“How should I prepare for my acupuncture treatment?”
Wear loose, comfortable clothing so your acupuncturist can easily access points on your lower legs and arms—common areas for needle insertion. We also suggest eating a light meal beforehand to avoid feeling faint or light-headed during the session.
Try to avoid vigorous exercise immediately before and after your appointment, as acupuncture often promotes deep relaxation, and intense physical activity may diminish those calming benefits. If you have any specific health concerns or questions, feel free to discuss them with your practitioner prior to treatment.
“Does acupuncture hurt?”
Our treatments are known for being extremely gentle. Many people are surprised to discover that acupuncture needles are hair-thin and cause significantly less discomfort than an injection or typical medical needle.
You might experience a slight sensation when the needle is inserted—often described as a tingling, warmth, or heaviness—but it should not be painful. If you have concerns about needles or are particularly sensitive, please let us know. We can adjust our techniques and use fewer or thinner needles to ensure you remain comfortable throughout your session.
“Do you use disposable needles?”
Absolutely. We only use pre-packaged, single-use, sterilized needles to guarantee the highest level of safety and hygiene for our patients.
Once used, each needle is immediately disposed of in approved sharps containers, following strict cleanliness and sanitation protocols.
“How long/frequently do I have to go?”
This varies depending on your individual condition and health goals. Acute or recent problems, such as a fresh sprain or mild pain, may respond within six treatments or fewer. Chronic or long-standing issues often require a longer course of care, potentially ten treatments or more.
In terms of frequency, pain conditions typically respond best when treated 2–3 times per week, while other concerns—like stress management or general wellness—may only need once-a-week appointments. Your acupuncturist will collaborate with you to develop a plan that fits both your schedule and treatment needs.
“Do you take my insurance?”
We are not currently contracted with any insurance companies. However, many of our patients have success securing out-of-network coverage or reimbursement for acupuncture services. If you’re unsure of your policy details, we recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to learn more about your specific benefits.
“Will you bill insurance for me?”
While we do not bill insurance directly, we can provide you with an itemized receipt, sometimes known as a “superbill,” that you can submit to your insurance carrier. If your plan covers acupuncture, they will typically reimburse you directly. We encourage you to confirm your benefit details in advance with your insurance company to understand potential coverage fully.
“Does insurance cover herbs and supplements?”
Unfortunately, most health insurance plans do not provide coverage for herbal formulas or dietary supplements. However, many patients use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to offset these expenses. Check with your plan administrator to see if your account can be used for herbal remedies.
“Do you accept credit cards?”
We welcome MasterCard, VISA, and Discover for your convenience, but we do not accept American Express at this time. If you have any questions about payment methods or need alternative arrangements, please let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.