Frequently Asked Questions

Your first visit begins with a conversation about your health history, your concerns and what you hope to get from care. Your practitioner then explains what they suggest and why, and treatment usually begins in the same visit. Please allow a little extra time for a first appointment.

Eat a light meal beforehand and wear loose, comfortable clothing. Bring a list of any medications or supplements you take, and tell us about any medical conditions or pregnancy before treatment begins.

Use the booking button on this site, or reach us with the details on our Contact page. If you are not sure which service is right for you, tell us a little about what you are looking for and we will help you choose.

Most patients book with us directly. Some insurance plans ask for a physician's referral before they reimburse acupuncture, so if you plan to use insurance, check your plan's requirements before your visit.

Acupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a system of care practiced for thousands of years. A licensed practitioner places very thin, sterile, single-use needles at specific points on the body. Most people find it calm and relaxing, and many use it alongside the care they receive from their doctor.

Most patients feel minimal discomfort. The needles are hair-thin — much thinner than injection needles. Many people feel deeply relaxed during treatment.

Acupuncture is generally considered safe when it is performed by a licensed practitioner using sterile, single-use needles. Minor effects such as brief soreness or a small bruise where a needle was placed can happen. Tell us about any medical conditions, medications, or pregnancy so we can adjust your care, and keep your doctor informed.

Yes. Acupuncture is commonly used alongside conventional care, not in place of it. Keep your doctor informed, and tell us about any diagnosis, medication or upcoming procedure so we can plan around it. Anything new, severe or worsening should be checked by a physician first.

Research suggests acupuncture may help with some conditions, especially certain kinds of chronic pain. A large analysis of chronic-pain trials found acupuncture was associated with modest improvements compared with both sham and no acupuncture, and a Cochrane review found that adding acupuncture may reduce how often migraine attacks happen. For many other conditions the evidence is limited or mixed. The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health summarizes what research does and does not show.

It depends on what you come in for, how long you have had it and how you respond. After your first visit your practitioner suggests a starting plan and reviews it with you as you go, so you always know what comes next and why.

It varies by treatment, and a first visit takes longer because it includes your consultation. When you book, ask us how much time to set aside.

Take it easy for the rest of the day if you can, drink some water and skip strenuous exercise right after your session. Some people feel relaxed or a little tired, and mild soreness where a needle was placed can happen. Contact us if anything concerns you.

Coverage for acupuncture varies from plan to plan. The best first step is to ask your insurer what your plan covers for acupuncture. If you have questions about paying for your visit, contact us before your appointment.

Many health savings and flexible spending accounts can be used for acupuncture, but the rules depend on your plan. Check with your plan administrator, and keep your receipt so you can submit it.

The payment options we accept are listed with our address and opening hours on our Contact page.