Conditions that benefit from treatment
In 2002, the World Health Organization published a comprehensive review and analysis of controlled clinical trials on acupuncture
Women's health and infertility
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have proven effective for many common women's health concerns.
What is Chinese medicine?
Chinese Medicine (CM) is a highly effective method of health care that has successfully treated billions of people over the past 2,500 years. In fact,currently one-quarter of the world’s population makes use of Chinese medicine!
How does acupuncture work?
Although acupuncture may seem mysterious, the mechanism behind its effectiveness is quite simple.
The three free therapies
Meditation, contemplative prayer, or using prayer beads (such as rosary, chotkis, or mala beads) can be an important adjunct to treatment with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will acupuncture help with my condition?
There are seven key benefits of acupuncture: It relieves pain. It regulates immune function. It regulates and balances hormones. It elevates mood. It relaxes muscles. It eliminates stress. It enhances mental clarity. All of these factors taken together can be summed up by stating that acupuncture promotes dynamic balance in the human body, a condition called homeostasis, thereby enhancing the body’s ability to heal itself. For this reason, acupuncture is a valuable complement to conventional medical treatment of almost any condition. In 2002, the World Health Organization published a... [Read more...]
Does it hurt? I’m scared of needles!
Most first-time patients are pleased and surprised to find that having an acupuncture treatment is a relaxing and pleasant experience. Acupuncture needles are very thin and flexible – about the diameter of a cat’s whisker. Some people feel nothing at all when the needles are inserted while others experience a sensation similar to a mosquito bite, followed by an aching or tingling sensation. Acupuncture does not feel like getting a shot or having blood drawn. An average treatment involves the insertion of between six and sixteen needles in the arms, legs, hands, feet, and ears. The needles... [Read more...]
Why choose Live Oak Acupuncture?
Kristen Horner Warren, L.Ac., M.S., M.A., Dipl.OM In addition to a master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine, I hold a master’s degree in Applied Physiology and a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition. I hold a license from the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners and am nationally board certified in Acupuncture, Chinese Herbology, and Oriental Medicine. Each of the nine years I have been in practice I have invested a great deal of time and money in continuing education (including advanced training in Tung-style acupuncture and an internship with Dr. Randine Lewis) to ensure... [Read more...]
Is it safe?
Like any medical procedure, acupuncture is not entirely without risk. Fortunately, injuries are extremely rare among patients treated by trained practitioners. In the United States, acupuncturists use factory-sterilized, single-use, disposable needles. The needles are individually packaged according to strict government guidelines and are discarded immediately after use, so there is no risk of disease transmission. In a Japanese survey of 55,291 acupuncture treatments given over five years by 73 acupuncturists, 99.8% of them were performed with no significant minor adverse effects and zero... [Read more...]
How does acupuncture work?
Contrary to what you may have heard, acupuncture is NOT a belief system, a religion, superstition, or magic. You don’t need to “believe” in it in order for it to work. Although acupuncture may seem mysterious, the mechanism behind its effectiveness is quite simple. A basic understanding of two concepts is essential to understanding acupuncture. These concepts are Qi and Meridians. Although it is unfamiliar to most westerners, Qi not a spiritual or a “new age” concept. One translation of the word Qi is “that which animates life”—the presence of Qi is what distinguishes... [Read more...]
How much does it cost? How many treatments will I need?
Fees All payments are due at the time of service (cash or checks accepted). NO CREDIT OR DEBIT CARDS. Initial appointment – $85.00 Follow-up appointment – $60.00 Targeted follow-up appointment - $55.00 ** Stop smoking treatment, up to six sessions, payable at the first appointment – $225.00 Cupping (in addition to acupuncture) – $40.00 Cupping (no acupuncture) – $60.00 Missed appointment, less than 24 hours notice given – $60.00 For my insurance policy, please click here. ** Targeted appointments are intended only for individuals who require frequent... [Read more...]
But I’m so busy! Is it worth my time?
This article from Shape magazine does a great job of explaining how acupuncture will change your life for the better and how it is most definitely worth the effort to fit it into your busy schedule. Read More →
What should I expect at my first appointment?
Welcome! I am honored that you have entrusted me with your healthcare needs and look forward to partnering with you as you seek optimal health. Because this system of healthcare is unlike other types of care you’ve received, it is natural to have questions. Please read on for more information about what to expect. You should take your regular medications prior to and during the course of your acupuncture treatment. As your condition improves, you may be able to reduce or eliminate medications, but this should only be done with the advice and consent of your physician. Depending on... [Read more...]
Live Oak Acupuncture Featured in Waco Today magazine!
I am featured in the July 2011 issue of Waco Today magazine in an article regarding migraine headaches. Please pass this information onto your friends and family members — acupuncture can make a life-changing difference for people suffering from this miserable affliction. Read More →
Five Reasons to Consider Acupuncture
Written by Chris Titus Re-posted with permission from ChrisMartenson.com In recent years, Oriental medicine has been growing in popularity, forcing many in the Western medical community to sit up and take notice. Fifteen years ago, if you asked your primary care physician about acupuncture, he or she might have laughed you out of their office. Today, their responses have changed to something more accepting. While most will readily admit they don’t understand this ancient practice, there is a growing body of research that indicates it works for many conditions. How Does Acupuncture Work? The... [Read more...]
Read ALL Posts From This CategoryWelcome
My name is Kristen Horner Warren. I use a combination of natural methods, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and practical, easy-to-implement dietary and lifestyle recommendations to help people find relief from chronic and difficult to treat health concerns.
Since 2003 I have helped thousands of Central Texans with conditions ranging from arthritis to anxiety, chronic pain to cedar fever, fertility enhancement to fibromyalgia, and sciatica to shingles (as well as many more!) Under my care, patients experience relief from symptoms, improved energy, enhanced sleep, and increased peace of mind. Time and again, patients have told me that they no longer feel overwhelmed or stuck when it comes to their health and that they are filled with joy and satisfaction because they have been able to return to full participation in their lives.
In my office you will receive careful, individualized attention and a treatment plan that is personally tailored for your body and your life. I will listen carefully to you so that we can get to the root cause of your health concerns (rather than just covering up your symptoms) and will unleash your body’s own ability to heal itself and maintain dynamic balance in the face of the stress of your busy life.
To read dozens of comments from patients like you whose lives have been changed by acupuncture and herbal medicine, please click here. To learn more about my background and what makes me so passionate about the work I do, please click here.