Frequently Asked Questions

Does acupuncture hurt?

The sensations that patients experience during acupuncture range from nothing at all to a brief ache or heaviness in the area being needled. Some points are more sensitive than others. By and large patients describe the sensations as fleeting and deeply relaxing.

Why would I see an acupuncturist?

Many patients begin acupuncture treatment to find relief from a wide range of physical conditions. What often begins as a concern over several symptoms often transforms into deep personal healing that reaches far beyond the physical condition. The greatest reason to begin acupuncture treatment is to recover and cultivate your awareness of the tremendous healing power of your body. Acupuncture awakens the senses and offers the possibility of deep healing of the body, mind and spirit. Many patients experience increased clarity, creativity and deeper meaning in their day-to-day lives.

Is acupuncture covered by insurance?

A growing number of insurance companies will reimburse for acupuncture treatments. Consult your insurer for the terms of coverage on your policy. Full payment is required at the time of treatment.

Are the needles safe?

Yes. Sterile disposable needles are used. They are used once and then disposed of immediately.

Are there different styles of acupuncture?

There are many styles of acupuncture. The primary distinction exists within the diagnostic process and the corresponding treatment planning process. To learn more about the distinction between various forms of acupuncture, please call us.

Do I have to be ill to benefit from acupuncture?

Absolutely not. Many patients come for regular treatments to achieve increased effectiveness and enjoyment at work. Many others come to help deepen their relationships with others. Acupuncture is also a powerful preventative measure to keep patients healthy throughout the year.

How frequently do I need to come to benefit from treatment?

Following the initial consultation, ideally you will be seen in weekly one-hour sessions for 6-8 visits. During this time, significant signs of progress will likely appear. As patients experience improvement in their condition and enjoy a greater sense of ease in life, treatments may be extended to every other week, every three weeks, monthly and eventually seasonally. The frequency of treatments varies with each individual. Strict adherence to patient confidentiality is maintained at all times.

I want to come for treatment, what do I do next?

Feel free to contact any of our practitioners at the telephone number displayed on the contact page. We will discuss your concerns and schedule an initial visit. During your first visit we will explore a treatment schedule that will best meet your needs.

How do I get the most out of each treatment?

Be sure to eat well before coming to treatment. Avoid caffeine in coffee, tea, or sodas during the day of treatment. Avoid intense physical activity before or after your scheduled treatment.

How does acupuncture work?

This highly effective system of medical care is based on natural laws, which govern the movement of vital life giving energy, both in nature and in the body. This energy, called chi, moves through the body in precise channels supporting functions of the body, mind and spirit. When the chi is moving disharmoniously, imbalance begins to surface in the form of specific symptoms. To address the underlying cause of a condition, these symptoms are viewed in relationship to the totality of a person in order to explore the root cause of a condition or illness. The gentle insertion of hair thin needles at specific points along the channels of chi energy, help restore harmony at the deepest level of the body, mind, and spirit. In the presence of this subtle yet profound intervention, symptoms often resolve and patients frequently experience deep personal transformation.