The practice
Treatments tailored to you.
Acupuncture leads. Other techniques may be included when appropriate, with care adapted to your needs and comfort.
01 / Acupuncture
Time to rest.
Fine, sterile, single-use needles are placed at points selected for you. They remain in place while you rest, then Cara removes them before the session ends.
Sensations vary. You are welcome to ask questions and tell Cara how you feel throughout treatment.
- Needles are single-use and opened for your treatment.
- Cara handles needle placement, removal, and safe disposal.
- The approach and time allowed for treatment are discussed with you.
02 / Dry needling
Direct work on tight muscle.
Dry needling places a fine needle into a taut band or trigger point within a muscle to release it. It is often used for neck, shoulder, back, hip, and calf tension, and for pain that follows overuse or an old injury.
Cara is certified in dry needling and will explain how it differs from a standard acupuncture treatment, what you may feel, and whether it suits your situation. Some soreness for a day afterward is common.
03 / Acupuncture during cancer care
Support alongside treatment.
Acupuncture is used at leading cancer centers to help with pain, nausea, fatigue, neuropathy, and stress during and after treatment. Cara trained in this approach through Memorial Sloan Kettering's integrative medicine program and the Society for Acupuncture Research's GLO-IMPACT cohort, and treats cancer-related pain following Memorial Sloan Kettering's standards.
Care is coordinated with your oncology team. Please share your treatment schedule, current medications, and any blood count concerns before your first visit so Cara can plan safely. Acupuncture here supports your medical care and never replaces it.
04 / Cupping & gua sha
Another way to work with the body.
Cupping uses cups to create suction on the skin. Gua sha uses a smooth tool applied along the skin. These techniques may be offered alongside acupuncture when appropriate.
Sensations vary, and temporary marks can occur. Cara will explain the technique, what you might notice afterward, and whether it is suitable for you before beginning.
05 / Moxibustion
A traditional warming technique.
Moxibustion may be used alongside acupuncture when appropriate. Cara will explain the method and discuss comfort and suitability before including it in your visit.
If heat, smoke, or scent are a concern, raise this before your appointment so you can discuss a suitable approach.
06 / Herbal & dietary guidance
Thoughtful choices between visits.
When appropriate, Cara can discuss dietary or herbal recommendations as part of your care. Recommendations should suit your individual circumstances, not a general recipe for everyone.
Please share your current medications and supplements before considering herbal recommendations. Suitability and possible interactions should be reviewed as part of your care.
07 / Breath, meditation & movement
Small practices for everyday life.
Cara may discuss a simple breathing practice, meditation, or movement suggestion that fits your needs. Her background in dance informs her interest in movement, and her acupuncture training guides her recommendations.
These suggestions are not a substitute for physical therapy or medical evaluation when those are needed.
Working alongside medical care
Part of your care, not a replacement.
Acupuncture can be part of your care alongside your physician and other healthcare professionals. Cara will discuss when medical evaluation is appropriate.