Frequently Asked Questions

This is a relationship-based, outcome-focused practice, not a high-volume clinic. You receive: • Care from one experienced practitioner from start to finish • Longer, unrushed sessions • Treatments that regulate the nervous system, not just manage symptoms • A calm, private environment designed for restoration Rather than quick visits or standardized protocols, care here is personalized, precise and built for lasting results.

This practice is ideal for people who: • Feel burned out but still functional • Are tired of short-term fixes • Value quality, calm and personal attention • Prefer fewer visits with deeper results • Want care that addresses stress, emotions & the body together Most clients include: • Women 40–70 • Retired and semi-retired professionals • Caregivers • Creatives, educators, healthcare workers & executives • Men & women managing high stress or physical demand

Yes — absolutely. Many patients are men who live with chronic stress, physical strain or demanding work schedules. Aja regularly works with men who: • Hold high-stress leadership or executive roles • Are entrepreneurs or consultants working from home • Travel frequently for work & struggle with sleep or fatigue • Serve as firefighters or police officers • Are in addiction recovery & rebuilding physical and/or emotional resilience Care is direct, grounded and results-oriented — focused on restoring function, sleep and nervous system balance.

Care focuses on injury recovery, stress regulation & whole-person wellness. Aja Ngo commonly treats: • Repetitive strain injuries • Sports injuries (runners, dancers, performance athletes) • Work-related physical stress (musicians, firefighters, police) • Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) rehabilitation • Women’s health & menopausal transitions • Cancer care & oncology symptom support • Addiction treatment & early recovery • Burnout, chronic fatigue & emotional imbalance • Five Element acupuncture for work–life harmony You do not need a clear diagnosis to begin — feeling depleted, stuck or out of balance is enough.

Yes. This is a core specialty. Common clients include: • Surgeons and medical professionals with hand, neck or shoulder strain • Musicians with wrist, elbow or upper-back injuries • People in the building trades with chronic joint, knee or back pain • Long-standing tendonitis & nerve irritation Treatment integrates acupuncture, gua sha, cupping, moxibustion and movement-informed recovery to support long-term function, not just short-term relief.

The Elemental Reset™ is a signature, extended treatment designed to restore balance to the nervous system, body & emotions. It is especially helpful if: • Stress is driving your symptoms • You feel exhausted even after rest • You are navigating major life or hormonal transitions • You want deeper, longer-lasting results Sessions may include: • Scalp shiatsu • Facial gua sha • Foot reflexology • Targeted essential oils • Quiet integration time Clients often describe it as: “A full reset — like what rest was supposed to do.”

Five Element acupuncture focuses on the emotional & energetic root causes of symptoms. It helps: • Reduce stress and overwhelm • Improve sleep • Restore emotional clarity & regulation • Support life transitions • Build resilience & balance This approach is especially helpful for burnout, anxiety, emotional fatigue and people who feel “off” without a clear medical explanation.

Japanese needling is a gentle, precise style of acupuncture using: • Extremely thin needles • Light touch • Minimal sensation It is ideal for sensitive patients, first-time clients, people in pain and anyone seeking effective treatment without strong stimulation.

Moxibustion is a warming therapy using the herb mugwort to: • Increase circulation • Reduce inflammation • Improve digestion • Support immune & hormonal balance • Speed injury recovery It is especially helpful for fatigue, chronic pain, cold sensitivity and menstrual or hormonal concerns.

Gua sha is a hands-on technique using a smooth tool to: • Release muscle tension • Improve circulation • Increase mobility • Reduce inflammation • Break up stagnant tissue It is commonly used for neck pain, shoulder tension, headaches and repetitive strain injuries.

Cupping uses gentle suction to: • Release tight muscles • Improve blood flow • Clear stagnation • Support detoxification • Speed recovery after physical strain It is widely used by athletes, first responders, musicians and people with physically demanding jobs.

Targeted essential oil formulas based on Traditional Chinese Medicine are used to: • Support injury healing • Reduce inflammation • Calm the nervous system • Improve circulation • Enhance acupuncture effects All formulas are natural, plant-based and selected for individual needs.

Yes. Aja has extensive experience treating: • Runners, including marathon athletes • Dancers (15+ years in Argentine tango) • Performance & endurance athletes • Tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, knee pain • Shoulder, hip & back injuries • Pre- & post-event recovery

Yes. These professions often experience: • Repetitive strain & overuse • Joint and spinal stress • Sleep disruption • Emotional fatigue Treatments are tailored to support the physical and emotional demands of these essential careers.

Yes. Acupuncture can help reduce: • Nausea • Fatigue • Nerve pain • Digestive issues • Sleep disturbances • Anxiety & hot flashes Care focuses on comfort, strength and quality of life, with coordination alongside oncology care when appropriate.

Yes. Natural support is offered for: • Hot flashes & night sweats • Sleep changes • Anxiety or irritability • Fatigue & brain fog • Hormonal shifts Treatments may include acupuncture, moxibustion, bodywork and lifestyle guidance.

Yes. Aja has clinical experience in: • Urban addiction clinics • Correctional facilities • Detox & early recovery programs Acupuncture helps regulate the nervous system, reduce cravings, improve sleep and support emotional stability during recovery.

Most clients feel little to no discomfort. Techniques are gentle and well-suited for: • Sensitive patients • First-time clients • People recovering from trauma or chronic stress Many patients fall asleep during treatment.

Your initial appointment includes: • Comprehensive health intake • Discussion of goals • Personalized treatment plan • Your first acupuncture session • Self-care or lifestyle guidance First visits typically last 120 minutes.

Follow-up sessions are 60 minutes and may include: • Acupuncture • Moxibustion • Gua sha or cupping as needed • Essential oil applications • Ongoing nervous system regulation Each session is adapted to your current needs.

Many clients notice improvements in pain, stress, sleep, mobility or emotional balance within 1 to 3 sessions. Long-standing conditions may take more time, but progress is typically steady.

Yes. Acupuncture is covered under Oregon PIP (Personal Injury Protection) for motor vehicle accidents. Full documentation and treatment plans are provided to support recovery.

Portland Traditional Acupuncture uses consistent pricing to reflect the time, expertise and individualized care provided during every appointment. Senior patients often require comprehensive intake, medication review and customized treatment planning, which are fully accounted for in our service rates. Instead of discounts, we offer value-based care plans designed to support long-term health, recovery and wellness.

Payment options are simple and transparent. We accept: • Cash • Check • Venmo • Credit cards A 3.5% convenience fee applies to credit card payments. Cash, check and Venmo do not incur additional fees. Payment is due at the time of service.

If you are: • Tired of coping • Ready for meaningful, lasting change • Looking for calm, skilled, individualized care Then this practice is designed to pay you back in energy, clarity and resilience.