Acupuncture

Not just needles. A complete system of medicine.

Acupuncture is often sought first for pain—and it works exceptionally well for it. But patients who come to Westside Acupuncture & Herbs for a bad back frequently find that other things improve too: their digestion settles, their sleep deepens, their energy steadies. This isn't a side effect. It's the system working as intended.

Chinese medicine does not separate the body into isolated parts. A migraine, a sluggish thyroid, a chronically anxious mind, and a painful shoulder are not four unrelated problems—they are different expressions of the same underlying terrain. Acupuncture works by identifying and addressing that terrain, using precisely placed needles to move stagnation, restore circulation, and support the body's own regulatory systems. When those systems come back online, the body can do what it's designed to do.

An Integrative Perspective

Jim Dowling is not only an experienced licensed acupuncturist—he is also a registered nurse with a deep grounding in Western medicine. This dual training shapes everything about how he practices.

When a patient comes in with fatigue, hormonal imbalance, or a digestive condition, Jim can evaluate that presentation through both lenses simultaneously—the pattern-based lens of Chinese medicine and the biomedical lens of a clinician who understands lab values, pharmacology, and pathophysiology. He knows when a symptom warrants a referral, how acupuncture interacts with medications a patient may be taking, and how to communicate clearly with a patient's physician or specialist when coordination of care matters.

For patients managing chronic illness, recovering from surgery, or navigating a conventional treatment like chemotherapy, this breadth of knowledge is not a minor detail. It means your acupuncturist understands your full medical picture—and can work within it intelligently, not around it.

ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENTS

INITIAL VISIT — $175 (approximately 2 hours)
RETURN VISITS — $150 (approximately 90 minutes)

cash or check only

To keep our overhead low and our fees straightforward, we accept cash and check only. We do not accept debit cards, credit cards, or alternate payment options such as Venmo or Zelle. Thank you for understanding.

PLEASE ARRIVE ON TIME TO YOUR APPOINTMENT.
If you're running late, call us! We'll do our best to accommodate you, but late arrivals may affect treatment time.

CANCELLATION POLICY

We reserve your appointment time exclusively for you, which means a late cancellation affects both our schedule and other patients who may need care. We ask for at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule.

Cancellations with less than 48 hours' notice and missed appointments are subject to a $75 fee. We understand that emergencies happen—please call us as soon as you know you can't make it and we'll do our best to work with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Jim Treats

    Over 33 years of practice, Jim has worked with patients across a wide spectrum of conditions. The most common include:

    • Pain and musculoskeletal conditions — back, neck, and shoulder pain; sciatica; joint pain; sports injuries; headaches and migraines; neuropathy

    • Stress, anxiety, and sleep — insomnia, chronic stress, low mood, difficulty winding down

    • Digestive health — IBS, bloating, reflux, constipation, irregular digestion

    • Hormonal and reproductive health — menstrual irregularity, PMS, perimenopause, fertility support

    • Fatigue and immune function — low energy, frequent illness, slow recovery, long-haul conditions

    • Respiratory conditions — seasonal allergies, sinusitis, asthma

    • Supportive cancer care — managing treatment side effects, supporting recovery

    If your condition isn't listed here, call us. Jim has a broad clinical background and is happy to talk through whether acupuncture can help.

  • Your first visit (approximately 90 minutes) begins with a thorough intake: we'll discuss your primary concerns, health history, lifestyle, and any factors that may be contributing to your condition. Have any recent labs, imaging, or medication lists handy for your first visit. This conversation is the foundation of your treatment plan.

    Treatment typically includes acupuncture and may incorporate manual therapy, cold laser, cupping, or herbal recommendations depending on what your evaluation reveals. Most patients find acupuncture deeply relaxing — many doze off during treatment.

    Follow-up visits are approximately 90 minutes. The number of visits needed varies by condition and individual — we'll give you an honest assessment after your first appointment.

  • Wear or bring comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Eat a light meal beforehand and avoid caffeine for a few hours if possible.