Acupuncture

Please Note: At this time, acupuncture services are available in Monterey on Wednesdays only. I’m still taking covid precautions like N95 masking and HEPA air filtering. Also, I only see one client in the office at a time. I am not contracted with any insurance company anymore. I’m truly sorry but the work involved just became too much. Please email me directly if you have questions or would like to schedule: hello@blumingwellness.com.

Chinese medicine (CM) is a comprehensive medical system which has been in continuous practice and development for over 2000 years. From the Chinese medical perspective, our bodies contain a complex communication system consisting of a network of pathways. If you think of these pathways as highways, it’s easy to see how prone they are to congestion. Any disturbance of flow leads to symptoms such as pain or swelling, or even infertility, or hot flashes. CM aims to treat imbalances as early as possible in their development. Special points along the pathways, called “acupuncture points”, can be stimulated, thereby regulating the flow, and stimulating the body’s healing processes. Chinese medical theory provides guidelines for the selection of points according to each individual’s unique health picture. The length of a treatment and other parameters are adjusted on an individual basis, as well.

Scientific research shows that acupuncture has multiple effects throughout the body:

  • promotes homeostasis in the autonomic nervous system
  • regulates the release of neurochemicals and hormones that mediate pain sensation and pain perception
  • normalizes the activity of organs, for instance: either speeding up or slowing stomach motility
  • transmits ionic charges and electromagnetic effects

In recent years, techniques such as fMRI and proteomics are being used to further elucidate acupuncture’s mechanisms of action.

My approach to acupuncture is based in tradition, and also incorporates our contemporary understanding of anatomy and neurophysiology, in order to achieve optimal beneficial effects.

After struggling with infertility for seven years my husband and I were ready to give up on our dreams of having a baby. I decided to try acupuncture and after a couple visits with Marian my sleep habits improved, my anxiety lessened and we were ready to start trying again. Two months later I was pregnant with a boy. I know it is because of Marian that we have him in our lives. I am forever thankful for her guidance and acupuncture services.

~ Jackie P.

Acupuncture with Marian has healed my body and mind.  I originally visited her because of major depressive disorder.  A psychiatrist had treated me for a decade with no positive results.  After two months of acupuncture I experienced a dramatic (almost miraculous) improvement in my mood and energy.  

Marian is a compassionate practitioner.  She listens carefully and crafts wholistic treatment strategies.  She has skillfully addressed my bodily ailments as they have arisen: painful joints in my hands and knee, a rib injury and high blood pressure.  

Last year, Marian detected an irregular heartbeat and ably guided me to seek medical diagnosis and treatment. Most recently, acupuncture helped to reduce swelling of an infected tooth, enabling the endodontist to perform a root canal.  Treatments afterwards ensured a quick recovery.   

Marian has a good sense of humor & kind touch which along with her professionalism & broad knowledge of wellness has made it a pleasure to work with her.

~ Dan C.

Five months ago I was in a lot of pain from sciatica. When this happens, about twice a year, I see my doctor for epidural injections and the pain vanishes. This time the pain was back in about 2 months. Another shot only helped for 2 weeks. When he suggested surgery, I wanted to find another solution.

I tried chiropractic for the first time. It didn’t help at all. I tried Biofreeze, Diclofenac, pain-killing drugs, TENS unit, CBD. The last 2 helped a little but only for a short time.

Then I thought about acupuncture which I had never tried. I thought it would be painful but I was desperate. The treatment was not at all painful! Once in a while I did feel a prick. I was still a little achy when I left. But the next morning when I got up ALL the pain was gone. I couldn’t believe it! I had not been pain-free in almost half a year. It’s been 5 months now and the sciatica pain is still gone.

I hope if someone reads this they will be helped as I was.

~ Helene G.

I’ve been seeing Marian on and off for 14 years. Amazing, as I do not consider myself a “needle person”. Marian has been wonderful. She is gentle, caring and a wonderful listener. The great thing about acupuncture is that you don’t see the needles and you hardly feel them. We have worked on pain, allergies… whatever is bothering me each time I go, and regardless of what it is, I have reached total relaxation. After the treatment I feel “cleared”, nourished, and lighter on my feet.

 Thanks for improving my life, Marian. Here’s to another 14 years!

 ~ Miriam

I have been a patient of Marian Blum for the past seven years. I am very grateful to have been under her care. She is an excellent acupuncturist and herbalist, but what really sets her apart is her extraordinary focus and commitment to her work. I wholeheartedly recommend Marian to anyone seeking support in improving health and in awakening spirit.

~ Toni C.

The acupuncture treatments with Marian have been a great help to me. I broke my leg and ruined my left knee in a fall while hiking in Garland Ranch Park. I put off having a knee replacement for several years, and acupuncture treatments were the only relief I got during that time. They were much more effective than any pain relievers I took! After a total knee replacement, the acupuncture treatments helped me heal quickly. Thank you very much, Marian!

 

~ N. K.

Acupuncture FAQs

Where is your office located?

I see acupuncture clients in downtown Monterey. I’m available for virtual Chinese medicine-based consults, including instruction in acupressure, mindfulness, guided meditation, and general health or herbal consultations. Wellness coaching is also available by video or phone. Email me for more details: hello@blumingwellness.com

Is Chinese Medicine right for me?

Chinese Medicine (CM) can treat a wide range of conditions successfully. A few examples: infertility, bronchitis, musculoskeletal pain, menopausal symptoms, gastro­intestinal conditions, and fibromyalgia. While some conditions may be easier to treat than others, I cannot accurately predict in advance how you’ll respond. Sometimes clients are amazed at their rapid improvements and they’ll use the word “magic” to describe acupuncture. When healing is slower, we monitor your progress and expectations, and I’ll refer you to others if we’re not making the progress you’re hoping for. I’m committed to helping you reach your health goals as quickly as possible.

If you are repelled by the thought of needles, don’t worry! I offer very gentle treatments, and also treatment modalities without needles. Let’s talk. I honor your preferences and tailor a treatment plan just for you.

What is an acupuncture treatment like?

On the first visit we’ll discuss your health history, focusing on your present health concerns. CM considers everything from the sound of your voice to the color of your feet so you may be amused by some of our questions! I will look at your tongue and feel the pulses at your wrists in order to determine the proper diagnosis and treatment.

Acupuncture treatments are relaxing and rejuvenating. The needles are as thin as you can imagine, only slightly thicker than a hair. All needles are sterile and disposed of after one use. When the needles are inserted, you feel a slight prick or nothing at all. You may then experience sensations that indicate your Qi is moving or coming into balance. I work with clients to engage their Qi at the appropriate level for their sensitivity and condition. You’ll then rest with the needles in place for 10 to 30 minutes. Many people feel profoundly rested and clear afterwards, much like the effects of meditation. Tui na (manually working on acupuncture points) may be applied instead of needles for those who need this gentler method.

How often should I come in? How soon will I see results?

Most clients feel some benefit after just one treatment. For chronic conditions, treatments once every week or every two weeks is usually sufficient to establish steady improvement. You may need 6–12 treatments to see a substantial improvement. For an acute or severe condition, I typically see patients once or twice a week. When you’re feeling well, coming in for tune-ups once per month or once per season is good preventive medicine.

If I prescribe an herbal formula for an acute condition, it will be formulated to act quickly. For chronic conditions, for instance, uterine fibroids, you may take herbs for several months to obtain a substantial improvement.

Herbal treatment

When clients improve steadily with acupuncture, and enjoy their sessions, I often don’t prescribe herbs. When I feel herbs would be beneficial for you, I may recommend them either combined with other modalities or for use alone. Your preferences are always top priority in my selection of treatment modalities.

For optimum benefit, Chinese Medicine uses polypharmacy—the combining of a number of herbs into a formula. There are several hundred standard herb formulas available as pills, extract powders or tinctures.

I research the safety and purity of herbs so you can be assured you’re getting the best medicines available.

When are you available?

At this time, acupuncture office hours are Wednesdays 9:30 am – 5:00 pm

What is your fee structure and cancellation policy?

$150 – Initial acupuncture or electroacupuncture treatment (a 75 minute appointment)

$90 – Ongoing acupuncture or electroacupuncture treatments (a 60m appointment)

       + $25          brief wellness consultation – including lifestyle, supplements, herbs (up to 15 minutes)

       + $35           cupping, guasha or moxibustion

       + $20-$45   home visit, depending on location

Remote Chinese medicine consultations:

$35     15 minutes

$55     30 minutes

$70     45 minutes

Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel or change an appointment, please call or email support@blumingwellness.com as soon as you know. There’s no charge for changes made 2 business days in advance of your appointment. For late cancellations and missed acupuncture appointments, there’s an $85 fee.

Payment is due by cash, check or Wave at the time services are rendered.

Will you take my insurance?

Unfortunately, no. I’m no longer a contracted provider for any insurances. I also do not provide superbills for services because when they are submitted insurance companies can request records and reports and won’t pay an admin fee to cover the admin work.

Ready to get started?