Chinese Medicine: Acupuncture,
Chinese Herbs & Nutrition
Katharine has been practicing Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine & Chinese Nutrition for many decades.
As an acupuncturist, she utilizes the most gentle technique with the greatest results. (It does not have to hurt to work!)
She treats adults of all ages, pregnant mamas, babies, kids, tweens & teens.
Relax and Rejuvenate with the healing power of acupuncture.
She specializes in pain management, especially back and neck pain, but she is effective at treating anxiety, PMS, fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, allergies, colds, flus & coughs, headaches & migraines, infertility, immune system challenges, chronic & acute viral & bacterial infections & much more.
Katharine has helped many people find natural solutions to their health challenges with acupuncture, and also with Chinese Herbal Medicine and Nutrition. Some conditions respond much better with herbal medicine than with just acupuncture . Some don't even require acupuncture as much as herbs. Ask me what's best for you!
Chinese Herbal Consults are available in person, online and by phone.
SERVICES
Private Appointments:
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Acupuncture $120, Also includes cupping, some acupressure, or a brief herbal consultation by request, at no extra fee. Allow up to one hour.
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Herbal Consult $120.00. No needles. When a condition or conditions require a comprehensive consultation. Good for immunity boost, acute & chronic viral &/or bacterial infections, respiratory conditions, allergies, pain management, infertility, anxiety, digestive disorders, PMS, period challenges & much more. Herbs can be used with most western meds. They are effective with Acupuncture to boost the effectiveness of the treatment, or as a stand alone treatment. Allow up to one hour.
You may come in person to my Cottonwood office, or we can meet by phone. Just let me know when you book if you'd like to talk by phone.
Community/Semi-Private Acupuncture:
$60. There are 2 massage tables. You may have a front or a back treatment. There may be someone in the room for part of your treatment. Appts are staggered every 30 min. Allow 45 min. plus or minus.
*PLEASE wear loose fitting clothing to allow easy access for the acupuncture points.
If you'd like to come with a friend, book 2 appointments in a row and arrive together at the first slot. Text and let me know you're both coming together!
To keep sessions affordable, insurance is not accepted. For more on that, go to FAQs below.
Super-bill receipts are available upon request for you to submit.
Cash, checks, Venmo, Zelle & Paypal are happily accepted.
In Cottonwood
& Prescott
Old Town Cottonwood Plaza
753 N. Main St, #C4
James-Marco Health
132 S Montezuma St.
Prescott AZ
928.212.1479
928.288.2036
What is acupunture?
Acupuncture has been a powerful form of medicine for over 3,000 years. It originated in China but quickly became widely used in Japan and Korea as well. Today is it utilized all over the world in a variety of settings from private clinics, group clinics, detox and trauma centers and hospitals.
Acupuncture involves inserting very fine needles on specific points along pathways of energy, that run up and down the body. They connect to the organs, nerves, muscles, hormone systems, and our emotional systems to restore health and balance.
These pathways are called Meridians or Channels and the specific points are referred to as Acupuncture or Acupressure points. Those are the same thing, it just refers to whether the points are stimulated by a needle or by physical touch.
Acupuncture can be likened to a careful gardener tending to a stream that nourishes a vast garden. Just as clear, unobstructed water is vital for nurturing plants, the smooth flow of Qi is essential for maintaining balance and health in the body. When a stream becomes blocked by debris, the water stagnates or diverts, depriving areas downriver of essential nourishment. Similarly, blockages or disruptions in the body's Qi can lead to discomfort or illness.
By gently placing needles at strategic points along the body's meridians, acupuncture helps to remove these blockages and restore the harmonious flow of Qi. This process is akin to removing debris from the stream, allowing the water—and thus life—to move freely and revitalize the entire ecosystem. In this way, acupuncture aims to support the body's natural ability to heal and maintain balance, promoting overall well-being.
There are many techniques of Acupuncture from very intense stimulation to none all at.
Katharine specializes in the most gentle and relaxing style.
All styles are effective. It is more of a personal preference. See what works best for you!
For the kiddos, we call the needles "antennas" instead of needles. They are painless so the kids love it.
Why use acupunture?
Acupuncture has been proven by thousands & thousands of studies to effectively help with conditions such as:
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low back pain
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neck pain
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knee pain
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allergies
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colds & flus
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respiratory problems
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chronic & acute viruses & bacterial infections
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immunity
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fatigue
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arthritis,
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anxiety,
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depression
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gastrointestinal disorders
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infertility
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menstrual disorders
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fibromyalgia
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menopausal symptoms
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menstrual imbalances
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migraines
If you're curious about your health concern, take a look yourself. Be sure to put in "Acupuncture AND your condition".
If you just ask the search engine for help with your condition, without adding the term "Acupuncture", drugs & surgery will come up. That could lead you to believe acupuncture is not a viable option.
Of course, you can ask me too! I have been treating so many conditions successfully for decades, so just ask!
Because of its safety, efficacy and low cost, Acupuncture is now offered in many hospitals such as Mayo Clinics, Children's hospitals and VA clinics.
Services
Community/Semi-private Acupuncture: $60-
This Community Acupuncture is done in a very small group of 2 people, staggered 30 min. apart.
Allow 45 minutes for your session, though it can be a bit more or a bit less.
Appointments are staggered 30 min. apart.
So there is a bit of quiet coming and going.
IThis type of small group allows for back treatments or front treatments, depending on your preference or needs. Generally, back treatments are best for back pain. This is a real acupuncture session. We don't cut down the treatment. You just share the space a bit.
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Private Acupuncture -$120
Private Acupuncture is just like it sounds- just you.
It can include a brief herbal consult, and/or cupping/acupressure if requested. If you prefer to have the ultimate in peace and relaxation, this is for you. You may bring another person with you for the same price! Let me know in advance if possible!
Pregnancy Acupuncture $60 in Community or l$120 private
You pick which service fits your needs when you book.
Acupuncture is safe for pregnancy. In fact, many doctors and midwives recommend acupuncture to help ease some of the possible discomforts of pregnancy such as morning sickness, back pain, heartburn and low energy.
It is natural and gentle with no side effects. It is customized to your individual needs at every stage of pregnancy, and is a great way to help recover from childbirth.
You can have a face down treatment in total comfort if you chose! Or face up with wedges, or on your side or in the zero gravity chair. Whatever feels most comfortable !
Always check with your primary healthcare provider before doing any therapies.
Herbal Consults $120, plus the price of herbs
If you don't want acupuncture, or you need a more comprehensive consult, this is for you.
The herbal formulas I recommend are tested for safety and quality. I offer tablets and liquid which are easier to take than the traditional way of taking herbs which is boiling and straining them.
Herbal formulas can help the acupuncture treatments last longer and be more effective. Or as a stand-alone therapy they are a natural and side-effect free way to balance your health.
Herbal formulas are effective for acute & chronic viral & bacterial infections, increasing immunity, respiratory issues, allergies, digestive symptoms, menstrual problems, infertility, allergies, headaches & migraines. Ask me if you'd like to know more about your specific condition. Formulas are reasonably priced. We can discuss prices based on what formula/s you might need.
Herbal Consults are available in person or by phone. Book "herbal consultation" and text me if you prefer a call.
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Does it hurt?Nope. It is so gentle that even kids love it! There are some forms of acupuncture that use intense stimulation that can be uncomfortable for some. But we do gentle acupuncture that helps just as much as the more intense types. In fact, if it feels uncomfortable, it goes against what we are trying to achieve which is deep relaxation and healing.
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How does it work?There are many theories as to how it is working, such as that the needles are stimulating the nerves, or are creating micro-injuries that engage the system to increase circulation. The exact mechanism of how it is working is still under investigation. But study after study shows that it does work for many many conditions both long-term and acute. A simple way to understand how it works is to imagine a river. When the water is flowing smoothly, the river is healthy and strong. The water is clean and clear. But when there is some kind of blockage, like a dam, the water gets stagnant. It can run slower. It can get muddy. It can even get mucky and stinky. Someone could test the water and the soil to figure out what organisms there are, what is causing the stench. Or, by simply fixing or removing the blockage the water will start to flow again. As it flows smoothly, the mud and the muck disappear. As the river is flowing smoothly again, the water is clear and healthy. That is much like our bodies. Blockages, which can be caused by chronic tension, injuries or other stressors, can cause pain, anxiety and even disease. Acupuncture works by clearing the blockages to restore health and balance naturally. Acupuncture can be used as a stand alone treatment for many ailments but is most often used in combination with western medicine treatments. There are hundreds and hundreds of current scientific studies proving its safety and effectiveness. It used in medical clinics, hospitals and even spas for pain, nausea from cancer treatments, allergies, migraines, anxiety, depression, digestion disorders and infertility, just to name a few. When treating conditions that have been present for a while, it is recommended to get acupuncture 1-2 times a week at first, and then less and less often as your symptoms decrease. It depends on how long you’re had the condition, how severe it is and how your body responds to the treatments. Some issues can be resolved in one or two sessions, but often it may take longer for long-term problems, Many people find total relief from conditions, while some get better for a long time but require occasional sessions to keep them symptom free. Much like a massage, Acupuncture can also be done as a one-time treatment to de-stress and relax, or to help an acute condition. It can also be done on a more regular routine to keep you feeling great- much like a regular tune-up on your car. It is remarkably relaxing and rejuvenating and feels great. You will feel like you’ve had a mini-vacation.
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Is it safe?Yes. They even use acupuncture in hospitals and on young kids.
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What does it feel like?Some people do not feel anything particular but they feel the results. Many people feel deep relaxation, some feel energized. Some people might feel energy moving around their bodies or an ebb and flow, like waves coming in and out. Some people feel a heaviness and some people feel a kind of numbness. There are many different experiences and all are normal.
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Do you have to believe in it to work?No. It is not religion. You do not have to even have an open mind. It works on animals and children who likely have no belief about it one way or another.
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Are there side effects?There can be a slight bruise around a needle site on occasion. There can be a drop or two of blood. Some people have a slight aggravation of symptoms for a short time but it then dissipates and they feel much better than before. If you haven’t eaten enough, you may get light headed.
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Is there something on the needles?No, they work simply by stimulating the acupuncture points to increase circulation and restore balance.
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Do I need to feel each needle for it to work?No. It works regardless of whether you feel it working or not. You’ll know its working by how you feel afterwards or by the decrease of any symptoms you may have had.
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How many times do I need to go?It depends on what’s going on. For severe and long standing conditions, you may need 1-2 sessions for a few weeks with less and less sessions as you get better. It also can be done on an as-needed basis to de-stress and rejuvenate, or treat a newer condition.
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Does it actually cure pain or diseases?Some conditions never come back while some more chronic conditions are gone but may come back now and again and would require another treatment. Some degenerative diseases are kept from progressing with regular acupuncture.
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Is there a license to do acupuncture?Yes. Most states have a rigorous licensing process that includes 3-4 years of education from an accredited school, passing national examinations and a thorough background check. Every state has their own bylaws, but they are similar in educational and background requirements.
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What is Qi?Qi, Chi or Ki is the name given to the energy that flows in the body, through the organs and all systems. It also refers to your Life-force and vitality.
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Why don't you take insurance?To be an insurance based practice requires hiring an insurance billing specialist. Many insurance companies do not pay enough to even cover that cost, let alone the practitioner and the office expenses. They also dictate how many treatments you need, how much time we can spend with you, and what conditions we are allowed to be reimbursed for. They often reject claims multiple times which also costs more time and therefore more money. Some acupuncturists do submit their own claims, but most offices that do submit claims, have several practitioners. I am doing my best to offer the most affordable healthcare that I can. It may change in the future, but for now, this is my system.
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What about during pregnancy?Yes, it is very safe during pregnancy. In fact, some doctors and midwives often recommend it to naturally help with conditions like morning sickness, pain, anxiety and heartburn throughout the pregnancy. But check with your healthcare provider before undergoing any treatments.
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Why would a kid or baby need Acupuncture?Babies & Kids can get tremendous relief colic, allergies, colds & flus, respiratory conditions & even stress & anxiety. Beside it is so gentle, kids love it. We call the needles "antennas" for less of a fear factor using the needle word.
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What would a tween or teen need it for?Tweens & teens often have hormonal changes which can be uncomfortable and scary. They also have colds, flus, allergies, stomach issues, anxiety & sleep problems. They also can have sports injuries.
Schedule an appointment today!
Address
Phone
928.288.2036
Cottonwood Old Town Plaza
753 N Main St., #C4, Cottonwood, AZ 86326
James-Marco Health
132 S Montezuma St, Prescott, AZ 86303
Hours
Mondays:
Either James-Marco Health, Prescott -928-212.1479 OR
Cottonwood- check online availability
Tuesdays:
James-Marco Health, Prescott
928.212.1479
Wednesdays:
10:30am-1:30pm
Community/Semi-private-
2-4:30pm
Thursdays:
1-5pm
Fridays:
12:00-4:00pm
All appointments are for Acupuncture & Herbal Consults
Unless specified as "Community/Semi-private"
Holiday hours may vary