FAQs
Whether you’re new to acupuncture, Chinese medicine or just new to our clinic, we want you to feel comfortable and prepared before your first visit. We hope these FAQs help with that:
What does the first treatment consist of?
Together, we will review your medical history and current care. Our medical intake and exam will help us determine the best way to treat you and the root of your condition. A treatment plan is then discussed based upon your history, intake and findings. From there, we set measurable goals to meet your needs.
For your treatment, you will either lie down on a treatment table or recline in a chair. Once you’re comfortable, your provider will guide you through the process before needles are inserted or any other therapy begins. Herbal formulas and nutritional recommendations will be discussed during or at the end of each session.
How do I prepare for a treatment?
New patients are encouraged to complete paperwork online before their first appointment or contact us to arrange for time to complete them in person.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows us access areas of your body like knees and elbows. We want you to keep warm while you relax, so there’s no need to get fully undressed.
Be sure to eat a snack or small meal an hour or two before your appointment. It’s best to avoid having an empty stomach.
If possible, avoid strenuous activity or exercise after your session to allow for continued relaxation.
How do you diagnose ailments before treatment?
Practitioners use various methods to evaluate a patient’s condition such as:
- Observing a patient’s appearance (especially the tongue)
- Hearing/smelling
- Asking questions
- Feeling a patient’s pulse, palpating the body or abdomen
Pulse-taking and palpation are important tools in determining the correct course of treatment and the body’s response to treatment. Practitioners feel the pulse from multiple depths at both the right and left radial artery at the wrist. Each location represents different body systems where underlying imbalances or disfunction can be felt. Palpating channel qi guides a practitioner in finding the best location for needling.
How long does an appointment last?
Your first visit will last about 90 minutes and subsequent visits are around 30-60 minutes. We ask you plan for 2hrs for your first visit, to avoid feeling hurried.
Once the acupuncture needles are inserted or moxibustion is applied, you will lay comfortably for 15-45 minutes. And if you fall asleep, that’s okay, it happens all the time!
What will I feel?
Each person will experience the effects of acupuncture a little differently. Depending on the type of symptoms being treated, some people might start to notice the benefits almost immediately. Others may feel a difference a few hours after treatment, while some may need a few treatments before they notice an improvement. After a treatment, some people become very relaxed while others may feel more energized. We encourage communicating the process and experience with your practitioner to ensure you are comfortable every step of the way.
How many treatments will I need?
For most conditions, a series of several treatments is required for you to achieve the maximum benefit. The course of treatment for many complaints will range from 6-12 treatments, while the typical course of treatment for chronic conditions might be a weekly treatment over 3-6 months.
After your initial evaluation, you will be given recommendations on the number and frequency of treatments. Since acupuncture has a cumulative effect, we may encourage you start with four weekly visits in the beginning and gradually space your visits, eventually coming in for monthly maintenance. It is our goal to help you achieve the desired effect while also educating on the benefits of prevention and health care.
Do you accept insurance?
Many of our patients use their flex-spending account (pre-taxed funds) or their HSA (health savings account) to pay for treatment. We’re happy to provide the necessary paperwork to submit for reimbursement from your insurance company.
Though insurance plans may not cover acupuncture or the other therapies we
provide, we encourage all of our patients to check with their insurance provider. We are able to provide a detailed superbill for you to submit your claim for reimbursement.
Do you have a cancellation policy?
As a courtesy to all of our patients, we strive to maintain a smooth and efficient operation so that you can enjoy your treatment on time, all of the time. That’s why a 24-hour notice is required for canceling or rescheduling an appointment to avoid charges.
A no call/no show will result in a charge for full price of the treatment missed and must be paid before another appointment is scheduled. Understanding emergencies happen, exceptions are sometimes made and must be approved by phone before the appointment.
Cancellation fees will not be waived for missed appointments related to COVID-19 exposure/symptoms. If you are experiencing viral symptoms, we encourage you to come in for treatment and arrive masked if you are experiencing any cold/flu like symptoms.
How much will it cost?
Prices vary depending on the treatment, but typically range from $25-100 depending on the type and length of service.