Acupuncture Treatment in Portland
We provide holistic acupuncture treatments at Inner Sanctuary Wellness in Portland aimed at bringing back your natural balance and easing a multitude of physical and emotional issues. Whether you're coping with chronic pain, stress, imbalanced hormones, or are looking for more energy and peace, our treatments are non-invasive, tradition-grounded, and tailored to your particular intentions. We are proud to serve the community at PDX with care and empathy.
How Can Acupuncture Help You?
Acupuncture is much more than a matter of needles, it's a means of assisting your body's natural intelligence to heal itself.
By focusing specifically on certain points along your energy channels (called meridians), acupuncture can:
-
Relaxing the nervous system and minimizing anxiety
-
Relieve chronic pain, such as back, neck, and joint pain
-
Enhance digestion and relieve inflammation
-
Supports fertility, menstrual regulation, and hormonal balance
-
Enhance immunity and promote sleep
-
Support during trauma and emotional release
Many of our Portland patients seek us out after having experienced traditional treatments that weren't quite effective. They remain here because they are finally being understood and are able to start feeling better.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
We know how daunting it can be to try acupuncture for the first time. This is how we approach it:
Thoughtful Consultation: We start with a discussion with your health history, current concerns, lifestyle, and your goals.
Pulse and Tongue Diagnosis: This ancient practice reveals to us your inner body condition.
Calm Needling: You'll get super-delicate, sterile needles carefully placed. The majority of clients describe it as extremely calming.
Rest and Reset: You'll be resting for 20-30 minutes during treatment, usually lapsing into a relaxed, meditative state.
Every session is a matter of your comfort, your story, and your healing.
Types of Acupuncture We Offer in Portland
We combine traditional knowledge with a contemporary understanding of anatomy and wellbeing.
Our clinic provides:
Traditional Chinese Acupuncture: Based on more than 2,000 years of therapeutic tradition
Electroacupuncture: Pain, inflammation, and nerve recovery with low-frequency stimulation.
Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture: Micro-system for anxiety, addiction, and detox.
Moxibustion (moxa): Heat therapy with use of Mugwort to promote circulation and strengthen the body's immune response, aiding in overall vitality and healing.
Integrative Sessions: Typically paired with cupping, bodywork, or herbal remedies for a holistic approach.
We spend time explaining each procedure and checking in with you at every step.
What Is Acupuncture, Really?
Fundamentally, acupuncture is a language, one spoken by your body. It doesn't cover up symptoms. It seeks out the true cause and addresses it without forcing it.
Scientifically, acupuncture stimulates the vagus nerve, releases endorphins, and controls the body's inflammatory response. Beyond studies, though, patients tell us it benefits them by:
-
Be lighter, clearer, more resilient
-
Trust your body again
-
Find space to work through feelings they didn't know they were experiencing
Acupuncture not only cures illness. It enhances vitality.
Benefits of Acupuncture for Health and Wellness
Let's divide it by conditions our clients most often seek help for:
Everything from migraines to sciatica can be relieved by acupuncture through decreased inflammation and enhanced circulation without drug side effects.
Stress, anxiety, and burnout
Portland is a lovely city, yet life can remain overwhelming. Acupuncture quiets anxious thinking, stimulates adrenal function, and resets your body's stress response.
IBS, bloating, acid reflux, or irregularity? Acupuncture regulates gut-brain communication and aids digestion harmony.
We offer cycle regulation, PMS, perimenopause, fertility preparation, and IVF support through acupuncture and herbs.
Immunity Support
Acupuncture enhances immunological resistance against infections, including preventing colds, shortening recovery from illness, and minimizing autoimmune flares.
Why Choose Our Portland Acupuncture Clinic?
Extremely Customized Treatment
No one starts by the book. No cookie-cutter plans. We create a treatment path specifically for you.
Holistic Philosophy
We combine herbal medicine, body cupping, and gentle bodywork to promote your recovery from every direction.
LOCAL AND TRUSTED
We cover NE, SE, and downtown Portland. They come back because they are treated with respect, safety, and respect.
Experienced practitioner
Nationally certified, trauma-informed, and regularly trained in classical and up-to-date methods.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Do I need to undress for the gentle bodywork session?No. Gentle bodywork is typically done fully clothed. Wear something comfortable and flexible.
-
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.
-
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.
-
How long do the cupping marks last?Typically 3 to 7 days. The darker the mark, the more stagnation was present in that area.
-
Is cupping painful?Most people find it deeply relaxing. A slight pulling or tightness is normal, but discomfort is rare and adjusted immediately.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Can I take herbs with my medications?In most cases, yes but we always check for contraindications first. Safety first.
-
Can I combine acupuncture with other treatments?Absolutely. Acupuncture works beautifully alongside physical therapy, counseling, massage, and more.
-
Is acupuncture safe?Yes. We use sterile, single-use needles and follow strict hygiene protocols.
-
Is Acupuncture painful?Most people feel little to no pain, just a tiny pinch or pressure that quickly fades.
-
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.
Contact Us
Let us know how we can help you
Opening Hours
Mon - Fri
Saturday
Sunday
9:00 am – 8:00 pm
9:00 am – 7:00 pm
closed
