Your Questions, Answered

  • I offer an evaluation of your health and wellness through an integrated lens of Western and Eastern medicine.

    I offer medical acupuncture treatment for a wide variety of both acute and chronic conditions- from orthopedic and pain issues to a multitude of medical and mental health problems.

    I also offer nutrition consults, which can be paired with acupuncture for weight management.

    If you are unsure you are a good candidate, feel free to contact me via email to inquire.

  • How is medical acupuncture by a physician different from traditional acupuncture?

    Medical acupuncture performed by a physician combines the wisdom of traditional acupuncture with advanced medical training, modern diagnostics, and a deep understanding of anatomy, neurology, and physiology.

    While traditional Chinese acupuncture is rooted primarily in Eastern medicine theory, physician-led medical acupuncture integrates both Eastern and Western approaches to create a highly personalized, evidence-informed treatment plan. As a board-certified physician, Dr. Hale evaluates each patient through a comprehensive medical lens—considering underlying diagnoses, imaging, medications, biomechanics, nervous system function, and overall health.

    A significant portion of Dr. Hale’s training is also grounded in French energetic acupuncture techniques, which emphasize subtle diagnostic assessment, energetic balance, and the functional relationships between organ systems and the nervous system. French medical acupuncture has historically evolved within physician practice and is known for blending traditional energetic concepts with neuroanatomic and physiologic understanding. This allows for a treatment style that is both refined and deeply individualized.

    Further, modern medical acupuncture explains the effects of acupuncture through a neurophysiologic framework. Research demonstrates that acupuncture influences the nervous system in measurable ways, helping regulate pain signaling, autonomic balance, circulation, and inflammatory pathways. Needle stimulation activates peripheral nerves and connective tissue, triggering complex responses within the brain, spinal cord, and musculoskeletal system.

    These effects may include:

    • Modulation of the autonomic nervous system to promote relaxation and reduce physiologic stress responses

    • Release of endogenous opioids and endorphins, the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals

    • Increased blood flow and microcirculation to injured or inflamed tissues

    • Reduction of inflammatory mediators and neuroinflammation

    • Relaxation of muscle trigger points and reduction of myofascial tension

    • Improved communication between the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems

    Understanding Western medicine allows acupuncture to be applied with greater precision and intention, particularly for complex pain syndromes, neurologic conditions, fertility support, migraines, musculoskeletal injury, stress-related disorders, and integrative cancer or palliative care.

    Physician-led medical acupuncture incorporates advanced techniques including:

    • Electroacupuncture (e-stim acupuncture)

    • Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS)

    • Periosteal stimulation

    • Trigger point and neuromuscular acupuncture

    • Fertility-focused medical acupuncture protocols

  • Most patients are surprised by how comfortable acupuncture feels. The needles used are extremely thin—much smaller than those used for injections or blood draws. Sensations are typically mild and may include warmth, tingling, heaviness, or a deep sense of relaxation.

  • Acupuncture may help with a wide range of concerns including chronic pain, neck and back pain, migraines, stress, anxiety, fertility support, hormonal balance, insomnia, digestive concerns, athletic recovery, and overall wellness optimization.

  • When performed by a highly trained physician, acupuncture is generally very safe. Minor bruising, temporary soreness, or lightheadedness can occasionally occur, but serious complications are rare.

    Take comfort in knowing, these are the smallest needles I have ever used in my medical career :)

  • Your first appointment includes a comprehensive consultation, review of your health history, discussion of your goals, and a personalized treatment plan. Treatment may be performed during the same visit depending on your needs.

  • This is variable.

    Some patients feel improvement after their first session, while others notice gradual changes over several treatments depending on the complexity of their condition.

    This will be discussed at the initial consult

  • Transparent, Concierge-Style Care

    We are a direct-pay practice designed to provide exceptional care without the frustrations of insurance-driven medicine. By remaining independent of insurance networks, we’re able to focus entirely on what matters most—your health, your goals, and the time required to deliver meaningful results.

    Our pricing is fully transparent, with no surprise bills, hidden fees, or complicated insurance approvals. Patients know exactly what to expect before treatment begins.

    This model allows for longer appointments, highly personalized treatment plans, and access to innovative therapies that are often not covered by insurance despite their proven benefits.

    Most importantly, you won’t spend time navigating referrals, prior authorizations, or insurance restrictions that can delay care. Instead, you receive direct access to physician-led treatment in a streamlined, elevated experience centered entirely around your well-being.

  • Getting started is simple. Reach out through our book now linke and I’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.

  • You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email.