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Acupuncture in Williamsburg

Acupuncture on woman's forehead
Acupuncture is a system of health and healing that originated in China over 3,000 years ago. Both Dr. Daniel Shaye and Dr. Jaren Panick are qualified by the Virginia Board of Medicine to perform acupuncture, each bringing distinct, advanced training to the practice. Dr. Shaye holds the FIAMA designation (Fellow of the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture), and Dr. Panick has passed the rigorous NBCE (National Board of Chiropractic Examiners) Acupuncture Examination. Different paths, the same high standard. Together, the doctors bring over 25 years of combined expertise to serve the Williamsburg community with personalized acupuncture care.

Optimizing Your Body’s Systems

There are Eastern and Western descriptions of how acupuncture works. Eastern views focus on the body’s energy (“chi”) and removing blockages or excesses so your body functions to its full potential. Western views focus on the nervous system, endocrine system, and blood flow. Both chiropractic care and acupuncture share the same purpose: optimizing nervous system function to help you alleviate problems and achieve peak performance.

NEW PATIENTS

Your Acupuncture Experience

When you arrive, you’ll be greeted with a smile and escorted to a comfortable room. We’ll provide supportive bolsters for comfort. After preparing the treatment areas, we’ll gently insert ultra-fine needles about the thickness of a human hair into precise points relevant to your needs. You’ll then relax for approximately 15 minutes while we dim the lights, with soothing music in the background.

Many patients report feeling deeply calm and relaxed afterward. Some describe greater mental clarity, as if the world appears in brighter color. We recommend avoiding major mental or physical exertion immediately after your appointment to allow your body to fully integrate the treatment.

Evidence-Based Treatment

At least 10,000 peer-reviewed research articles on acupuncture have been published in recognized scientific journals to date, with the number continuing to grow steadily each year. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes acupuncture as effective for musculoskeletal pain (low back, neck, knee, shoulder, plantar fasciitis), neurological conditions (migraines, headaches), digestive disorders, stress and anxiety, arthritic conditions, fertility support – and more.

Dr. Shaye performing acupuncture

Traditional and Needle-free Options

The needles used in acupuncture are solid, sterile, disposable filaments about the same size as a human hair. Acupuncture needles are so fine, you could fit 6-10 into the bore of an injection needle. Many patients don’t even feel when an acupuncture needle is inserted. When appropriate, we also offer non-needle methods including acupressure.

Acupuncture and Chiropractic: Better Together

We see tremendous success combining acupuncture with chiropractic care – particularly for low back pain, neck pain, headaches, and extremity (foot/ankle/knee/wrist) problems. This integrated approach often accelerates recovery. For example, patients with vertigo benefit from chiropractic adjustments for neck alignment while acupuncture addresses accompanying stress and anxiety as well as pain. When patients remain open to both modalities, we can provide truly integrated care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is acupuncture safe, and does it hurt?

It’s understandable to be curious about the needles! Acupuncture needles are solid, sterile, single-use needles, much finer than the hollow needles used for injections. Most people feel little discomfort during insertion, although experiences vary. Our doctors will explain what to expect and answer your questions before beginning.

What conditions can acupuncture help with?

Acupuncture is commonly used to help manage certain types of pain, including neck and back pain, headaches, and muscle/tendon/joint discomfort. According to the World Health Organization, acupuncture has scientifically valid evidence supporting its use for these conditions as well as arthritic and neurological disorders, shoulder pain, muscle spasm, stress reduction, and a broad variety of other conditions. Whether it may be appropriate for you depends on your unique situation, health history, and goals. We’ll help you understand your options.

Who performs acupuncture at Performance Chiropractic?

Our doctors are qualified by the Virginia Board of Medicine to practice acupuncture and have completed formal training beyond general chiropractic education. Dr. Shaye is a Fellow of the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture, and Dr. Panick successfully completed the highly-challenging National Board of Chiropractic Examiners’ acupuncture examination.

Can acupuncture be done without needles?

Yes. What’s commonly known as “acupuncture” isn’t about the needle, it’s about the effect of stimulating key points that have powerful effects on health and healing. Acupuncture points can be activated with pressure, needles, or a variety of other methods. Whatever you’re comfortable with, that’s where we’ll begin.
  • I was experiencing a lot of headaches, and I’m not one to pop pills for pain. Dr. Shaye worked wonders (and still does). I’m headache free now!!
    -Danny B.
  • I suffered from severe headaches and lower back pain for 2 years. I had a difficult time sleeping and sitting for long periods. After my first series of adjustments my headaches and lower back pain were alleviated. Now I only come in for healthy wellness maintenance.
    -Mia P.
  • Wonderful first visit. I felt comfortable and felt better almost immediately.
    -Isabel D.
  • Very informative session with great results. Thank you for the attention I received.
    -Frank D.

Insurance and Payment Options

We recommend care based on what you need—not just what insurance covers. Performance Chiropractic accepts both insurance and self-pay options. Some plans, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, may cover acupuncture. We'll file your insurance and help you understand your coverage. We also accept HSA and FSA payments and offer flexible financial options for uninsured and under-insured patients.

Contact Us

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Acupuncture Williamsburg VA | (757) 229-4161