What exactly is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine and has been used, in some form or another, since 100 BC. Today, licensed practitioners use it to treat a variety of conditions, most notably acute and chronic pain.

How should I prepare for the first visit?

-It’s best to avoid a heavy meal before treatment. Also, refrain from using caffeine or alcohol for several hours before and after the treatment.

-Wear comfortable, loose clothes. We may need to roll up sleeves and pants to the knees and elbows. For back treatments, we’ll provide you with a gown.

-If you have a chronic condition, please bring your related medical records if there are any.

What can I expect during an Acupuncture treatment?

-Sterile, single-use needles are inserted at acupoints corresponding to your specific needs. The needles are super fine with a thickness of around three hairs.

-You will feel a light tap when the needles are applied. After a moment, you may feel warmth, heaviness, tingling, or pressure around the needle. These sensations are normal and desirable.

-A typical appointment lasts about 1 hour and includes time to talk about your progress.

How many sessions do I need?

The amount of sessions that a patient needs depends on the condition and the individual patient’s response. Acute conditions, in general, can be treated within 6 sessions (sometimes, even one session), chronic conditions can often take longer. We will provide you with an estimate based on your health issues after the initial consultation.

Are there any side effects?

Acupuncture is considered to be very safe with a licensed practitioner with minimal, temporary side effects. Common side effects include soreness and minor bleeding or bruising where the needles were inserted. For cupping, rounded red marks may appear where the cups were placed as blood is directed to those areas. All soreness and red marks would fade away in a few days along with your initial pain.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes! We are in-network with the following health insurances:

Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare (not all UHC plans). We also accept out-of-network health insurances: Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, Health first

I am pregnant. Can I get Acupuncture?

When done properly by a trained professional, acupuncture during pregnancy is considered safe with the same general temporary side effects. Studies have shown acupuncture as an effective treatment for pregnancy symptoms including morning sickness, swelling in the legs, constipation, lower back and pelvic pain, depression, sleep problems, and more. Some acupoints are contraindicated for pregnancy and we do not recommend acupuncture after the second trimester.

I have a heart condition. Can I get Acupuncture?

Yes! Electro-acupuncture is contraindicated for patients with a pacemaker. Other than that, acupuncture is effective to decrease stress and regulate stress response, thereby bringing heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels back to normal.

Do you offer nutritional counseling?

Though we are not nutritionists, we do offer some general tips on what and what not to eat based on your condition. We recommend consulting with your family doctor as well.

If you have more questions or concerns, please contact us!