does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture needles are very thin (comparable to a human hair), and acupuncture is usually not a painful procedure. There may be a slight pricking sensation with needle insertion, and patients describe sensations such as heaviness or tingling in the first few seconds. Most patients are able to relax, and often even nap.

Is acupuncture safe?

When performed correctly, acupuncture is a relatively safe and gentle procedure. Acupuncture needles are sterile and single-use. Side effects are rare, and most commonly include temporary local soreness or bruising at the needle insertion site.

How do I prepare for a session?

Sessions are most productive if you’ve completed the intake or progress forms that are sent by email prior to your appointment. Arrive in loose and comfortable clothing. It’s also best if you have a snack or a light meal before your treatment. Please arrive a few minutes early. There is parking located behind our building, accessible via the alley from 30th Street or Alhambra.

What should I expect during a session?

An acupuncture session begins with an intake and assessment. We will ask questions that will help us to determine aspects of your health which allow us to treat you as a person, rather than just trying to treat the condition you are experiencing. 

Placement of the needles may not be at the site of your pain, but at specific points related your condition. The needles will stay in place for 20-30 minutes while you relax on the acupuncture table. If appropriate, we may include modalities such as cupping or guasha.

A session for a new patient is typically 60 to 90 minutes. A session for a returning patient is typically 45-60 minutes. 

How often do I need to come?

Frequency and total number of visits largely depends on the nature of the condition we’re treating.  We typically recommend 6-12 treatments. Sometimes a single course is enough to resolve a condition, and other times multiple courses are necessary. Chronic conditions can take longer than acute conditions to unwind.

What conditions do people most often come in for?

Pain, both chronic or acute, is the most common condition that we treat. We also see many patients who struggle with headaches, digestive disorders, autoimmune disorders, hormonal imbalances, insomnia, allergies, stress, and more.

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture seeks to optimize flow in the body. It has both local and systemic effects that serve to increase circulation and decrease inflammation.

Around the needle site, acupuncture triggers release of chemicals such as NO, which as a vasodilator increases local blood circulation to speed up tissue healing. It creates a temporary and minor form of healing inflammation in order to help resolve chronic and destructive inflammation.

In the brain, endogenous opioids such as endorphins and dynorphins are released which help reduce pain.

What insurance do you accept?

We are currently out of network and can provide superbills to patients who have out-of-network coverage for acupuncture. Patients pay at the time of service.