We set aside 90 minutes for your first visit. This gives us ample time to discuss your goals and administer the treatment. Upon booking your appointment, you will receive an email confirmation and invitation to our patient portal where you will fill out our detailed questionnaire online. We ask that you do this before your appointment. This gives your practitioner an opportunity to review your health history before you meet. During the consultation portion of your first visit, your practitioner will ask several questions about your main complaint and your body as a whole. You will also have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

After accessing your wellness goals, the treatment will begin. This will include acupuncture and depending on your complaint , it may also include cupping, massage or gua sha. Every person is unique and requires different treatment plans, so we will determine what is best for you at your initial visit.

The needles are typically left in for about 30 minutes, during which you will have an opportunity to relax in a quiet, darkened room. Soft music will be played. You will be given a bell in case you need our assistance during your treatment.

Upon booking your appointment, you will receive an email confirmation and invitation to our patient portal where you will fill out our detailed questionnaire online. We ask that you do this before your appointment. This gives your practitioner an opportunity to review your health history before you meet.

Try to allow plenty of time to get to your appointment so you don’t rush in.

If possible, wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes. You want to be as comfortable as possible so you can fully relax during your acupuncture treatment. The most commonly used acupuncture points are on the extremities, so we will need to access to these areas.

Make sure it hasn’t been too long before your last meal. Some people get dizzy or faint if they come on an empty stomach, so if necessary, have a light snack before your treatment.

Most patients will experience some relief after their treatment. It may last a few hours up to several days. Response depends on the nature of the disorder and how long it has been present. Generally, when the treatment is over patients feel energized or deeply relaxed. 

Yes. Acupuncture has no unpleasant side effects and does not interfere with any medical treatment you may already be receiving. Occasionally patients may get a small local bruise or feel light-headed for a few moments. The acupuncture itself can be as gentle or strong as the patient needs.

All the needles are clean, sterile, and are for single-use only. Needles are desposited directly into a sharps container upon removal. 

Most people who have had acupuncture would describe it as virtually painless; although you may experience is a slight prick upon insertion. The sensations that follow range from nothing at all, to mild tingling, to slight numbness/achiness, to electrical pulsations in areas distant from the site of insertion. All these sensations usually subside once the needles are removed. The needles used for acupuncture are much smaller than the standard hypodermic needle, do not draw blood, and are solid, not hollow.

Depending on the nature, severity and duration of the complaint, the course of treatment will vary. Many problems can be fixed quickly, while more chronic conditions may be relieved only with time and effort. The speed of progress with long-standing chronic issues is much determined by the patient’s willingness to make lifestyle changes conjunction with the treatment.

While I am an out-of-network provider, I’m happy to verify your insurance coverage for you, and supply you with a superbill for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Acupuncture is an eligible service for HSA and FSA payments.