Frequently Asked Questions.

Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine

  • Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and promote healing by balancing the body's vital energy, or Qi.

  • Acupuncture needles are extremely thin and are inserted gently and superficially. While individual experiences may vary, most people feel only a slight sensation as the needles are inserted. Once in place, many of our patients report a profound sense of relaxation and wellbeing that often lasts for several hours after the treatment.

  • We are out-of-network providers and do not bill insurance. We can provide you with a *Superbill for your convenience if requested. A Superbill is an invoice using standardized codes for treatments received, which you can submit directly to your PPO-type insurance plan, Flexible Spending Account, or Health Spending Account for reimbursement.

    *Please note that reimbursement is based upon your out-of-network benefits and is not guaranteed. Fertility and cosmetic acupuncture is not covered on any insurance plan in the state of California at this time.

  • Acupuncture is an incredibly gentle and comprehensive treatment that addresses a wide range of conditions and symptoms. At Purnima, we primarily focus our treatments on reproductive health, fertility, emotional and mental health, digestive disorders, and skin health.

    • Women's Health: acupuncture supports women's health concerns including menstrual irregularities, PMS, menopause symptoms, fertility issues, and pregnancy-related discomfort.

    • Emotional and Mental Health: acupuncture be utilized as a part of a comprehensive approach to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. It helps to promote relaxation, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being.

    • Digestive Disorders: acupuncture may be beneficial for digestive issues like IBS, acid relux, constipation, diarrhea, gastritis, and nausea.

    • Skin Health: facial acupuncture and traditional body acupuncture benefit the vitality and luster of the skin, address internal imbalances, and naturally and holistically reduce fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness under the eyes, acne and cysts, and more.

  • While we don't recommend eating a huge meal before an acupuncture treatment, we do suggest that you have something light so that you're not receiving treatment on an empty stomach.

    You do not need to bring anything with you, though if you do have bloodwork or test results that are relevant to your case we would like to see them.

    Be sure to fill out your intake and consent forms and wear lose, comfortable clothing.

  • Yes, acupuncture can be used alongside fertility treatments. Many patients undergoing fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI), choose to receive acupuncture as a complementary therapy to support their fertility journey.

    Fertility Acupuncture offers stress reduction, hormonal balance, improved blood flow, increased success rates, side effect management, and more benefits to support fertility treatments.

Holistic Relationship Coaching

  • All the relationships in our lives — partner, family, friends, work, and (most of all) self — show us opportunities where we can transform in ways that will help us realize our highest aspirations.

    By paying attention to places where we feel out of alignment, are struggling, or want something more, this work supports you to realize the potential that exists in every relationship in your life to get you where you want to go. We focus on all aspects of your relationships, most of all, your relationship with yourself.

    This coaching is an invitation to relate more consciously, compassionately, and in ways that move you in the direction you most want to go.

  • Holistic Relationship Coaching is offered in one-on-one coaching, couples coaching, or small group containers. We also offer classes and workshops to help you move through current life and relationship struggles, such as difficulties in conflict and showing up more fully for your partner. Get in touch to learn more about each of these offerings, or book your initial complimentary session.

  • No — in relationship coaching, we often center romantic partnership, but the main focus even in that arena is how we accept and relate to ourselves. Individuals and couples both are welcome here. 

  • In most coaching sessions, we'll explore what's most alive for you in this moment related to the vision we've set out to help you achieve. Most sessions will include open space to explore and share what's happening, as well as guided meditations and embodiment practices to help you decipher and integrate what's going on inside. Every session is different, but you can expect to come away with more clarity about your patterns and how you can move forward in a way that honors your dreams and vision for your best life.

  • IFS or Internal Family Systems is a therapeutic modality created by Richard Schwartz. Dave Lishansky uses the practices of IFS as a coaching tool that allows you to clarify the messages and wisdom your inner world is presenting. At any moment, there are parts of you asking — sometimes begging — for your attention. Learning to decipher these requests and use the wisdom in your being to grow, act in alignment with your highest values, and enjoy a life in pursuit of your dreams is what coaching at Purnima is all about.

  • Mastery Method coaching was created by Alyssa Nobriga, and is a method similar to IFS where we consult the wisdom within. Mastery Method coaching focuses on separating intuition from fear, inner wisdom from judgment, and self-awareness from projections. It is a powerful tool for relating to self and those around you with more presence and power. 

  • My coaching practice is rooted in a trauma-informed approach. I understand that trauma helps shape our worldview and interpersonal dynamics, so I prioritize safety, trust, and confidentiality in all coaching sessions. My approach is gentle and respectful, allowing clients to explore their experiences at their own pace, while providing support and guidance to navigate complex emotions and experiences as they arise. I incorporate strategies that promote trauma-integration and resilience, empowering clients to reclaim their lives and relationships in a way that honors their personal journey, goals, and needs.

    All interactions are handled with a deep commitment to clients' current needs and boundaries. It’s essential for creating a supportive environment where true healing and growth can occur, helping individuals move forward with greater self-awareness and confidence in their relationships and personal development.

  • Any client that seeks support will be heard and given the opportunity to decide whether or not we are the right fit to work together. PTSD is a condition that should be addressed by a therapist or certified mental health specialist. I will never turn away a client because they have PTSD, but I will make sure to draw a clear boundary around what is in-scope and out-of-scope for my practice so you know what you can reasonably expect from working together.