About Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical practice that involves stimulating specific points on the body, usually by inserting thin needles into the skin. It's based on the concept of Qi (pronounced "chee"), which is believed to flow through pathways called meridians in the body. According to traditional Chinese medicine, when Qi is balanced and flowing smoothly, a person experiences good health — but when that flow is disrupted, it can result in pain or illness.
At Life Acupuncture & Holistic Medicine in Henderson, NV, Dr. Victoria Simons, OMD, takes a whole-person approach — treating the root cause of your health concerns, not just the symptoms. The needles used in acupuncture are very thin, so the majority of people experience little to no discomfort during a session. In fact, many find the treatment deeply relaxing.
Acupuncture has been used for centuries to address a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, sciatica, anxiety, stress, sleep disorders, digestive issues such as IBS and bloating, hormonal imbalances, fertility support, migraines, and allergies. While research on acupuncture continues to grow, many patients report positive and lasting results from their treatments.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
This is one of the most common questions Dr. Simons hears, and the answer is reassuring for most people.
Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, far smaller than the needles used for injections or blood draws. As a result, most people find the sensation quite different from what they expect. When the needles are inserted, you may feel a minimal sensation or nothing at all. Some patients notice a slight tingle, a dull ache, or a feeling of gentle pressure. Sensations vary depending on the location of the needle and your individual sensitivity.
Once the needles are in place, many patients experience a deep sense of relaxation, some even fall asleep. If at any point something feels uncomfortable, Dr. Simons will adjust the placement. Your comfort is always the priority.
What Does a Typical Acupuncture Session Look Like?
A standard acupuncture session at Life Acupuncture & Holistic Medicine lasts between 45 to 60 minutes. Your first visit is longer, as it includes a comprehensive intake and TCM assessment.
Initial Consultation (First Visit — approximately 90 minutes): Dr. Simons will review your full health history, discuss your concerns and goals, and complete a root-cause assessment using Oriental Medicine principles. This forms the foundation of your personalized treatment plan.
Needle Insertion: After the consultation, needle placement takes only a few minutes. Dr. Simons selects specific acupoints based on your condition and constitutional type.
Needle Retention: Needles remain in place for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Most patients rest quietly during this time — many describe it as one of the most relaxing parts of their week.
Post-Treatment: After the needles are removed, Dr. Simons may offer food, lifestyle, or herbal recommendations to support your progress between sessions.
Follow-Up Visits: Subsequent appointments typically run 45 to 60 minutes. Less intake time is needed unless your condition or goals change.
What is Laser Acupuncture?
Laser acupuncture, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a non-invasive variation of traditional acupuncture that uses low-intensity laser light instead of needles to stimulate acupuncture points on the body.
Instead of inserting needles, a handheld laser device is used to emit a specific wavelength of light onto the acupuncture points. The light penetrates the skin and is believed to stimulate the same acupoints and meridians that traditional acupuncture targets. The laser stimulates the points in a similar way to the insertion of needles but without the physical penetration.
Laser acupuncture is an excellent option for patients who are nervous about needles, highly sensitive to pain, or looking for a gentle introduction to acupuncture therapy. It is also considered a more convenient option for treating young children.
Conditions Treated at Life Acupuncture & Holistic Medicine
Dr. Simons, OMD, treats a wide range of conditions using acupuncture as the foundation of care, often supported by herbal medicine, cupping, gua sha, or heat therapy.
Patients commonly seek treatment for:
- Anxiety, stress, and panic attacks
- Sleep disorders and chronic fatigue
- Digestive conditions — IBS, bloating, constipation, chronic diarrhea
- Hormonal imbalances — menopause, perimenopause, PMS, fibroids
- Fertility support and postpartum recovery
- Chronic pain, neck pain, and muscle spasms
- Sciatica and nerve pain
- Migraines and vertigo
- Allergies and food intolerances
- Weight management support
- Depression and grief
If you're unsure whether acupuncture is right for your situation, Dr. Simons offers a thorough initial consultation at her Henderson clinic to assess your health history and recommend a treatment path.
How many Acupuncture treatments will I need?
The number of acupuncture treatments needed can vary depending on several factors, including the specific condition being treated, its severity, and your individual response to acupuncture. Generally, acute conditions may require fewer treatments, while chronic conditions might require a more extended treatment plan.
For some people, noticeable improvements may occur after just a few sessions, while others may require several weeks or even months of regular treatments. In certain cases, ongoing maintenance treatments may be recommended to sustain the positive effects.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Simons will discuss your condition and evaluate your individual needs. Together, you can create a treatment plan that suits you best, which may include the frequency and number of sessions. It's important to remember that each person is unique, and their response to acupuncture can vary.
Dr. Simons will monitor your progress and make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed to optimize your healing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many extended health and PPO plans include acupuncture coverage, particularly for pain management. Coverage varies by plan, so contact your insurance provider to confirm your benefits before your first visit. Dr. Simons' office can provide documentation to support reimbursement.
Dry needling targets specific muscle trigger points and is typically practiced by physiotherapists for musculoskeletal pain. Traditional acupuncture, as practiced by Dr. Simons, is rooted in Chinese medicine and addresses the whole body through meridian pathways. The OMD credential requires significantly more training than a dry needling certification, and takes a more comprehensive, root-cause approach to healing.
Dr. Simons holds a Doctor of Oriental Medicine (OMD) degree and specializes in Korean Sasang Constitutional Medicine — an approach that tailors treatment to each patient's unique body type and constitution. This is a meaningful differentiator: most acupuncturists in the Henderson and Las Vegas area hold an LAc (Licensed Acupuncturist) credential, which requires fewer years of training than an OMD. She also offers both traditional and laser acupuncture, giving patients more options for how they receive care.
Yes. Many of Dr. Simons' patients seek acupuncture specifically for hormonal concerns — including menopause, perimenopause, PMS, fibroids, and postpartum recovery. Acupuncture works to regulate the body's systems from the inside out, addressing the hormonal root cause rather than masking individual symptoms.
Digestive health is one of the most common reasons patients visit Dr. Simons. Acupuncture has been used in Oriental Medicine for centuries to address gut-related concerns — including IBS, chronic bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and food intolerances. Treatment focuses on restoring balance to the digestive system as a whole rather than targeting a single symptom.
