Traumatic Brain Injury Support in Portland
Recovery after a brain injury doesn’t follow a set path. Some days might feel almost normal, others leave you drained or foggy without warning. The symptoms that come with traumatic brain injury (TBI) often stick around long after the injury itself showing up in how you think, feel, sleep, or move.
At Inner Sanctuary Wellness, we offer a quiet kind of support. One that meets you where you are and helps your body recover without pushing too hard. Our acupuncture and herbal medicine treatments are gentle, grounding, and designed to help you feel more like yourself again at your pace
How Acupuncture Can Help After a TBI
We can’t undo a brain injury but we can work with the nervous system to ease the strain it leaves behind.
Using the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine, we focus on clearing stuck energy, settling the body’s stress response, and improving flow so healing has space to happen.
Acupuncture can help by:
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Encouraging natural repair processes in the brain
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Improving circulation to the head and neck
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Helping sleep patterns fall into a better rhythm
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Easing headaches, pressure, or pain
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Supporting your mood, digestion, and overall energy
For many, these treatments offer relief without the crash or overload that can come with other therapies.
What We Often See After TBI
Everyone’s recovery looks a bit different. Some folks come in with:
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Persistent headaches
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Brain fog that won’t lift
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Balance trouble or dizziness
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Emotional ups and downs
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Irritability, anxiety, or depression
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Tightness in the neck and shoulders
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Disrupted sleep and constant fatigue
We check in regularly and adjust based on how you’re feeling that week. There’s no one-size-fits-all plan here.
A Recovery Plan That Moves With You
Care should feel safe not like something else you have to push through. Your treatment might include:
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Regular acupuncture sessions to support your nervous system and mind
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Herbal formulas that ease inflammation and support rest
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Hands-on work to release tension and help you reconnect with your body
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Collaboration with any providers you’re already working with
All of our acupuncturists are experienced in complex and long-term health concerns. You’ll never be rushed.
Is Acupuncture a Safe Option for TBI?
It is. Acupuncture has been used safely alongside other treatments like physical therapy, counseling, or medication.
Sessions are kept calm and quiet, no intense stimulation. If you’re sensitive to light, sound, or energy, we adjust everything to match what you can handle.
Most people feel calm or clear afterward. Side effects are rare, and usually mild, like temporary soreness or needing a nap after your session.
Whole-Person Care That Honors What You’ve Been Through
Healing from a brain injury means more than just getting your brain “back to normal.” It’s about easing the pressure in your body, calming your thoughts, and helping you feel steady again.
If you’re ready for care that respects your experience, we’re here. No rush. No pressure. Just support.
Reach out to book a consultation or ask questions whatever feels easiest for you right now.
Other Health Conditions We Treat At Inner Sanctuary Wellness
Services We Offer To Help You Heal
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Can gentle bodywork be combined with acupuncture or herbs?Yes. We often recommend combining bodywork with acupuncture, cupping, or herbal medicine for a well-rounded approach to wellness.
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Will I feel sore after getting gentle bodywork done?Most clients feel relaxed or lighter. Some feel emotional or tired, which is part of the body's integration process. There is typically no soreness.
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Is gentle bodywork like a massage?It’s different in technique and intent. While massage works on muscle tissue with pressure, gentle bodywork focuses on the fascia, breath, and nervous system.
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Do I need to undress for the gentle bodywork session?No. Gentle bodywork is typically done fully clothed. Wear something comfortable and flexible.
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Do I need multiple sessions?That depends on your goals. For acute issues, one or two sessions may be enough. For chronic patterns, regular treatments yield the best results.
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Can I exercise afterward having cupping?It's best to rest or do light movement after your session to allow your body to process the effects. Avoid intense workouts for 24 hours.
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How long do the cupping marks last?Typically 3 to 7 days. The darker the mark, the more stagnation was present in that area.
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Is cupping painful?Most people find it deeply relaxing. A slight pulling or tightness is normal, but discomfort is rare and adjusted immediately.
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Can I wear makeup after getting Gua Sha treatment?After facial Gua Sha, it's best to let your skin breathe for a few hours. We apply a nourishing serum post-treatment to soothe and hydrate.
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Will Gua Sha leave bruises?Not exactly. The marks (known as sha) are different from bruises and indicate stagnant blood or fluids moving toward the surface. They are not painful and fade quickly.
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How many Gua Sha sessions will I need?Some clients feel results after one session, while others benefit from a series. For facial Gua Sha, weekly treatments for a month may offer the best cosmetic benefits.
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Does Gua Sha hurt?Gua Sha is usually gentle and relaxing. On tight or stagnant areas, you may feel a slight pulling sensation, but discomfort is minimal and always adjustable.
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Is this like Western herbalism?There is overlap, but Chinese herbal medicine is more diagnostically precise and formula-driven. More like prescription care than casual supplement use.
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Do the herbs taste bad?Some do, some don’t! But we’ll work with your preferences, capsules and tinctures are great options for sensitive taste buds.
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Are there side effects taking Herbal medicine?Side effects are rare and usually mild (such as temporary digestive changes). We monitor you closely and make formula changes as needed.
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Can I take herbs with my medications?In most cases, yes but we always check for contraindications first. Safety first.
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Can I combine acupuncture with other treatments?Absolutely. Acupuncture works beautifully alongside physical therapy, counseling, massage, and more.
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Is acupuncture safe?Yes. We use sterile, single-use needles and follow strict hygiene protocols.
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Is Acupuncture painful?Most people feel little to no pain, just a tiny pinch or pressure that quickly fades.
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Will insurance cover it?I am in-network with the following insurance companies: Blue Cross/Regence Aetna CareOregon Triwest (Veteran's Affairs) United PacificSource Moda (effective 2/25) Kaiser foundation health plan of the northwest (Intel) I am not in-network with the rest of Kaiser, which includes Kaiser OHP.
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