Mari Kubota, LAC

Acupuncture

Acupuncture harnesses your body’s natural healing power by stimulating specific points along energy pathways. Tailored to your unique needs, we practice multiple styles — Traditional Chinese Medicine, specialized Kubota Japanese acupuncture, Electroacupuncture, and gentle Shonishin for children — along with supporting modalities such as Cupping, Far Infrared Therapy, and self-care guidance for Moxibustion.

Key Benefits

  • Natural pain relief without medication dependence
  • Improved circulation and reduced inflammation
  • Balanced hormones and neurotransmitters
  • Enhanced healing and immune function
  • Stress reduction and nervous system regulation

Treatment Styles

Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture – Acupuncture treatment using energy pathways and specific points, followed by needle insertion and deep relaxation

Kubota Japanese Acupuncture (Ishizaka Ryu) – Rare lineage technique from my father, working primarily along the spine to restore vitality to organs and musculoskeletal system. Especially effective for immediate relief of acute pain and also supports chronic illness

Electroacupuncture – Enhanced stimulation using gentle electrical pulses to amplify circulation, reduce inflammation, and provide deeper pain relief. Particularly effective for neurological conditions and chronic pain, fatigue, stress, neuropathy, trauma, brain injury, etc. Electroacupuncture is a cost-effective way to get quick results for treating symptoms

Shonishin (Pediatric) – Gentle, needle-free Japanese technique using specialized tools for infants and children to support healthy development and treat childhood conditions

The Evidence Behind Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been practiced for over 3,500 years and is now validated by modern research. Today’s technology reveals how this ancient medicine works:

Neurological changes: fMRI studies show acupuncture activates specific brain regions involved in pain processing and emotional regulation

Improved circulation: Doppler ultrasound demonstrates increased blood flow to treated areas

Connective tissue response: Needles create mechanical signals that travel through connective tissue networks

Anti-inflammatory effects: Thermal imaging and blood markers show reduced inflammation

Endorphin release: Research confirms acupuncture triggers the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals

Complementary Therapies

Cupping

Creates gentle suction to improve circulation, release muscle tension, and promote detoxification.

Far Infrared Therapy

Penetrating warmth that stimulates cellular metabolism and accelerates healing.

Moxibustion

Warming therapy using mugwort on energy pathways and acupoints to strengthen constitutional energy and boost immune function. We recommend using Moxibustion as a support to office treatments through Self-Care at home.

What to Expect

Your First Visit: Treatment begins with a comprehensive consultation including tongue and pulse examination – key diagnostic tools in Chinese medicine. Ultra-fine, sterile needles are then placed at specific points while you rest comfortably. Most people are surprised by how gentle and relaxing the experience is.

During Treatment: You may notice mild sensations like tingling, warmth, or a dull ache – these are positive signs your body is responding. Many patients fall asleep during the 20-30 minute treatment period, which indicates your nervous system is shifting into healing mode.

After Treatment: Common responses include feeling deeply relaxed, energized, or having improved sleep that night. Some people experience mild soreness at needle sites or temporary symptom changes as healing begins. These are normal parts of the healing process.

Treatment Timeline: Many people notice some improvement within the first few sessions. Acute conditions often resolve in 2-3 visits, while chronic conditions typically require 6-12 treatments for lasting results. Treatment frequency varies by condition – acute cases usually need weekly sessions until symptoms resolve, while maintenance or wellness treatments may be monthly. We’ll create a personalized treatment plan and adjust it based on your progress.

Safety & Comfort: All needles are sterile, single-use, and immediately disposed of after treatment. We maintain the highest safety standards and will adjust any needle that causes discomfort. You’re in control of your treatment experience at all times.

FAQ’s for Acupuncture

Most people are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable acupuncture can be. During treatment, you might notice a gentle tingling, mild numbness, or a faint dull ache where the needle is placed. Some feel subtle warmth, slight heaviness, or very little sensation at all. These responses are typically normal and indicate your body is responding to treatment. If you feel any discomfort, Mari can easily adjust the needle to relieve pressure.

You may notice mild tingling, warmth, or a dull ache – these are normal signs your body is responding. Many people find it so relaxing they fall asleep during treatment. Mari can adjust any needle if you feel discomfort.

Many needle-phobic patients are surprised by how gentle acupuncture can be. We can start with non-needle techniques like acupressure, cupping, or energy medicine. If you choose to try needles, we can use the finest gauge possible and work at your comfort level.

Acupuncture is effective for a wide range of conditions, including:

  • Pain management: Back pain, joint pain, headaches, migraines, arthritis
  • Stress and mental health: Anxiety, depression, insomnia, stress management
  • Reproductive health: Menstrual irregularities, fertility support, menopause symptoms
  • Digestive issues: Irritable Bowel Syndrome, nausea, poor appetite, digestive disorders
  • Respiratory conditions: Asthma, allergies, frequent colds
  • Neurological conditions: Stroke recovery, neuropathy, Bell’s palsy, traumatic brain injury
  • Addiction support: Smoking cessation, substance abuse recovery, eating disorders
  • Immune support: Frequent illness, chronic fatigue, autoimmune conditions
  • Medical support: Chemotherapy side effects, post-surgical recovery

We’ll assess whether acupuncture is appropriate for your specific health concerns during your consultation.

Acupuncture works well alongside conventional medical treatments. It’s essential to inform Mari of all medications and supplements you’re taking, as some herbal recommendations may interact with certain drugs. Always consult with your physician before making changes to prescribed medications.

This is completely normal and actually beneficial! Many patients find acupuncture deeply relaxing. Falling asleep indicates your nervous system is shifting into a healing state. We’ll gently wake you when the session is complete.

Many people notice some improvement within the first few sessions. Acute conditions may resolve in 2-3 visits, while chronic conditions typically require 6-12 treatments for lasting results. For maintenance or wellness treatments monthly sessions could be sufficient. We’ll create a personalized treatment plan and adjust it based on your progress.

Avoid strenuous exercise and alcohol for 2-4 hours after treatment to allow your body to integrate the treatment effects. Light walking is fine. These restrictions help maximize your treatment benefits and prevent interference with the healing process.

You may feel deeply relaxed, energized, or sleep better that night. Some mild soreness or temporary symptom changes are normal as healing begins. 

 Many people notice some improvement within the first few sessions or within the following days. Your individual response depends on factors like your overall health, how long you’ve had the condition, and your body’s natural healing capacity. We’ll discuss realistic timelines for your specific situation during your consultation.

Some temporary worsening can be normal as your body begins healing. However, contact us immediately if you experience severe pain, signs of infection, or concerning symptoms. We’re available to address your concerns and determine if additional care is needed.

If you’re not seeing expected progress after 4-6 treatments, we’ll reassess your treatment plan together. This might involve adjusting the approach, exploring underlying factors, or referring you to other healthcare providers who might better address your specific needs. Your health outcomes are our priority.

“Mari was the first and only practitioner to recognize and then effectively treat my symptoms, using a wide variety of tools — acupuncture, cupping, and more.”

— S. A.

These treatments complement but do not replace conventional medical care. Results may vary. Individual responses to treatment differ. No guarantee of specific outcomes is implied