Many insurance companies may limit the time and various procedures that are necessary in treating each individual’s overall health. Therefore, we do not file insurance claims or accept insurance company payments. You may contact your insurance company stating that you would like to file a claim for reimbursement for an out-of-network provider. Also, most Flex plans and Health Savings Accounts do reimburse complementary and alternative medical treatments like acupuncture.

What to Expect  |  Treatable Conditions  |  Acupuncturist  |  First Appointment Form

A common treatment plan for a single complaint would typically involve six to twelve treatments, scheduled over a few weeks. Several maintenance sessions per year also may be recommended.

Learn more about what you can expect during your acupuncture treatment by clicking on each element of treatment below:

Needle Removal
After Treatment

Your first appointment begins with a comprehensive consultation in which past and present health concerns are evaluated so that a plan treatment and health enhancement may be formulated. The consultation may be geared towards physical concerns, as well as emotional issues in order to effectively address all aspects of your health and well-being.

Acupuncture and Oriental medicine are holistic in nature, gentle, and treat the manifestation as well as the root cause of underlying problems. We generally recommend a 1-hour appointment for your first acupuncture consultation, which also includes a treatment. You may choose to schedule an ‘expanded’ consultation of 1 1/2 or 2 hours. Ask our staff about these options.

To ensure that you receive the benefit of your full appointment time, we ask you to arrive about 10 minutes early as we routinely incorporate some structured questionnaires and may ask you to answer them as a way to monitor your progress.

To enhance your response to your treatment, you should follow these guidelines:

Acupuncture points are located in all areas of the body. Sometimes the appropriate points are far removed from the area of your pain. If appropriate, a gown, towel or sheet will be provided, tough if you wear loose fit clothing that may not be necessary.

Your acupuncture sessions may include insertive and non-insertive techniques. Non-insertive techniques include ear and body acupressure, zen facial massage, guasha, moxibustion, relaxation techniques, therapeutic exercises, nutritional counseling, lifestyle counseling, electrical and laser acupuncture. If your treatment involves traditional acupuncture, you will be able to experience a truly inspired integration of science and healing arts.

Each session is unique, designed to address your specific needs. You will be asked to lie down on a comfortable table and the treatment will begin. Breathing exercises, qi gong massage, aromatherapy and guided imagery may be added to enhance the therapeutic effects of acupuncture treatment.

Acupuncture needles are very thin, so you will usually not experience any pain as the needles are inserted. Between 2 and 20 needles are used in a typical treatment. There are many different techniques of insertion and types of needles, and you will be able to choose the ones you like best.

There are many methods used in acupuncture. The needles may be inserted for a few seconds and taken out immediately. They may be inserted, manipulated for a minute or two and removed, or they may be left in for 15 to 45 minutes without stimulation while you lie down and relax. We may also apply moxibustion or electromagnetic heat over some areas. Another option is to apply gentle electric pulses to the needle. Some additional therapies may be added during this time, such as aromatherapy, music therapy, breathing exercises, meditation, etc.

Needle Removal

The needles are removed and some points of insertion are pressed for a minute to avoid bleeding or bruising. All needles are discarded after removal.

After acupuncture treatment, some people feel very relaxed, while others feel energized, especially after the first treatment. We advise that you not drive or operate machinery immediately after the treatment. We also advise that you avoid strenuous physical activity, heavy meals, and alcohol intake for up to 8 hours after a treatment. This is thought to improve the take or effectiveness of the treatment.

Follow-up Consultations

Follow-up consultations may last 1/2 hour (focused session), 1 hour (standard), 1 1/2 or 2 hours (expanded). Each case is different. I will be able to recommend the best options at your first consultation.