Acupuncture is an Asian medical technique that developed over 3,000 years ago in China. Since the mid-1970's interest in acupuncture has grown in the west. Today it is used by millions of patients in the United States for treatment of a myriad of conditions, including pain, nausea, addiction, stroke rehabilitation, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma.

This ancient medical system has proved invaluable for people living with chronic illness. Regular treatments help boost the immune system, prevent infections, and maintain energy. Treatment can help manage the side effects of medications, as well as ease many health problems including:

The acupuncturist uses hair-thin, sterile, disposable needles that are gently inserted at specific points along the meridians, or energy channels, that traverse the body. The insertion of the needles stimulates the body's natural energy, releasing blocks, enhancing the body's self-healing processes, and restoring balance. Most people find treatments to be deeply relaxing and restorative.

Our acupuncturists are highly trained, and licensed by the Massachusetts Board of Medicine. They receive ongoing education as a requirement for employment and licensure. To better serve our clients, our acupuncturists work with trained assistants who will be part of our clients' wellness team. Pathways also serves as a teaching clinic for students at the New England School of Acupuncture (NESA) Masters' Program and trains top specialists. Through NESA we run an Intern Acupuncture Clinic that provides treatment on Thursdays for a discounted fee of $20.

Acupuncture Styles and Techniques

Acupuncturists at Pathways to Wellness are proficient in a variety of styles and techniques. Acupuncture is practiced around the world as a therapy of Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM. This is the traditional Chinese acupuncture and is equivalent in diagnostics and treatment plans to Chinese Herb Therapy. Emphasis is put on the discernment of internal organ imbalance and bringing imbalance back into homeostasis.

Japanese Meridian Acupuncture differs from TCM in that primary emphasis is placed on energy imbalances within the meridian system. Therapy establishes balance within the meridians and the body's homeostatic self-healing abilities are enabled. Japanese acupuncture generally uses thinner needles and shallower insertions.

Kikko-Style Acupuncture, developed by Massachusetts acupuncturist Kikko Matsumoto, is a specific group of techniques that may be used in a variety of situations. Many of our therapists have studied with Kikko Matsumoto and use her techniques as one of their primary treatments.

An additional technique that we use is Moxa Therapy or Moxabustion, which is a warming therapy using a burning herb called moxa at specific acupuncture points. Cupping is also used in our clinic. This technique uses suction to invigorate stagnated areas in the skin and muscles.

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Consultations available

To assist you in determining the treatment (or treatment combination) that is right for you, Pathways offers a 30-minute consult with one of our liscensed practitioners.

In this 30-minute consult, a practitioner will listen to your health concerns and ask you a series of questions in order to make an evaluation and recommendation for treatment. Suggestions may include any combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and shiatsu, depending on the type, severity, and age of your condition.

For additional information, please download our web page on what to expect.

Please see our Rates page for additional information on our services, policies and fees.