ACUPUNCTURE
AND CHINESE MEDICINE
Westport-Stamford-CT-Acupuncturist

acupuncture & chinese medicine

Discover the ancient art of Acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Tap into your body's natural healing abilities with time-honored techniques for balance and well-being. We provide acupuncture services in Westport and Stamford, CT.

Acupuncture in Westport and Stamford
ANCIENT PRACTICE             
MODERN HEALING
  • He Gu, also known as Large Intestine 4, is known for its calming effects on the mind, particularly useful for easing stress, tension headaches, and neck pain. LI4 has been the subject of extensive research, including randomized controlled trials. Recent findings in the Journal of Orofacial Pain revealed that stimulating He Gu significantly reduces myofascial pain in jaw muscles. Additionally, a Cochrane systematic review highlights the efficacy of acupuncture, specifically acupoint stimulation like LI4, in treating migraines and tension-type headaches.

Our expert providers are dedicated to uncovering the root of your health issues. They combine experience and skill to guide you towards feeling great, offering personalized, holistic care for your unique needs.

  • Allergies

    Anxiety & Depression

    Chemotherapy Support

    Chronic and Acute Pain

    Digestive Issues

    Fertility, Pregnancy & Hormonal Health

    General Wellness

    Headaches & Migraines

    Hot Flashes

    Injuries

    Insomnia

    Morning Sickness

    PMS & irregular periods

    Sinus Pressure

    TMJ pain

    and more…

  • New patients, 60-75 minutes: $210

    Follow-up appointment, 40-60 minutes: $170 each

    Package of 10 follow-up appointments: $1550

    Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture: $250

    Celluma LED light add-on: $40

    PEMF Mat Add-on $40

    *We require payment at the time of service, however we can provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Learn more about insurance coverage here.

  • Our acupuncturists work out of our Stamford and Westport locations.

Fertility Acupuncturists in Westport, CT
  • Nei Guan or Pericardium 6, located by placing three fingers beside your wrist crease, is effective for nausea, including motion or morning sickness. This point, also useful for calming the mind, acts as a 'heart protector' and shields the heart from external stressors. It's beneficial for chest congestion, hiccups, asthma, cough, heart palpitations, panic, depression, irritability, and anxiety. Massaging PC 6 can offer relief for these symptoms.

Acupuncture in Westport and Stamford

acupuncture and chinese medicine are safe and effective ways to treat a variety of conditions — including mental health, pain, fertility, and hormonal imbalances — and contribute to overall wellness.

"I'm afraid of needles, except acupuncture needles. "
—Catherine O'Hara
acupuncturist in stamford and westport

our providers

Dr. Sarah Swanberg

DOCTOR OF ACUPUNCTURE AND CHINESE MEDICINE/ FOUNDER + CLINIC DIRECTOR

D.A.C.M., L.Ac., Dipl.O.M.

  • Sarah is a board certified diplomate in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology through the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and is licensed to practice in CT. She holds a Masters of Science and a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from Pacific College of Health Sciences in New York City.

    In 2018, Sarah graduated from the New Medicine for Women Institute where she studied Functional and Integrative Medicine under Aviva Romm, MD. This training adds another complimentary facet to her services.

    Sarah believes that the human body has an amazing innate ability to heal itself, and that Chinese medicine's greatest strength is in its ability to be the catalyst for that healing. She is a strong advocate of an integrative healthcare model where a variety of healthcare providers with different skill sets work together to help patients regain and maintain health and wellness. She particularly loves helping women navigate the complexities of the fertility, pregnancy and postpartum landscape.

    Sarah is also the author of two best-selling wellness books: A Patient’s Guide to Acupuncture and Aromatherapy for Self-Care.

    Sarah founded Indigo in 2015 with a mission to change the way healthcare feels.

    Sarah also mentors acupuncturists and health care providers looking to start or grow their practices. Learn more at sarahswanberg.com

  • Sarah considers herself a generalist, but loves to work with patients looking for support in fertility and hormone health, pregnancy, cancer support and mental health.

  • Sarah currently works in our Stamford office.

Dr. Marcy Julius

  • Marcy Julius is board certified in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and licensed to practice in both Connecticut and New York. Graduating among the top of her class from Pacific College of Health and Science, she earned both her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. After graduation, Marcy completed a year-long fellowship program at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital where she treated the inpatient population in various units throughout the facility.

    Marcy provides a supportive environment for patients to share their stories and is committed to getting to know each individual as a whole person. Using various modalities including acupuncture, electric stimulation, herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion and lifestyle advice, she strives to deliver sincere and effective patient care.

    Marcy has extensive training and experience in treating acute and chronic pain conditions, digestive disorders, allergies, anxiety and depression. Having suffered from endometriosis for most of her adult life and subsequently undergoing fertility treatments in order to conceive her daughter, she brings a unique empathy, understanding and passion to women’s health and fertility.

  • Marcy is a general practitioner with a passion for treating women’s health and fertility. Other specialties include acute and chronic pain, mental and emotional health, and cosmetic acupuncture.

  • Marcy sees patients at both our Stamford and Westport locations.

DOCTOR OF ACUPUNCTURE AND CHINESE MEDICINE

D.A.C.M., L.Ac., Dipl.O.M.

Liz Alexandre Acupuncturist Westport

Elizabeth Alexandre

MASTER OF SCIENCE, TRADITIONAL ORIENTAL MEDICINE, DOCTORAL CANDIDATE, ACUPUNCTURE AND CHINESE MEDICINE

M.S., L.Ac., Dipl.O.M.

  • Elizabeth Alexandre, L.Ac, MSTOM is a nationally board certified and state licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist in New York, Connecticut, and California. Elizabeth completed a 4-year Masters in Chinese Medicine and graduated with Honors from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in New York.

    Elizabeth is trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine and practices Applied Channel Theory Palpation developed by Dr. Wang Ju-Yi of Beijing, China. This clinically effective palpation methodology applies classical acupuncture theory to the physical changes in the channels, which leads to more effective and precise point selection, location, and technique. Elizabeth was accepted for post-graduate work to study under Dr. Wang at Hu Guo Chinese Medicine Hospital and at his private clinic in Beijing, China.

    Elizabeth has had comprehensive training and clinical experience as an acupuncturist at Lutheran Medical Center; Labor and Delivery, Beth Israel Medical Center; Integrated Oncology, Housing Works Community Acupuncture Clinic, Grand Meridian Acupuncture Clinic, and Illume Fertility Clinic.

    Additionally, Elizabeth has participated as a volunteer acupuncturist and herbalist in medical missions to the Barbara Ford Peace Center: Integrative Health Project Community Acupuncture Clinic in Quiche, Guatemala. BFPC, a chapter of the Sisters of Charity, provides medical relief to children in underserved regions worldwide.

  • Elizabeth considers herself a generalist, but areas of specialty include women's health and fertility, musculoskeletal disorders, and psycho-emotional wellbeing.

  • Elizabeth sees patients in our Westport and Stamford locations.

Sharon Sachakov Stamford Acupuncturist

Sharon Sachakov

MASTER OF SCIENCE, ACUPUNCTURE

M.S., L.Ac., Dipl. AC.

  • Sharon Sachakov is board certified in Acupuncture by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and licensed to practice in Connecticut. She graduated at the top of her class and received the Director’s Award from the University of Bridgeport, the highest recognition in her program. Throughout her clinic internship, she specialized in treating a wide range of conditions, from musculoskeletal pain to stress management and sleep disturbances as well as overall wellness. She combines both classic and modern acupuncture techniques in her treatments. She utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities including acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion and electric stimulation, to provide effective and comprehensive care.

    Sharon believes that every person’s health journey is unique, and that healthcare should be tailored to meet those individual needs. With a passion for integrating different approaches to medicine, Sharon is committed to treating the whole person, ensuring that both the symptoms and root causes are addressed. She strives to create a welcoming and supportive environment, where her patients feel seen and cared for as they work together toward better health and well-being.

    Elizabeth is trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine and practices Applied Channel Theory Palpation developed by Dr. Wang Ju-Yi of Beijing, China. This clinically effective palpation methodology applies classical acupuncture theory to the physical changes in the channels, which leads to more effective and precise point selection, location, and technique. Elizabeth was accepted for post-graduate work to study under Dr. Wang at Hu Guo Chinese Medicine Hospital and at his private clinic in Beijing, China.

    Elizabeth has had comprehensive training and clinical experience as an acupuncturist at Lutheran Medical Center; Labor and Delivery, Beth Israel Medical Center; Integrated Oncology, Housing Works Community Acupuncture Clinic, Grand Meridian Acupuncture Clinic, and Illume Fertility Clinic.

    Additionally, Elizabeth has participated as a volunteer acupuncturist and herbalist in medical missions to the Barbara Ford Peace Center: Integrative Health Project Community Acupuncture Clinic in Quiche, Guatemala. BFPC, a chapter of the Sisters of Charity, provides medical relief to children in underserved regions worldwide.

  • Sharon excels at treating acute and chronic pain, stress, anxiety, postpartum care, and general wellness.

  • Sharon currently sees patients in our Stamford location.

  • Despite different degrees, our acupuncturists all received the same clinical training in their 4-year Chinese Medicine masters programs, the highest possible degree available until 2015 when an accredited Doctorate degree became available. At this time, interested Master of Science graduates were able to enroll in a 1-year online, research-based program to transition their degrees into Doctorates. All of our acupuncturists, regardless of degree type, have the highest level of clinical training and experience.

Natural Solutions to Women's Health and Fertility

acupuncture faqs

  • Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing practice in which hair-thin needles are inserted in precise locations on the body in order to help the body restore or maintain proper energy flow along pathways called meridians. According to Chinese Medicine, imbalances of this energy, called "qi" ( pronounced “chee”) are the root of all illnesses. Scientific research has shown that acupuncture helps to regulate the nervous system and restore homeostasis—the balanced state of the body—by increasing blood flow in the body, reducing inflammation, and increasing production of neurotransmitters and endorphins, our body's natural pain and stress relievers.

  • Acupuncture can help heal a variety of conditions, ranging from musculoskeletal pain to infertility to chronic depression and anxiety. Patients are diagnosed not just by their main symptoms, but by a pattern identification method that takes all the systems of the body into account and looks for underlying imbalances. This method takes into consideration much more than just the presenting symptoms. For example, five patients seeking treatment for migraines might have five completely different patterns and will therefore receive five different treatments. We ask questions, take pulses in six different locations, and look at tongue shape, color and coating to help diagnose. We look for and aim to treat at the root level in order to help your body heal itself, physically, mentally and emotionally. Many people, including myself, come to acupuncture initially for treatment of a specific ailment, but move on to use acupuncture in a more preventative/maintenance capacity.

  • This is a very common concern—when people hear "needles" they immediately imagine hypodermic needles delivering painful shots at the doctor's office as a child. Those are no fun for anyone! Acupuncture needles are as thin as a hair and their insertion is virtually painless. This isn't to say that you won't feel it at all, because there is a definite sensation upon insertion, but most patients come to like it. If you are nervous about needles, definitely speak up! We are trained in many different techniques to help desensitize acupuncture points before needle insertion. If this still sounds miserable, don't rule out Chinese Medicine altogether. There are other modalities that we can use including cupping, guasha, moxabustion and tui na medical massage as well as Chinese Herbal Medicine and nutritional guidance that can be used to help balance your body without the use of needles.

  • During your initial visit, we will start with a lengthy health history in which we will ask you a series of questions about your condition and your health in general. (You may not think that your menstrual cycle or anxiety has any connection to your chronic knee pain, but we do!) We will also take your pulses according to the Chinese pulse theory and look at your tongue. If you are coming in for a musculoskeletal issue or injury, we may perform orthopedic testing on you. Once we have identified an underlying pattern of disharmony and prepared a treatment plan, we will insert anywhere between four and twenty needles and leave them inserted for 15 to 30 minutes. Of course this all will vary by patient. Be sure to ask any questions you have upfront, don’t be shy! We may perform supplementary techniques (mentioned above), and discuss dietary modifications and herbal formulas. Your first session will last 60-75 minutes. Follow-up treatments will have a shortened intake and will generally last 45-60 minutes.

  • This all depends on the nature or your illness or severity of injury, but most people do report improvement after one treatment. We will work with you to identify short-term and long-term goals, and we will let you know how many treatments and with what frequency we think you might need. Generally, we suggest a series of five treatments before evaluating progress.

    Your health and happiness are our priority, and we work with a variety of healthcare practitioners in the area who we are always happy to refer out to if we think they can be of help to you.

  • Our clinics are conveniently located in Westport and Stamford, CT.

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