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PAIN RELIEF AND HEALING  

HEALING MODALITIES

>  Cupping and Gua Sha

>  Acupuncture

>  Reflexology

ORIENTAL MEDICINE

>  Oriental Medicine

Learn about the types and what can be can be treated

WHAT TO EXPECT

>  Prepare for Your Visit

Find out what happens on your first visit and what to bring.

>  Auricular Therapy

>  Nutritional Counseling

LOOK YOUNGER

>  Needle-Free Face Lift

Enjoy facial and full-body rejuvenation without surgery

>  Shiatsu/Acupressure

Using Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine to
Help Santa Rosa Stay Pain Free and Healthy

Santa Rosa Acupuncturist Shelley Werner uses acupuncture and other Oriental Medicine modalities to treat pain and various other conditions.


For a list of conditions for which Acupuncture can provide relief, see the box at right.


For more information about specific modalities, follow any of the links at left.


For information about Shelley Werner and her qualifications, read About Shelley.


The FAQ below will help answer some of your questions about acupuncture and what to expect from a session.

Acupuncture: Effective Treatment for Pain and More Than 40 Other Diseases


The World Health Organization lists over 40 diseases that Acupuncture can treat effectively. Following is a partial list of the conditions we treat using Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture.


Licensed Santa Rosa acupuncturist Shelley Werner treats patients with acupuncture and oriental medicine.

What is Acupuncture?

The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture defines the practice as a “method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning.” With its roots in ancient China, Acupuncture involves gently inserting extremely thin needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at precise acupuncture points in the body.

How does Acupuncture/Oriental Medicine Work?

There are 14 major energy channels called meridians that course through the human body encompassing the head, arms, hands, legs, feet, torso and internal organs. A subtle energy called “qi” circulates via the meridians to all parts of the body.


Any misdirection, blockage or other derangement of the amount, flow or balance of qi may result in pain, dysfunction and ill health. Using acupuncture needles (hair thin), certain points (acupoints) are stimulated which are along the course of the meridians.


Such stimulation helps restore the normal balance and flow of qi so organs and bodily systems can work together in harmony.

Is Acupuncture Painful?

There may be sensations when the needle is inserted such as tingling, itching, warming. It should not be painful. Once needles are in, you are encouraged to relax and not move as moving can dislodge or change the position of the needle, and it may feel uncomfortable.

How Many Times are the Needles Used?

Needles are used once; after use, they are put into a bio-hazard container and disposed of properly.

Is Anything Else Done During an Acupuncture Session?

Depending upon your complaint, I may use moxibustion, cupping, qua sha, essential oils, infra-red heat lamps. Some people enjoy having an eye pillow cover their eyes and listening to soft, soothing music.

How Long before I Feel Better?

It depends. Each of us is unique and responds differently to treatment. It also depends upon how long you have experienced your condition. The longer you have had the problem, the longer it may take to resolve the situation. I don’t know until you receive a session, how you are going to respond. It may take 4-6 treatments in order to get a noticeable change.

How Long Does a Session Last?

The initial acupuncture treatment, including the intake portion, takes about 1 ½ – 2 hours. Subsequent sessions are about an hour.

What Can I do to Prepare For My Session?

It is best that you are not hungry when you come. I recommend that you have eaten within 1-3 hours before a session.

After a Session?

Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids to help you body rid itself of toxins. You can go back to work. You may feel very relaxed and a little sleepy.


You may not want to do any strenuous physical activity; let your body adjust to the changes you are experiencing. It is best to wait a couple of hours before doing anything demanding.

Recommendations to Enhance Your Recovery

Take your herbs or dietary suggestions, and do your homework. I usually give you recommendations of what you can do to enhance your treatment. The highest form of healing is what an individual can do for oneself.

Frequency of Treatment

For acute situations, especially ones of pain, I recommend coming 2-3x/week for a session in order to experience quicker results. Many people come 1x/week for problems that aren’t pain related such as menstrual irregularities, digestive or respiratory disturbances. I also recommend maintenance visits, for example, 1x/month to keep your body in a healthy state and to maintain a free flow of energy.

What if I Don’t Feel Better Right Away?

You may feel worse temporarily.  When you have an established pattern, acupuncture gets the blood flowing, and if a pattern is entrenched, the body is pushes back against the change. Usually, you will feel better after 1 or 2 days.


For more information about Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine services, contact Santa Rosa Acupuncture practitioner Shelley Werner.