Acupuncture is a process.  It works by stimulating the body’s own self-healing mechanisms.  It is gentle and gradual.  Almost everyone who gets acupuncture will need a series of treatments to get good results.  We hope that you’ll feel better right after your first treatment, but to get these results to ”stick” you will probably need a series of treatments closely spaced together.  Each treatment builds upon the previous one — acupuncture is cumulative. Your acupuncturist will create a treatment plan especially for you.  Here are some general recommendations:

• New conditions:  For new problems – such as if you recently twisted your ankle or your back just went out – then 2 (or sometimes 3) treatments a week for 2 to 3 weeks will usually do the trick.  After that, your acupuncturist will help you determine if further treatments are still needed.
• Chronic conditions:  For chronic problems – such as if you have pain that’s lasted many months or years – then it’s most effective to start with treatments twice a week for one month and then gradually decrease the frequency as you improve. After the first month or about 10 treatments, you and your acupuncturist should have a good understanding of how you respond to acupuncture and how long your course of treatment should last.

Acupuncture works best when it is frequent and regular.  So if you don’t come in often enough or for long enough, acupuncture probably won’t work well for you.  In fact, you will spend less money and less time by getting treated frequently in the beginning, than if you come sporadically for a long period of time. We strive to make your course of treatment as quick and effective as possible.  

Here are some of the conditions most frequently treated at Many Rivers.

Don’t see your issue on the list?  Don’t worry!  There wasn’t enough space to list everything acupuncture can treat!  Call us and our experienced staff will let you know if acupuncture may be able to help you.

Absolutely!  We have calming, quiet background music playing, but you are welcome to bring headphones to listen to your own favorite relaxing tunes.

And we highly recommend meditating or listening to a guided meditation during treatment – it can enhance the therapeutic effect. Check out the free Insight Timer app for Android and iPhone!  One of our favorites is The Magic Healing Blanket.

Or, if you would prefer to listen to nature sounds or Tibetan chanting, try the free myNoise.net app on Google Play or iTunes.

Have tinnitus?  Try myNoise.net’s Neuromodulator for tinnitus relief.

Of course!  One of the benefits of our community treatment room is that you can come together with friends or family.  Each person being treated needs to reserve their own appointment slot, so you will each need to log in to the online schedule individually to reserve a time.

We are extremely honored to be voted Best Acupuncturist in 2015, and #2 in 2016 and 2017. Thank you for your votes!

(Unfortunately, as of 2018 CT Now no longer has a category for Best Acupuncturist.)

“I was a big skeptic about acupuncture, and I only tried it because of my daughter’s strong insistence. I had two complete knee replacement surgeries and was experiencing some lingering pain. After two treatments, I was amazed! I could walk more easily and faster and I didn’t limp – honest! The best surprise was the treatments weren’t painful. I have changed my attitude!” – S.N.

“I started going to acupuncture to help allergies. I quickly realized how it’s a one-stop shopping cure-all! It’s the only thing that keeps my endometriosis in check. And whenever I have trouble sleeping or feeling an illness coming on, one treatment gets me back on my way to my everyday life. Every one of the acupuncturists are professional, compassionate and are amazing at their jobs. I can’t recommend Many Rivers enough.” – L.S.

“I have suffered from chronic dental pain from the removal of my wisdom teeth and TMJ for over ten years. In the last couple of years the TMJ became so severe that I began suffering from TMJ associated migraines for weeks at a time. I was in extreme pain. I have a B.S. in Chemistry and an M.S in Mathematics. I approached acupuncture as an experiment, noting how I felt immediately after and a few days after each treatment. I have found the treatments very helpful. When my symptoms were at their worst a couple of treatments substantially reduced the migraine pain, as well as the pain in my ear and jaw. Additional treatments brought me to a steady state with minimal pain and muscle soreness. A combination of a NTI night guard and a couple of acupuncture treatments every few months as needed have kept me in a stable state. Since I use community acupuncture it is inexpensive and easy to get an appointment. This is a great solution for me.” – J.N.

“Thank you Many Rivers!  I have had such a positive experience.  The staff are wonderful, kind and patient. I tried numerous things for my plantar fasciitis but this has been the only thing that has worked.  I now bring my daughter for treatment also.”  – M.C.

“I like to express my appreciation to Carrie and Mary at Many Rivers Acupuncture.  They both have given me such relief due to my arthritis/ inflammation issues.  I am so grateful my physical therapist approved going to acupuncture and suggested to continue with his exercise plan.   It is definitely something a person should faithfully try before ever having surgery.  I say the little needles are not painful at all and the nap is the best!!!!    The two acupuncturists that I go to are so knowledgeable and their bed side manner is excellent.  I have been going to acupuncture for over a year.  My bursitis in my hip is completely gone but I have a flare up with my arthritis in my hands so have gone back once a week for the past month and feel so much better.  Thank you to all, Susan, Sandy and the acupuncturists, it has been my pleasure coming to Many Rivers Acupuncture.” – C.F.

“I have been a patient of Heather Finn for several years. I started during a very difficult time in my life – a sudden traumatic loss – and my back pain level had reached new heights. I had two previous surgeries and was still in nearly constant pain. After surgery, physical therapy, and daily Celebrex, I decided to try acupuncture. Heather has worked on my back, restless legs, neck pain, sleeplessness, anxiety, and depression. After a fall, which resulted in a shattered wrist requiring two surgeries, Heather worked on the very angry scar. That scar is now barely visible. I am now suffering with Polymyalgia Rheumatica, and Heather is helping me deal with the pain and flares that come with it. It doesn’t matter what I present to Heather, she smiles and comes up with a plan. Heather is patient, understanding, professional, and so kind. Many Rivers is comfortable, relaxing, and welcoming with white noise, soothing music, blankets, comfortable recliners, and peace. It is with great pleasure that I recommend Many Rivers and my acupuncturist, Heather Finn. It’s a positive alternative treatment that may just be the piece to your puzzle that you are missing.” – L.B.

“I’m so grateful I found everyone at Many Rivers.  My energy has changed and I feel calmer than I have in a long time.” – P.B.

“Acupuncture has helped treat my neuropathy symptoms. The acupuncturists at Many Rivers are highly skilled and compassionate. The sliding scale makes it affordable for more visits initially and maintenance appointments later on. I would describe it as relaxing and refreshing with a positive impact on stress and mental/physical pain. Online scheduling convenience is terrific.” – J.B.

“I spent the first two decades of my life surviving extreme chronic sexual and physical violence. Carrie has earned my trust with her fearless listening, gentle strength, patience, and kindness. She consistently communicates what she is doing before she does it (without my even having to ask.) She is nonjudgmental, unobtrusive, intuitive, and always attentive to my ever-changing needle sensitivity, accommodating my current needs.” – L.P.

“I arrived in the Hartford area a little over a year ago.  I was worried that I would have difficulty finding a new community acupuncturist.  A friend told me about Many Rivers.  I have been so pleased from my first treatment until the present.  Each acupuncturist has a little different manner but all are kind, caring and knowledgeable.  They have a wonderful system and you never have a long wait to be seen and the cost is reasonable so you can come as often as you need to.  I highly recommend this health care gem!” – P.F.

“The team at Many Rivers has done wonders for my many aches and pains (and stress!).  My neck, knee, shoulder and back have all been helped, and the team’s friendly and gentle approach makes each visit easy and stress free.  I can’t thank them enough!” – K.K.

“I started coming to Many Rivers about 3 years ago after falling and breaking my elbow and wrist. I was going to physical therapy and massage therapy after the surgery and my massage therapist recommended Many Rivers thinking it would be a good addition to my rehab plan. After my first session the pain relief was amazing and I knew that acupuncture would be an integral part of my healing process. The range of motion I gained surpassed my surgeon’s expectations and I know that acupuncture was a contributing factor. The staff are all knowledgeable, caring, and compassionate and adjust their treatment plan to meet your needs. I continue to come to acupuncture on a weekly basis now as it has now become a part of my overall wellness plan. I can’t imagine life without acupuncture!” – L.B.

“After injuring my ankle again from a previous injury I was in a great amount of pain. A number of days later the pain was no better. Someone suggested that I seek acupuncture for the pain. I was very skeptical about this but had to try something to get rid of the pain. My first visit they inserted the needles in the opposite foot which seemed very strange to me but I could actually feel the pain reduce almost immediately. After the second visit it was significantly better and I was able to stop taking pain killers. I have not had any problems with the ankle since the treatment. Have and would recommend it to anyone.” – E.G.

“I came in to Many Rivers for treatment twice a week for about eight months and once a week since. My initial complaint of severe pain in my forearms was completely resolved in a month or so and I continue to be pain-free. I continued treatment long after my initial complaint was resolved because of many wonderful improvements in my physical and mental health. I had gotten to the point of defeat with many long-standing mental and physical symptoms I had assumed were permanent. The impact on the quality of my life was significant although I was in complete denial about it. Thanks to consistent treatment my overall physical and mental health have profoundly improved in ways I never imagined.” – L.P.

“Finding POCA and Many Rivers was a godsend:  Acupuncture in a soothing atmosphere, an operation that runs efficiently and serves clients well – and at a fee I can afford. It works!  And is my first choice, an alternative to disappointment with Traditional Western medicine. – L.A.

“Carrie gave me acupuncture on my wedding day. She was caring, professional and detail oriented. I felt safe under her care on such an important day. After my treatment, I was in less physical pain and was also much more relaxed. I’m confident my treatment improved the quality of my wedding day. I would definitely recommend Carrie as a practitioner.” – J.H.

“I am a runner and have arthritis in my lower back.  Back in 2012 I did my first half-marathon in July, my second one in September, and my third one in October!  In my second and third half-marathons, by mile 8 I found it very difficult to continue, but did and finished!! I started coming to Many Rivers after my September half-marathon in 2012 and I combined my chiropractic appointments concurrently.  At the beginning, I was coming to Many Rivers three times a week! As the years passed I am now down to once a week visits; the pain is so much less that what it used to be…I also have come in when I had the flud, cough, upper respiratory infections, headaches, nausea, stress, and for grief too.  Many Rivers is my sanctuary where I can come, relax and be at peace…Carrie, Heather, Mary, Bob and Gloria are all excellent acupuncturists, and both Sandya and Susan are very pleasant receptionists!” – D.C.

“I have struggled with TMJ disorder for over 15 years. I was in constant pain and even had difficulty sleeping because I would wake up many times during the night to “crack my jaw”. With a night appliance and 2400 mg of ibuprofen daily I survived, although not very well. With the constant urging (make that nagging) of my mom I finally decided to give acupuncture a try. Being a pharmacist highly trained in Western medicine, I really didn’t think it would help but I didn’t see a risk, so I finally decided to make my first appointment. I was in very bad shape and on day one I walked out able to open my mouth without the bone on bone noise and pain-free. Pain-free!!! After a couple of months of treatment I now function pretty much normally and only use about 800mg of ibuprofen per month (usually unrelated to my jaw). Scientifically I still do not understand acupuncture but I KNOW without a doubt that it has changed my life.” – C.H.

“I highly recommend Carrie Sawtell both for her high level of professionalism and also her effectiveness as an acupuncture practitioner. Carrie consistently demonstrated both knowledge and skill as she treated me for a number of ailments or conditions. She thoroughly answered my questions and made sure that I was always comfortable. Carrie customized each treatment based on my needs.” – K.S.

“Thank you for helping me with two pesky issues.  Your care always makes me know I am getting very personal attention.  I am fortunate your facility is so near where I live.”  – A.C.

“I have done acupuncture for over 40 years, especially for allergies. I am so glad that I now have found community acupuncture. It is great and financially so much better for me.”  – C.G.

“I came to Many Rivers Community Acupuncture hopeful that acupuncture might provide a treatment for my condition when there were no other feasible options. I was three months post-Ramsey-Hunt Syndrome – a rare form of Shingles that had left me a hot mess! Half my face was completely paralyzed, I was essentially deaf in one ear because of the incredibly loud tinnitus I had from the damage caused to my inner ear, I had horrific vertigo, half my throat and tongue were paralyzed and any food I got on the bad side of my tongue tasted like I had been licking stamps, I could not blink my left eye and the bottom lid drooped causing quite a bit of discomfort and necessitating taping my eye shut, I was suffering from non-negotiable fatigue that caused me to need a nap every time I moved off the couch, and I still had plenty of pain. Although Shingles is a benign virus that will not kill you it certainly feels like it should! Well – here I am almost two months into my twice a week treatments writing this testimonial. I met with Heather and told her I sought treatment for the condition that affected my ability to function. These are the current results: my face has been steadily improving and I am able to manage a closed lips smile that is not too crooked. Not being able to smile really breaks my heart so I am delighted to have some smile back!  The vertigo has been stubborn. It is a wave that washes over me. After about six weeks of treatment that wave was getting smaller. Sometimes after certain needles are set in place I can feel the wave recede and my vertigo leaves me for awhile. After one month my pain was simply gone as was my fatigue and I am back to my normal, pre-Shingles energy level.The tinnitus is much quieter and three times after a treatment it went silent for about four hours. But this is the result the actually made me cry.  Last week I asked Heather to try to do something about my lower lip which I keep biting when I eat. She used a needle in a ‘new’ place – under my bottom lip. As soon as she set that needle my throat un-paralyzed! It was that instantaneous. It is now a week later and my throat remains un-paralyzed and my tongue is now improving. I can eat without drinking half a gallon of water with every bite. I can swallow a vitamin pill.Many Rivers Community Acupuncture has been a miracle for me. As a senior citizen on a fixed income, their sliding fee scale allowed me to choose to be treated. Because of the fine practitioners who work there, my conditions are actually improving. I am very grateful for this. I urge those with needs both physical and emotional to consider Many Rivers Community Acupuncture. Be honest and forthcoming in your discussion with your medical practitioner. In order to help you, your acupuncturist has to be able to effectively assess your conditions and address your goals. I was conservative in my goals. I wanted to be able to function. Commit to a treatment regimen. I came here very damaged. I expected no quick results and I had decided I would give it a year – a reasonable length of time considering the scope and severity of that damage. Be persistent. Come to all your appointments and follow your acupuncturist’s advice on the frequency of those treatments. My improvement is slow going but it is going. I did not want to back-slide and I have not. Be hopeful. Be positive. Reach out. Your acupuncturist helps you but you have to help heal yourself. Part of my healing technique is a positive attitude, patience, and doing something for others – to connect back with the world and offer thanks for the privilege of being here. A neighbor who took pity on my pathetic looking face told me about Many Rivers Community Acupuncture. That was a lucky day for me. I truly wish you the same lucky day!” – V.M

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