Carolyn Shannon Sullivan LIC. AC

Acupuncturist

24 S Main St. Randolph MA, 02368 Show map

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About

Carolyn Sullivan is an acupuncturist practicing in Randolph, Ma. She evaluates and treats patients based on the concepts of oriental medicine. Acupuncturists complete their evaluations by getting a patient history and examining abnormalities in skin discoloration, sensitivity, scar tissues and the like.. Then, they place very fine acupuncture needles into specific points on the body based on a patients' diagnosis. Stimulation of the needles is how the energy system, or qi, is activated. Acupuncture is a great way to treat physical pain as well as emotional stress in a gentle, non-invasive manner. Call today to see if acupuncture is right for you!

Education and Training

New England School of Acupunct Masters of Acupuncture 2009

Provider Details

Female English

Carolyn Shannon Sullivan LIC. AC

Carolyn Shannon Sullivan LIC. AC's Expert Contributions

My Answers

How do you know if acupuncture is working?
Well, the quick and obvious answer is reduced pain level, but it’s not always that simple. I tell my patients do not be concerned if you don’t experience pain reduction right away. Results may happen very slowly, over time and over a period of several visits. Too often, we are used to taking a pill to stop the pain. Medications, although very helpful and important to health and well- being, do not fix the problem but help to deaden nerve impulses leading to a perception of less pain. Acupuncture may take awhile to show results but it is a more permanent solution, one that heals at the root of the problem. Now, sometimes there is a more serious issue at hand, one that you should get checked out by your doctor. He or she may refer you to a chiropractor or a specialist to properly diagnose your condition. X-rays may reveal something that may require surgery or physical therapy. Even a simple backache can be a sign of something else entirely or the beginning of something that may require medical intervention. So getting x-rays, if the doctor sees fit, or an MRI will help to shed light as to what the next course of action should be in your treatment plan. All that being said, if it turns out to be a muscle or tendon problem, acupuncture can work terrifically, but how many visits it could take will depend upon the severity of the problem. In addition, how active or inactive you are, how well, if at all, you stretch and exercise, what you do for work (occupational hazards) will also determine how well you respond to acupuncture. Good luck!!! READ MORE
Can acupuncture prevent the flu?
The only thing I can say with certainty is that acupuncture is great at boosting the immune system. If your immune system is strengthened, the better it is at keeping you healthy and the less prone you are to catch colds and the flu. That being said, there is no guarantee that acupuncture can prevent the flu, as other factors come into play as with any communicable diseases/sicknesses. Your exposure to germs/people who may be carrying viruses, your overall constitution and how healthy of a lifestyle you engage in will determine if you get the flu or not. The best way to prevent getting the flu is to wash your hands frequently, try not to touch any surfaces outside of your home, keep well hydrated, get plenty of rest, eat healthfully, try to avoid public places as much as possible and do your best to maintain a stress free life ( practicing tai chi, yoga, meditation, mindfulness, etc.). Sometimes even if you do all of these well, you could still end up with the flu. It can be a matter of being at the wrong place at the wrong time - coming across someone who has it. But your chances of fighting it are better if your immune system is healthy, which acupuncture can promote. READ MORE
Can acupuncture help a chronic cough?
I have had luck with chronic cough but how you respond will depend upon lifestyle habits. If you smoke, have co-morbid conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, etc, you may not get the best results. If you live in a dry, dusty climate that may be why you have a dry chronic cough. Have you seen a specialist and had x-rays taken of your lungs to rule out anything more serious? Do you have a history of bronchitis, asthma or other similar ailments? Do you suffer from any autoimmune disorders? All of these factors may determine how well acupuncture will work for you, or how long before you experience relief from symptoms. At any rate, being well hydrated, getting restful sleep and engaging in a regular exercise routine will be a good start. When there is anything chronic in nature going on, working to build a healthy immune system can certainly help improve your tendency to respond favorably to acupuncture. Good luck and keep hydrated!!! READ MORE
Is acupuncture good for sprained ankles?
I personally have had good luck with sprains, but it depends upon a few factors. Are you sure that it is only sprained? Have you had x-rays? Have you seen a doctor? Can you put any pressure on it at all? Are you overweight? Added pounds certainly won't help with weight-bearing. Acupuncture can help over several treatments but lifestyle factors play a part. You need to make sure you are wearing supportive shoes. In the summer I like to live in flip flops but they are horrible supports if you have ankle and feet problems. If you work at a job where you are on your feet all day you may not get much of a result with acupuncture. If you are working, make sure to stop and stretch the calves and rotate the ankles frequently to ensure good blood flow. Lightly massaging the calves and the Achilles tendon couldn't hurt. If you work out, you need to make sure that you don't overstretch the legs, or if walking, try not to take too wide of a stride. Or lay off exercise all together if possible for a few days at least to allow it to heal properly. Try heat and ice on the ankle and see which feels better to alleviate the pain. Or alternate between heat and ice. All that being said, yes, acupuncture can help but it really depends on what you do or don't do for yourself that can make the difference. Good luck!!! READ MORE
Is acupuncture good for heel pain?
Well, that depends upon a multitude of factors. What is the cause of your heel pain.....injury, overuse, poor footwear, occupational hazard? If you haven't had an x-ray or MRI, if this is a chronic issue, I would suggest that you do. If you have a job where you are always on your feet, you may need to rethink your occupation. If it is a weight issue, losing weight may alleviate the pain. Have you had physical therapy for this? Do you do calf stretches? During the warm weather, many of us wear flip flops or go barefoot which looks great fashion-wise but horrible support for the feet. Have you tried changing your shoes during the day or just not wearing the same shoes every day? That may help. You also may want to try arch supports. I find that the Dr. Scholl's or dollar store ones can sometimes do the trick. Do you have flat feet? Fallen arches? Seeing a podiatrist may shed some light on the correct footwear for your condition. During the COVID-19, you may not want to see a doctor, so in the meantime, I would suggest doing calf stretches against the wall by just leaning lightly. If your calf and archilles are tight, you may not be able to stretch very much. That's okay, because your muscles will eventually loosen up and stretch gradually. It's important not to force it. Also, getting on the floor and reaching for your toes slowly will help the heel if it is a simple muscle/tendon problem. Of course, you should see a doc, maybe a telehealth visit, to determine if it isn't anything more serious. But try the stretches (gently) and see if it helps. All that being said, yes, acupuncture can help with improving blood flow and clear blockages or move "stagnation" that may be the cause of the pain. And getting a foot massage and doing regular foot baths, preferably in epsom salts certainly wouldn't hurt. Good luck and feel better!! READ MORE
Can acupuncture help with sleep problems?
Acupuncture CAN help but it depends upon other factors. Is he or she eating too late at night before bed or eating a lot of sugary/caffeinated foods/beverages? Exercising too late at night? Oftentimes, insomnia can be caused by emotional problems, unresolved issues that are creeping up at night when all is quiet. Is that an issue? He or she may need counseling. Does the mattress or pillow need to be changed out? If the spine is not supported properly, getting restorative sleep can be problematic. Not sure if this is your son or daughter, but in girls, hormone levels can fluctuate so much so as to create/worsen sleep problems. First, I would suggest watching out for bad eating habits. Drinking coffee or eating chocolate/sugary foods, even in the afternoon, can cause sleeplessness in those that are sensitive. Secondly, your child may need to seek out a therapist if emotional instability is at play. Being honest with oneself of the inability to cope with stressors can be the start of attacking issues head on. Lastly, I would strongly suggest partaking in internal exercises such as Tai Chi, meditation, yoga and so on. Even deep breathing....in through the nose, out through the mouth has been shown to be helpful in lowering blood pressure, cortisol levels and the like, which help with sleep problems. All that being said, acupuncture works to balance meridians, or pathways that are imbalanced and can reduce stress. So it can be extremely helpful in that respect, but if the aforementioned lifestyle changes are at play and not addressed, you may still have trouble. Good luck!!! READ MORE
Can acupuncture help with knee problems?
Yes, it can depending on how damaged your knee is. Is it arthritic? Torn muscles or tendons? It may need surgical repair. Have you had an MRI? If you are overweight, your pain may disappear if weight is lost. At 44 years old, I am guessing it is a combination of excess weight and overuse or previous injury. There may be something structurally wrong and a chiropractic adjustment may help. It is important to wear supportive shoes and stretch whenever you can before walking or any other exercise. Stretch before and after. Also, keep well hydrated. Do you hear crunching when you move your knee? That could be arthritis or crepitus ( which can be helped by stretching and exercise ). But arthritis is a bit more tricky. Nonetheless, staying hydrated, stretching/ exercising and maintaining a leaner frame all can help but I have had success in treating knee pain for those who are not too heavy and have followed my suggestions. Good luck and feel better!! READ MORE
Is acupuncture good for bronchitis?
It can help but your genetics play a big part in your ability to respond favorably. Living and working environments are also factors in how receptive you are to acupuncture. Living/working in "damp" or "musty" environments are not good for any respiratory issues, as are excessively dry environments or ones with poor air flow/quality. There may be mold present, or if there has been new construction there is a phenomenon called "Toxic building Syndrome". Certain environmental allergens can worsen bronchitis, so it may be a good idea to get tested and know what to avoid when possible. What you eat can make bronchitis worse. Excessive weight issues or lack of exercise (or too much) certainly don't help. With all of that in mind, acupuncture works to strengthen the immune system and help regulate imbalances. Making lifestyle changes where necessary along with weekly acupuncture will certainly get you on your way. Good luck!!! READ MORE
Can insomnia be cured by acupuncture?
Acupuncture is not always viewed as curative, but rather assisting the body in healing itself. It works to balance imbalances throughout the body. It is important to first find out if there is anything wrong medically. Maybe a medication you are taking could be causing it? Eating or drinking caffeine or sugar, I'm sure you are aware, can cause insomnia if either are consumed anytime after midday. I would strongly suggest looking at your diet and eliminating any caffeine, sugar or spicy foods after 3pm. Secondly, take a look at your bedding situation. Is your mattress too soft or too hard? In need of replacement? Are you getting too hot while sleeping? Some memory foam mattresses retain body heat and affect sleeping. Do you need to swap out your pillow? I myself use a cervical pillow and cannot sleep well at all without it. It cradles the head and neck so that it is in the optimal (correct) position while sleeping. If your neck is not properly supported that could cause difficulty getting and staying asleep. Thirdly, I would highly recommend partaking in internal exercises such as yoga, meditation or Tai Chi to help relax your mind. Many of my insomnia patients admit that they suffer from overactive thinking and stress reduction is essential. All that being said, acupuncture is not a cure-all. Lifestyle factors are at play as well. Taking a hard look at what you are doing and what you should or could be doing to rectify the situation are key. I ask my patients to keep a log of what they are doing and eating in the evening at dinnertime. Eliminating screen time, late night exercising and caffeinated beverages and sugary foods after midday are just some of the ways you can be accountable for your own health. Acupuncture can certainly help with insomnia but only if you commit to making lifestyle changes as well. Good luck!! READ MORE
How are you supposed to feel after acupuncture?
There is no hard and fast rule to what you should feel after acupuncture. Everyone experiences something different, but most patients tell me that they feel more relaxed. If you are seeking treatment for a pain condition, there will most likely be some relief from pain after treatment, although, not always. It could be a gradual amelioration of pain over the course of several treatments. It's important to know that acupuncture is not a quick fix. With medications, for example, Western society is used to seeing immediate relief from NSAID's, which usually just masks the pain. Acupuncture works to treat the root of the problem, not the symptoms, which takes time. How you live your life will also effect treatment outcomes; quality of sleep, stress level, activity level, eating habits, weight issues and so on. It should be noted that acupuncture is not going to "fix" what is broken. One must take a look at lifestyle habits that may have caused the problem to begin with. Practicing internal exercises such as yoga, tai chi, etc., will certainly help with stress level, at the very least, if not pain management. Losing weight, if that is an issue, can definitely help. Adjusting sleep patterns, such as getting to bed earlier, getting longer, deeper, restorative sleep, not eating close to bedtime can make a big difference in pain level. Restorative rest, reaching the REM cycle of sleep, helps with nerve regeneration, regulates hormone levels, etc. and will help with pain conditions as well as stress reduction. Adding exercise to your daily regimen will boost mood and improve mobility affecting pain and stress levels. Try not to have any expectations from acupuncture. There are varied responses to treatment and sometimes there is no change right away. Remember the old saying, if it took you 10 years to walk into the woods, it will take another 10 to get out. Remain open minded. Do some research on acupuncture so you feel more informed before getting treatment. Alert your practitioner as to any questions or concerns you have before treatment so you can relax and enjoy your session. Good luck and be well!!! READ MORE
Is acupuncture good for stress?
Acupuncture works fantastically for stress! But some stressors we can't escape from, like work. But you can do your part to help alleviate stress by doing a few things. One, you can practice some sort of internal exercise; yoga, tai chi, qi Gong, meditation, etc. That will help with the extent to which you feel the stress and how well you handle it. Two, you can avoid sugar and caffeine that may raise your blood sugar (cortisol levels) and blood pressure and make your perception of a stressful situation more intense. Three, you can have relaxation techniques on hand to help you combat the stress when it comes on. Such as squeezing a stress ball, taking 10 deep breaths, in through the nose, out through the mouth, having some soothing pictures on your desk, like a sweet family photo or a nature scene of something you find peaceful. For me, I go back in my mind to Lanakai Beach in Oahu and "smell" the beach and flowers in the air, "feel" the sand in my toes and just take it all in. Having an air freshener plugged in can also help you to "revisit" those places that make you happy and at peace. Four, if you don't already have a regular exercise routine, develop one! Even something small, like 15 minutes per day of cardio can help lower stress significantly. With all of that being said, acupuncture works by balancing meridians, or the body's pathways and can greatly affect blood pressure, blood sugar, the stress response, hormone levels, etc. assisting in stress reduction. But you doing your part to alleviate stress is just as important. Find what relaxation technique works best for you and try to incorporate it into your daily life, not just when stress occurs. Good luck!!! READ MORE
Can acupuncture help your skin?
Acupuncture can assist in cell regeneration and help balance out anything that is out of balance. That being said, it cannot "fix" skin conditions in and of itself. As you know, I am sure, diet plays a HUGE part in the condition of your skin. Food allergies can inflame the skin and cause breakouts, rashes and so on, so finding out if you are allergic to anything should be first on your to-do list. Making sure you are well hydrated and well-rested will affect how your skin looks. Stress can aggravate acne, dermatitis, psoriasis and other skin conditions but usually there's another underlying condition at play. I'm sure you have tried all of the creams, prescription topicals, etc, but if you don't get to the root of your trouble, it will probably just keep happening. So acupuncture can help with skin issues if you adjust your diet (if need be), get enough RESTORATIVE sleep, plenty of water and work to reduce stress in your life. Even still, it won't happen overnight. Making the aforementioned lifestyle changes and re-evaluating your skincare routine, over time, along with acupuncture you should see changes in your skin. Good luck!! READ MORE
How long does facial acupuncture last?
Hi, I do not do facial acupuncture so you would be better off getting particulars from someone who does. But my guess would be depending upon how well you treat your skin, hydrate and the environment you surround yourself with. Certain foods are known to increase or improve cell productivity and certain foods can worsen skin conditions. Proper and enough rest is also fundamental to cell turnover. Acupuncture is not meant to "fix" you, but to enhance your health, metabolism and immune system function. What lifestyle you partake in will greatly affect your skin, so you need to do the work to stay healthy to get the maximum benefit from acupuncture. Good luck!! READ MORE
Can acupuncture loosen tight muscles in neck?
It certainly can, but how well depends on what is causing the problem to begin with and if it is being addressed properly. Oftentimes, the muscles and tendons tighten up in an effort to protect the spine or other structures. Have you had an x-ray or an MRI? Have you been checked for a bulging disc, spinal stenosis, arthritis or other conditions? These are quite common especially as one gets older. Muscle tightness can be a precursor to a more serious problem, so you should have it checked out by your doctor, who will probably refer you to a chiropractor or other specialist. If the spine or hips are out of alignment, a series of chiropractic adjustments may help loosen the muscles surrounding the affected areas. If, in fact, there is nothing structurally wrong with you, you may want to check your posture, practice yoga or deep stretching. Also, note the chair you sit in....at your desk at work and home....if you are hunched over the desk and typing on a computer, that can often be the cause of neck pain. Do neck rolls/stretches several times daily and/or get massages as frequently as possible. Muscles tend to atrophy or stiffen with under-use just as much as overuse. Get more exercise and drink more water (or non-caffeinated beverages) to get the juices flowing. Try a cervical pillow for a few weeks and see if that doesn't help. Good luck and good health!! READ MORE
How often should you get acupuncture treatment for migraines?
That's a good question. It depends on how serious your migraines are. I usually suggest to patients that they come once a week, unless their symptoms are severe enough to warrant coming 2 or 3 times per week. But it is important to note that what YOU do to combat your migraines is key. For instance, staying away from known culprits, such as caffeine, chocolate, alcohol and spicy foods. Of course, there may be a food or beverage that you have a sensitivity to, that you are unaware of, that may be to blame. Getting tested for food allergies, including gluten, as soon as possible may shed some light on migraine causing allergens/sensitivities. Next, you may want to change your pillow if it is not supportive enough while sleeping. If the neck is in an awkward position it may affect alignment of the spine leading to headaches. You want to make sure you are getting enough and quality sleep, removing any distractions such as the tv or computer noises or lights while sleeping. Your mattress may need changing out also. Has your home or work environment been checked for chemicals? Do you have a Carbon monoxide detector? Is there any construction going on in your home or work? At times minute particles in the air can be very bothersome to those susceptible to migraines. And lastly, make sure you are drinking enough water and eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Sometimes, migraines can be attributed to constipation or poor digestion. Good luck and feel better!!! READ MORE
How long do the benefits of an acupuncture session last for?
The lasting effects of acupuncture involve multiple factors....the skill and experience of the practitioner, how detailed of a health history they get to ensure that a correct diagnosis is found.....what YOU do to combat your headaches is really key. Certain foods are known culprits, such as alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, spicy foods, gluten, and so on. Isolating which foods, if any, are responsible requires research on your part. Has your home or work environment been tested for chemicals? If there is construction going on, that can kick up allergies, headaches and the like. Are you getting enough quality sleep and is there ample oxygen flowing? A stuffy bedroom can cause problems for some. You may need a chiropractic adjustment, as I've heard many cases of patients getting chiropractic care and their headaches disappearing. Fresh air and exercise may help as well. All that being said, the speed in which acupuncture yields results can vary drastically from person to person. There is no magic pill or fast cure. A lot of the success will depend on what YOU are doing to ensure your best health. I would suggest to start with a food log. Note the frequency of headaches and what food is ingested beforehand. See your primary care to see if you are allergic to any foods or environmental allergens. Drink plenty of water and eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Eliminate stress as much as humanly possible. Take part in some sort of internal exercise....yoga, tai chi, meditation, etc. All of these things may do the trick (over time) so that acupuncture very well may not be necessary. We only have one body. Pay attention..if you are hungry, eat....but eat healthfully. If you are tired, allow yourself some restorative sleep....leave those annoying tasks that absolutely need to get done until after you have gotten proper rest. If you are thirsty, drink water or lemon water instead of soda or caffeine products. Good luck and better health!!! READ MORE
Should you rest after acupuncture?
I think it is best to do so, yes. Some people may feel energetic after treatment and do too much, whether it be work, clean, exercise, etc. If you really want to see how you do with acupuncture, take the time to listen to your body and rest. It doesn't have to be all day. I would just suggest to carry on with your daily activities unless they are too taxing. Don't go above and beyond such as heavy lifting or excessive exercise. It would be best if you allow yourself to rest immediately after treatment. Good luck!!! READ MORE
How quickly does acupuncture work?
There is no pat answer for your question, I'm afraid. It's important to get a detailed health history to ensure a correct Chinese Medicine diagnosis. Western Medicine has identified certain potential allergen-causing foods/drinks which may contribute to your headaches. Proper sleep (REM stage) is essential but also having supportive bedding and pillows are key. Oftentimes, the neck is in a cramped position while sleeping leading to tension in the neck, traps, shoulders and even the spine can be affected and can lead to headache pain. Do you have a carbon monoxide monitor in your home and workplace? I have heard of cases where there are noxious chemicals, however minute, in the environment and can be a cause of migraines. Or even something more benign like mold, or other less harmful chemicals/odors .....say, from new construction, like particle dust and other things that you may be sensitive to. Certain medications have a history of migraines as a side effect or drug interactions with other meds or supplements. You may want to check labels if you are taking any meds. Have you been checked for any food allergies, such as gluten? Gluten can wreak havoc with some people who are found to suffer from it if not addressed. There are many things that could be causing your migraines, but I would suggest that you see your PCP first for tests or blood labs to rule out anything more serious. Then eliminating things one by one to try to isolate what is causing them. All that being said, acupuncture has been helpful for some but you most likely won't see drastic results until at least a few treatments. If you take the suggestion of your doctor or acupuncturists on eliminating potential causes that will be a start. If the culprit is not found or addressed, then acupuncture may not work at all. In other words, it is important that you make lifestyle changes such as not eating late at night, avoiding sugar or caffeine, eating more leafy greens/fruits/vegetables, drinking more water and maybe participating in stress reducing exercises such as tai chi, meditation, yoga, etc. Acupuncture, or any medicine for that matter, is not a magic pill. How you live your life will greatly affect outcomes of treatment. Good luck and hope you feel better soon!!! READ MORE
Can you get acupuncture for anxiety?
Acupuncture is great for anxiety. I sought out acupuncture treatment 30 years ago for a skin condition and was pleasantly surprised to find that it helped ease my anxiety as well. I felt more relaxed than I had in years and didn't realize that acupuncture could help with emotional symptoms as well as physical. The premise behind Chinese Medicine is that when the body is out of balance, disease, sickness or pain can result. You could call anxiety a dis-ease with oneself. Acupuncture helps in many ways, primarily restoring the flow of qi and blood and clearing stagnation to obtain optimal health, both mental and physical. Of course, if there is an unresolved issue in your life, I would definitely suggest individual therapy as well. Acupuncture alone may not help anxiety if there are patterns of dysfunction in your life. Avoiding caffeine, soda, chocolate, etc could make a big difference as to the extent of emotional unrest present. And of course, getting restful, restorative sleep (REM) and avoiding stress as much as humanly possible is key. You may want to try to engage in internal exercises such as yoga, tai chi, meditation, etc. They have been shown to greatly reduce or eliminate stress and incorporating them in your daily life may just do the trick. Good luck!! READ MORE
Is acupuncture good for pregnancy?
First of all, congrats on your pregnancy!!! Acupuncture is neither good nor bad for pregnancy. During the first trimester, certain points are contraindicated, as the fetus is in its most vulnerable state. Acupuncture is safe, effective and has been recommended to treat nausea, tiredness and symptoms associated with pregnancy including post-partum depression after delivery. It can help with a smoother transition between stages of pregnancy. Good luck!!! READ MORE