Common reasons

Concerns patients bring

Maren will tell you honestly whether she thinks acupuncture is worth trying for yours.

  • Back, neck and shoulder pain

    The most common reason people come in. Many find treatment, sometimes with cupping or tui na, helps them move more comfortably.

  • Headaches and jaw tension

    Many patients with tension headaches or a clenched jaw notice they’re less frequent or less intense over several visits.

  • Stress, worry and low mood

    Lying still, being listened to and slowing your breathing are part of it. We treat this as support alongside, not instead of, counseling or medication.

  • Sleep

    Trouble falling asleep or waking at 3 am is common in a Vermont winter. Many patients say they sleep more deeply after a treatment.

  • Digestion

    Bloating, reflux and irregular digestion are a regular part of Maren’s herbal consults. She’ll ask about food, stress and what your doctor has found.

  • Menstrual and menopause concerns

    Painful or irregular periods, hot flashes and night sweats. Many patients find acupuncture and herbs a helpful part of their plan.

  • Colds, congestion and seasonal allergies

    Herbs and a few treatments in the cold months, to ease symptoms and help you feel more like yourself.

  • Strains, overuse and sports aches

    Sore from running, shoveling or a new job? Tui na and cupping are popular for tight muscles and tendon aches.

  • Support during medical care

    Some patients come for nausea, fatigue or sleep during cancer treatment. We work alongside your care team and ask permission to contact them.

A rolled white towel with a small green sprig on a treatment table, with a leafy plant and soft curtains behind

Alongside your doctor

When to see your doctor first

Acupuncture is a complement to medical care, not a replacement. Please see your doctor, or call 911, before booking if you have any of these:

Chest pain or trouble breathing. A sudden, severe headache. Weakness, numbness or trouble speaking. A fever with a stiff neck. Unexplained weight loss or bleeding.

Maren will ask what your doctor knows about your concern, and she’ll tell you if she thinks you should get it checked.

  • Tell us about every medication and supplement you take
  • Tell us if you’re pregnant or might be
  • Tell us if you take blood thinners or have a pacemaker

Questions about treatment

Is acupuncture safe, and are the needles clean?

Acupuncture is generally considered safe when it’s done by a trained practitioner. Our needles are sterile, single-use and discarded after every patient. Mild bruising or soreness at a needle site can happen.

Will acupuncture fix my problem?

We can’t promise that, and nobody honest can. Many patients find it helps, some find it helps a little and some don’t notice much. Maren will tell you what she expects and check in as you go.

Can I have acupuncture if I’m pregnant?

Many people do, and Maren avoids certain points. Tell us when you book, and talk with your midwife or doctor too.

Will cupping leave marks?

It can leave round, bruise-like marks that usually fade in 3 to 7 days. They don’t hurt, but they can look dramatic. If you’d rather avoid them, we can use gentler suction or skip cupping.

Are herbs safe with my medications?

Some aren’t. That’s why the herbal consult starts with your full list of medications and supplements, and Maren checks every formula against it. If something concerns her, she’ll talk with your pharmacist or doctor first.

Wondering if it’s right for you?

Call us or send a note. A five-minute conversation with Priya or Maren costs nothing.

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