Frequently Asked Questions

Functional medicine is a systems based approach to finding the underlying root cause of disease. It is a scientific, patient centered, and individualized approach to providing optimal health. Patient and practitioner will work closely together to make impactful, long lasting improvements based on blood work, personal healthy history, and current lifestyle. You will feel more energy, more happiness, and better overall as your health steadily improves.   

Functional medicine uses comprehensive blood testing, stool testing, food allergy testing, and more to determine what is at the root of the inflammation leading to discomfort and health issues. Diet, lifestyle, and nutritional supplements are backed by scientific research and chosen with the utmost care. Applying functional medicine as part of your health care can optimize your current health as well as prevent diseases of aging in the future.

By combining Chinese medicine, one of the oldest medicines in existence with Functional medicine, one of the newest modern medicines, the two work synergistically to provide a clearer picture of your health than either alone. This give you the most comprehensive health care treatment tailored specifically to you and your lifestyle. 

For those of you who are unsatisfied with the answers you are currently receiving about your health concerns or feeling symptoms when you've been told everything is normal,  incorporating functional lab testing can glean greater insight into what is happening within your body. Whether you want to know about your hormone health, causes of your migraines and brain fog, check how strong your metabolic function is, or check for inflammation issues, mold issues, and digestive issue, you will have access to various testing to find the clarity and answers you seek. 

Acupuncture has three main functions in the body.  First, it restores homeostasis, meaning it helps the body to return to its natural state of internal stability. Think of the body’s internal temperature- if the body’s temperature drops too low, the body begins to shiver to activate muscles to increase its temperature. If the body’s temperature increases too much, the body will sweat to release heat. Acupuncture sets in motion this internal regulation system.    

Secondly, acupuncture reduces inflammation. Acupuncture needles are very thin, some even as thin as a human hair. But nonetheless, they are still needles and the body registers the usually painless insertion of these needles as micro traumas. And when the body senses a micro trauma, it sends blood to that area. What do we need to heal - blood and oxygen.

This is the foundation of what makes acupuncture so effective: it promotes blood flow. Blood carries in it all of the body’s healing properties: nutrients from the food we eat, oxygen, anti-inflammatory agents, hormones, and the body’s very powerful painkilling agents. By promoting blood flow and increasing blood circulation, acupuncture is able to trigger the body’s own healing mechanisms to reduce inflammation.  And when we reduce inflammation, we reduce pain. This is the third function of acupuncture in the body. 

Recent research has shown that many chronic diseases are a result of chronic inflammation. If we can tackle that inflammation, we can reverse disease. This is why acupuncture can address so many different diseases in the different systems of the body.    

Specifically, acupuncture has positive effects on the gastrointestinal, respiratory, skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, endocrine, reproductive, and immune systems.

Acupuncture is a highly beneficial practice that offers a wide range of health benefits. One of its remarkable effects is pain relief, achieved through the stimulation of the brain to release painkilling neurotransmitters. Additionally, acupuncture aids in restoring muscle integrity, resulting in enhanced function and strength. Moreover, it has proven effective in reducing inflammation and promoting optimal blood and oxygen flow to vital organs. By regulating the nervous system, acupuncture also serves as an effective method for alleviating stress and anxiety. Furthermore, it facilitates increased blood and oxygen supply to the reproductive organs, making it beneficial for women's menstrual cycles, fertility, and menopause. These examples highlight only a fraction of the incredible capabilities of acupuncture in addressing various health concerns.

Microneedling is the insertion of very fine (almost hair like) short filaments into the skin with a pen like device that oscillates at the tip stimulating a healing reaction that induces cell turnover, serum infusion, and provoke the healing process for the purpose of rejuvenation. The premise is simple: promote collagen production and new skin cells to bring that youthful and healthy appearance back to your face. Results may vary and a minimum of 8 consistent treatments is recommended.   

Microneedling is used to improve conditions such as acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, loose skin, even out skin texture, reduce pore size, treat brown spots, stretch marks, and pigment issues. The use of microneedling with serums produces a 3000% higher product absorption! Microneedling can also be used on the scalp to promote hair growth and certain scars such as stretch marks to reduce their intensity. 

When to Avoid Microneedling: Safety precautions are of the utmost importance. Microneedling is not for everyone. If you are experiencing any of the following conditions, it is advised to reschedule your appointment or avoid microneedling all together: 

 -  Active acne  

-  Local infections such as warts  

-  Moderate to severe chronic skin disease such as eczema and psoriasis 

 - Blood dyscrasias, patients on anticoagulant therapy 

 - Extreme keloidal tendency  

-  Patients on chemo/radiotherapy  

-  Herpes zoster  

 - Blood thinners and anticoagulants 

 - Autoimmune conditions  

For those using other cosmetic procedures such as botox, it is advisable to wait at least 7-14 days from the time you received botox. Microneedling too close to botox and filler injections will diminish the effects of and shorten its duration.

Your initial appointment will be where you and Dr. Julie go over you health history in detail. Your appointment will last approximately 90 minutes and will include a health history, physical exam, and if there is time at the end a quick mini acupuncture session. 

This is a space where you will feel safe and feel heard. We will discuss what pains you, what troubles you, and what you hope to achieve. You and Dr. Julie will then come up with a plan to help you meet your goals. 

Pivotal Acupuncture + Wellness is conveniently located in Mission Valley just off the I-8. We have patients from all over California and offer telehealth services for those who are unable to make it to our physical location.

We do not currently accept insurance at this time however we will gladly provide you with a super bill (medical receipt) to submit to your health insurance for reimbursement. At Pivotal Acupuncture + Wellness we don’t want to put limitations on the services and care provided to you. 

 We do accept HSA and FSA.