Does it hurt?

Not really, and not for long. People report varying sensations – warmth, coolness, tingling, buzzing, a heavy feeling – and all of these are considered to be completely normal. If there is pain at a point, it is typically fleeting. It’s nothing like the pain of receiving a shot, because acupuncture needles are not hollow like hypodermic needles. The needles are very thin and only go into the body superficially. Additionally, we practice a gentle needling technique and want for you to be comfortable and relaxed.

I don’t have any complaints, so why acupuncture?

Acupuncture is profoundly effective as preventative medicine, so it is great to receive acupuncture to stay healthy, vibrant, and well!  Also, there is always room for improvement, whether that means sleeping better, having more energy, feeling calmer, relaxing completely, enhancing athletic performance, or managing stress. Acupuncture supports the overall health of the body, mind, and spirit.

Should I eat beforehand? What about drinking before and after?

You want to be neither hungry nor stuffed… just somewhere in the range of satisfied.  It is generally advised to not consume alcohol before or immediately after a treatment.

What should I wear?

Wear what feels comfortable. Sometimes you keep all of your clothes on, and sometimes some clothing needs to be removed. We always provide plentiful covers for draping, so that your privacy is respected.

What will happen during my treatment?

The initial consultation and treatment take about two hours, and subsequent treatments take about one hour.  First we will have a conversation regarding your health goals. Then the practitioner will feel your radial pulse on both wrists and observe your tongue to gather more diagnostic information.  Next is the insertion of needles, which are retained about 20-40 minutes depending on the type of treatment.  Often a treatment will include moxibustion, a warming therapy performed with mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris.)  Adjunct bodywork is also performed as needed.

What conditions do acupuncture and herbal medicine treat?

Because we treat people (not diseases,) the short answer is everything! Acupuncture and herbal medicine are complete systems of medicine, and are not simply adjunct therapies – though they can be performed in concert with other types of medicine.

Most often we treat people whose concerns include:

• Pain
• Stress
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Digestion
• Skin concerns
• Dizziness, vertigo
• Respiratory issues
• Allergies
• Common cold
• Headaches and Migraines
• Arthritis
• Menstrual disorders
• Fertility

Is acupuncture covered by insurance?

It depends on your policy.  We are happy to provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance company. Herbal medicine generally is not covered.

How many sessions will I need?

The number and frequency of treatments vary according to the patient’s needs.  Generally, acute conditions appear rapidly and are usually successfully treated in short course. Chronic complaints are often more rooted in the body and therefore require more persistence and patience.

It’s not uncommon for people to receive more frequent treatment initially. Typically after 4 – 8 sessions we reevaluate and make a new treatment plan. Often after this initial stage of treatment, patients shift their focus to another area of their health, or they begin to come monthly for ongoing maintenance.