What Acupuncture Treats and Who It's For
Acupuncture is a system of medicine that uses very fine, sterile needles placed at specific points on the body to influence how the nervous system, musculoskeletal system, and internal organs function. From a Western clinical perspective, it promotes circulation, stimulates the release of endorphins and natural anti-inflammatory compounds, and supports the body's own regulatory systems. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, it restores the flow of qi and blood through the body's meridians, imbalances in which are understood to underlie pain and illness.
It is used to treat a wide range of conditions. At Peninsula Acupuncture, the most common presentations include:
- Orthopedic and musculoskeletal pain: back pain, sciatica, neck pain, disc issues, joint injuries, plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, and headaches
- Women's health: perimenopause, menopause, hormonal balance, sleep disruption, and hot flashes
- Internal medicine: digestive disorders, allergies, stress, immune health, and insomnia
Patients seek acupuncture both for acute conditions: an injury, a flare-up, a health concern that hasn't responded to other treatment, and for ongoing maintenance of health and well-being.
How Ted Ray Approaches Acupuncture Care
Ted Ray, L.Ac., DNBAO, has practiced acupuncture and herbal medicine in Mountain View since 2002. He holds a Master of Science from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and a board certification in Acupuncture Orthopedics from the National Board of Acupuncture Orthopedics, a designation held by fewer than 1% of licensed acupuncturists in California. His advanced training includes Acupuncture Orthopedics at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles and the Shen-Hammer Pulse Diagnosis Method.
Ted takes a combined approach, drawing on classical Chinese medicine, Western clinical reasoning, and herbal medicine, both Chinese and Western, to develop treatment plans specific to each patient. His clinical focus areas include orthopedics and spine conditions, women's health, gastrointestinal conditions, allergies and immune health, and podiatry. He is a member of the California State Oriental Medical Association (CSOMA).
Peninsula Acupuncture serves patients from Mountain View, Palo Alto, Los Altos, Redwood City, and the surrounding South Bay.
"I started going to Peninsula Acupuncture a couple of months ago for some knee pain and some pinched nerve pain in my neck/arm.
I think it has helped a lot and I also think that it has enabled me to relax and not get tense when I am working at the computer. I would recommend this to everyone!"
What to Expect at a Peninsula Acupuncture Appointment
Your First Visit
Treatment
Follow-up
Dr. Ted Answers Your Questions About Acupuncture
Watch this video to help you understand what it's all about.
What Patients Typically Experience
Acupuncture outcomes vary by condition and individual, but several patterns are consistent across Ted's practice:
- Pain reduction and improved function: Patients with back pain, sciatica, tendinitis, and joint injuries typically report meaningful reduction in pain and improved range of motion within the first few weeks of treatment. Orthopedic cases that are soft-tissue in nature often resolve in six to eight sessions.
- Improved sleep and stress regulation: Patients presenting with insomnia, anxiety, or stress-related symptoms frequently experience better sleep quality and a measurable reduction in nervous system activation over the course of treatment.
- Reduced frequency of illness: Long-term patients often find they get sick less frequently as immune function, sleep, and stress levels improve in combination.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture
The needles used in acupuncture are extremely fine, much thinner than a hypodermic needle, and most patients feel little to nothing during insertion. Some acupoints produce a brief dull sensation or mild warmth, which is a normal response. Most patients find sessions relaxing.
It depends on the condition and the individual. Simple or acute conditions may resolve in six sessions. Orthopedic conditions typically require more, with treatment frequency tapering as symptoms improve. Neurological conditions, such as nerve pain, generally take longer than soft tissue issues. Ted outlines expected timelines at the first visit and adjusts based on your response.
Ted's primary clinical areas are orthopedics and spine conditions, most women's health conditions, gastrointestinal conditions, allergies and immune health, headaches, and podiatry. He holds a board certification in Acupuncture Orthopedics, a specialty requiring advanced training beyond standard licensure.
Yes. Acupuncture is routinely used alongside physical therapy, chiropractic care, and conventional medicine. Ted also refers patients to other practitioners, including the massage therapists at Peninsula Acupuncture, when a combined approach is clinically appropriate.
Ted integrates Chinese and Western herbal medicine into treatment when relevant to the patient's condition. He also offers virtual consultations for patients seeking herbal or integrative health guidance who are not local to Mountain View.
Book an Acupuncture Appointment in Mountain View
He has served patients from across the South Bay, including Palo Alto, Los Altos, and Redwood City, for over 25 years.
