How does acupuncture work?
The answer that is given depends on who is asked. Different points on the body are used to stimulate nerves and in the processes sends a signal to the brain. The brain then releases different chemicals, such as endorphins and enkephalins. By inserting a needle, the body is increasing blood flow to a specific area and mobilizing the body's natural healing response. TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) acknowledges all of this, and takes it farther. There are many pathways that run through the body, much like roadways. Each of these pathways transports substances the body needs to other portions of the body. Problems arise when the pathways don't have enough substance, have too much substance, or pathways are blocked. Acupuncture works to reestablish the flow of these channels to increase resilience of the body.
What We Treat
Traditional Chinese Medicine addresses a wide range of conditions by treating the whole person — not just the presenting symptom.
Fertility Support
We support patients through cycle regulation, IVF preparation, pregnancy maintenance, and postpartum recovery.
Women's Health
Menstrual irregularities, hormonal imbalances, perimenopause, and endometriosis are among the most common concerns we treat.
Chronic Pain
Back, neck, joint, and musculoskeletal pain respond well to acupuncture's ability to increase circulation and interrupt the pain cycle.
Stress & Anxiety
Acupuncture regulates the nervous system, lowers cortisol, and restores a sense of calm that medication alone often cannot replicate.
Immune & Respiratory
Regular treatment strengthens the body's defensive qi and benefits allergies, asthma, and recurring respiratory conditions through classical herbal formulas.
Digestive Disorders
IBS, bloating, nausea, and irregular bowel patterns can all be addressed through herbal medicine and targeted acupuncture protocols.
Men's Health
Fatigue, stress, reproductive health, and pain management are addressed through individualized acupuncture and herbal protocols tailored for men.
Cancer Support
Acupuncture and herbal medicine ease side effects of treatment — including fatigue, nausea, and pain — while supporting the body's resilience throughout.
More About Courtney
Dr. Courtney Musser DTCM, LAc, Dipl. AHM studied Traditional Chinese Medicine in Santa Cruz, California at Five Branches University. She graduated in 2020 with her Masters and Doctorate of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Shortly after, she received her Diplomat of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine.
In school she focused on women's health, orthopedics, pain management, and medical qi-gong. She received an undergraduate degree in kinesiology. She has since specialized in women's health and Kiiko Matsomoto Style acupuncture.
She was born and raised on the Monterey Peninsula, with the majority of her time in Carmel Valley.
Find Us
Our Location
31 Upper Ragsdale Dr. #160, Monterey, CA 93940
Begin Your Healing
We welcome new patients and are happy to answer any questions before your first visit.
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