Ms. Cindy Laprocina, L. Ac

Acupuncturist

1010 C2 Monterey CA, 93940 Show map

About
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About

Cindy Laprocina is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist practicing in Monterey, CA. She evaluates and treats patients based on the concepts of East Asian medicine and Western (allopathic) medicine. Her detailed, thourough evaluations help her to arrive at an accurate diagnosis from which to create the best treatment for each patient at the time. Cindy may also use other techniques to assist the body and mind to return to balance, depending on the situation. She draws on decades of experience helping people to rehabilitate and prevent injuries, from back pain to just about any orthopedic injury. Cindy received specialized training in acupuncture for post-stroke rehabilitation by the famous Chinese doctor Shi Xue Min. She is also certified in Sports Medicine Acupuncture by doctor Frank He, L. Ac., O.M.D., Q.M.E.

Acupuncturists diagnose imbalances by obtaining a detailed patient history and examining and touching the body. They then place very fine, sterile acupuncture needles into specific points on the body. Other techniques may be used to relieve pain and help balance the body and mind. Acupuncture and other classical East Asian techniques can also help relieve stress, improve digestion and immunity, and support patients undergoing cancer treatment.

Education and Training

Five Branches University MTCM 2004

San Francisco State University Bachelor's Human Performance 1993

Board Certification

National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

Provider Details

Female English

Ms. Cindy Laprocina, L. Ac

Ms. Cindy Laprocina, L. Ac's Expert Contributions

My Answers

Can ear ringing be fixed with natural treatments?
In some cases, the answer is yes. It really depends on the cause of the problem and how long you've had it. Acupuncture and herbal medicine can be helpful to reduce to symptoms. I encourage you to see an acupuncturist who has helped people with this condition before. Cindy Laprocina, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. READ MORE
Can acupuncture help with facial nerve damage?
Most definitely, acupuncture can help with facial nerve damage. You will likely need an initial course of 10-12 treatments. Depending on how well you improve, the acupuncturist will recommend additional treatment. Generally, the more recent and mild the condition, the less treatment is needed. Therefore, if you have had the numbness for years and it is severe, more acupuncture treatments will be needed. READ MORE
How does acupuncture help obesity?
Acupuncture may help some people with obesity due to the effects of balancing hormones, digestion, and the nervous system. The acupuncturist will diagnose and treat any functional imbalances the patient has which may be contributing to obesity. Acupuncturists always try to find the root cause of a patient's symptoms in order to address both the source of the problem and the symptoms. Many acupuncturists, myself included, also offer dietary therapy and herbal medicine options to support treatment. I hope that helps! Cindy Laprocina, L. Ac., Dipl. Ac. READ MORE
Can acupuncture help stomach bloating?
Yes, most definitely acupuncture can help reduce stomach bloating. However, please be advised that the cause of the bloating should be determined in order to prevent a recurrence. DO give acupuncture a try if this is a chronic issue for you. READ MORE
How long do the effects of an acupuncture session last?
The general rule of thumb is about 2 days (48 hours). Some people experience relief for less time than that, especially within the first several treatments. This is why it's best to receive more frequent treatment (2-3 times a week) at first, then once you are getting results you can spread the treatments out more (once a week, then every other week, etc.). The effects of acupuncture are somewhat cumulative, like the effects of exercise. You have to keep exercising consistently to get fit initially; consistency is key. READ MORE
Where do acupuncture needles go for back pain?
The location of needles for back pain depends on the style of the acupuncturist. There are many methods, and we all have different training. Personally, I use points on the hands and feet, possibly also the lower legs, scalp, and ears. Some acupuncturists place needles in the back. READ MORE
Acupuncture in neck and feeling dizzy after
I am sorry to hear you had a bad experience with acupuncture. First I would suggest that you let the acupuncturist know as soon as possible. Second, find another acupuncturist who practices a style called distal needling, which means they do not place needles into the area of pain. The Balance Method is one type of distal needling. Ask the person before you schedule how they work. Explain what happened to you. An experienced acupuncturist should be able to help you with this. READ MORE
Can acupuncture help reduce swelling?
Most likely, yes; however, it really depends on the reason for the swollen legs. Acupuncturists always try to discover the root cause of the symptom, not just treat the symptom. If the diagnosis is correct, treatment will likely be effective. Your acupuncturist should obtain a detailed health history from you to help them make a plan. READ MORE
Is acupressure good for knee pain?
Acupuncture is fantastic for knee pain! Definitely try it. Go to an acupuncturist who specializes in treating orthopedic (bone and joint) problems. READ MORE
Can acupuncture help with swollen ankles?
Yes, acupuncture can help reduce swollen ankles. Ideally, your acupuncturist should try to discover the root cause of the swelling, and address that as well. Unlike allopathic ("Western") medicine, practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine try to help bring the whole body into balance, not just alleviate symptoms. The acupuncturist may suggest additional therapies to help, based on their experience. READ MORE
What treatments are there for insomnia?
Acupuncture and herbal therapy are both effective for insomnia. In addition, your acupuncturist may advise you in other areas of sleep hygiene such as creating a very dark, quiet space without electronics, diet, and relaxation techniques. READ MORE
What are the acupuncture points for insomnia?
The points for insomnia depend on why you have insomnia. The acupuncturist will diagnose and treat each person individually based on their unique physiology. Acupoints may be chosen on the hands, wrists, feet, ankles, ear, and scalp. You can massage your own ears, scalp, and bottoms of feet every night and see if this helps you. READ MORE
Can you help muscle weakness after a stroke?
Yes, definitely! The sooner your friend receives acupuncture after the stroke, the better. Best results are within 6 months; however, even after one year you may get results. I say it's never too late to try. Be prepared for an initial course of 10-12 treatments. More may be needed. Please try it. READ MORE
How long does it take for acupuncture to work for chronic back pain?
It depends on many factors, such as how long you've had pain, the cause, what other therapies you are doing or are willing to do. Typically, long-term pain requires more treatments. Plan on an initial course of 12 treatments, ideally twice per week for 6 weeks. At that point, your acupuncturist will be able to give you a better idea how much acupuncture will be helpful. READ MORE
What are the pressure points for a headache?
The main point to press for headache is on the hand in the fleshy area between the thumb and index finger. Press the sore spot closer to the first finger bone on the hand. You might also try pressing the top of the foot between the big toe and second toe (again, find the sore spot!). READ MORE
Can you help recover after a stroke?
Yes, have acupuncture as soon as possible! The sooner you have it, the better the results will be. Make sure your friend has 2-3 treatments per week with an acupuncturist who is specially trained in stroke methods. READ MORE
Can you help recover after a mild stroke?
Yes! Have acupuncture as soon as possible after a stroke. The results will be better, the sooner you do it. Acupuncture can also help prevent future strokes, which no other therapies or drugs can do. See an acupuncturist who has specific training in stroke treatment methods. READ MORE
How quickly does acupuncture work for stress relief?
Acupuncture is very effective for stress relief. Most people feel an immediate effect after the first treatment. However, it would be best to receive treatment once a week for 4-6 weeks initially. Thereafter, you may want to go once or twice a month. Everyone is different. Cindy Laprocina, L. Ac., Dipl. Ac. READ MORE
Is acupuncture effective for depression?
Yes, acupuncture can be a very helpful modality to help manage depression. I encourage you to try it. READ MORE
How long after acupuncture do you feel better?
Acupuncture may take several sessions before you notice changes. Many factors can influence results, including the severity of the problem and how long you've had it, as well as the experience of the acupuncturist. I recommend a minimum of 3 treatments before deciding if perhaps you should choose another acupuncturist. Please note, the skill of the acupuncturist is important. READ MORE

Areas of expertise and specialization

MigraineNerve painSciaticaBack painOrthopedic injuries

Faculty Titles & Positions

Clinical Supervisor Oregon College of Oriental Medicine 2016 - 2019

Professional Memberships

American Heart Association
American Council on Exercise

Teaching and speaking

Worked as a clinical supervisor and clinic teacher at The Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) in Portland, Oregon from January 2016 through August 2019. Representing OCOM, spoke about acupuncture and Chinese medicine to the public .at the Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland.