Prior to your first scheduled appointment, you will be asked to fill out a new patient form. This form will help your acupuncturist to get an idea of what you are seeking acupuncture for. During your visit, your acupuncturist will begin with a detailed medical intake, discuss your symptoms and goals, and perform a physical exam that incorporates diagnostic techniques such as pulse and tongue examination to gain insight into your overall health. Afterwards, you will lay on the treatment table where very thin, sterile, single use needles are inserted into the body at specific points. An acupuncture session typically lasts 20-30 minutes. During this time, you can relax and even take a nap!

We recommend wearing comfortable, loose fitting clothing to make it easier to access areas we may need to treat. If you don’t have suitable attire, no worries! Our acupuncturist will provide draping sheets to ensure you remain comfortably covered and relaxed throughout your session.

Individual sensitivity varies; however, acupuncture is generally well tolerated. Acupuncture involves the use of very thin, sterile, single-use needles that are completely different from the hypodermic needles used in doctor’s offices. Acupuncture needles are hair-thin and designed to be virtually painless. Most patients report minimal to no pain, describing the sensation as a mild, localized ache, tingling, or a feeling of warmth. These responses are indicative of 'de qi,' a term referring to the arrival of qi, which is considered essential for therapeutic efficacy. Many find these mild sensations relaxing and some may not feel much at all. If ever a sensation feels uncomfortable or sharp, simply let your practitioner know and they will adjust the treatment immediately to make sure you stay comfortable.

Every person responds differently to acupuncture and healing timelines can vary based on the nature and severity of the condition. In general, acute or recent issues may respond within just a few sessions, while more chronic conditions often require a longer course of treatment. The general guidelines for the average number of acupuncture treatments before improvement are:

• Acute conditions: 3 to 4 treatments

• Chronic conditions: 8 to 10 treatments 

During your initial visit, you and the acupuncturist will collaborate to establish a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and goals.

The effects of acupuncture can vary from person to person. While some people feel immediate relief or a deep sense of relaxation right after their session, for others, the benefits may take up to 72 hours to become noticeable. Common post treatment sensations may include a feeling of relaxation or calm, mild muscle soreness (similar to post workout muscle ache), a temporary increase in energy or, conversely, a feeling of fatigue as the body begins to rebalance, occasional emotional release or heightened awareness.

These responses are completely normal and typically indicate that your body is beginning to respond to treatment! If you ever have any questions about how you're feeling post-session, please ask your acupuncturist. We're always here to support you.

We are an out-of-network provider; however, many insurance plans still offer acupuncture benefits. If you would like us to verify your acupuncture coverage, please contact our office and we’ll be happy to assist you.

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