility challenges.

While more research is still being done, we do know that good mitochondrial function is key for egg quality—and these herbs, when used appropriately, offer great support.

What about moxibustion for breech baby?

Moxibustion, a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the warming of specific acupuncture points (typically Bladder 67) with mugwort, is sometimes used in an attempt to encourage optimal fetal positioning in cases of breech presentation. While some studies and anecdotal evidence suggest potential benefits, current medical research does not offer definitive conclusions about its overall effectiveness.

In clinical practice, outcomes vary. I have seen moxa sessions contribute to successful fetal turning in some cases, while in others, there has been no change in position. It’s important to understand that many factors influence fetal positioning, including uterine tone, amniotic fluid levels, placental placement, and baby’s individual patterns and timing. Moxibustion is not a guarantee, but rather one supportive tool among many.

CHINESE HERBS

What is Chinese Herbal Medicine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine is comprised of hundreds of single herbs and formulas comprised of plant’s seeds, berries, roots, leaves, flowers and barks. Each herb has multiple functions and is categorized according to taste, temperature, and channel. Single herbs work best when they are combined into formulas and are rarely used individually. Herbal formulas are a great addition to acupuncture and can enhance treatment results.

Chinese herbs are very safe and effective when prescribed correctly by a properly trained practitioner. In Texas, acupuncturists are required to be trained and tested for competency in prescribing herbal medicines before granted licensure

It is always important to inform both your physician and your acupuncturist about all of the drugs, herbs, and other supplements you are currently taking so we can monitor and prevent any herb-drug interactions or adverse reactions. More common herb-drug interactions can occur in combination with anti-coagulant drugs (ie: aspirin), antidepressants, cardiovascular drugs, immunosuppressants, anti-HIV drugs and anticancer drugs.

Are Chinese Herbs safe?

It is not generally recommended to take Chinese herbs during pregnancy unless the benefits from using herbs outweigh the possible risks.

A common reason for wanting to use Chinese herbs during the first trimester is to “protect the fetus.” If a woman has a history of miscarriages or is experiencing a “threatened miscarriage” then an herbal formula may be appropriate. There are many herbal formulas to support fertility and a healthy pregnancy before conception, along with postpartum recovery.

Similar to drugs, most herbs are acceptable for use during breastfeeding, but caution is advised with herbs that contain alkaloids with strong nervous system effects or herbs that have strong hormonal effects.

Always check with your OB before adding anything into your diet from supplements to herbal formulas.

Is it safe to use herbs while pregnant or breastfeeding?

At Mama’s Acupuncture I use herbal formulas from companies such as Far East Summit and Classical Pearls that follow the guidelines established by the cGMP regulations of the United States FDA. All testing and validation of finished product are conducted in the United States by independent FDA recognized laboratories, following the most current published methodologies assuring all analysis meet modern detection limits, are unbiased, and accurate.

Herbal products are tested for:

Microbial contaminants
· Aerobic Plate Count
· Coliform
· E. Coli
· Salmomella
· Staph aureus
· Yeast
· Mold

Heavy Metal content
· Mercury
· Lead
· Arsenic
· Cadmium