FAQ

Does acupuncture work? Is it just a placebo effect?

A rapidly growing body of scientific research suggests that acupuncture therapy has a broad range of therapeutic effects despite the fact that we don't fully understand the "how" or "why" yet. There can be a placebo effect with acupuncture just as there is with any other form of medical treatment. If you have a positive expectation for a therapy - whether it's a pill or a needle - you will probably see a better result but well-designed clinical trials account for these factors. See Research & Evidence for more information about the science behind acupuncture.

Are the needles safe? Do they hurt?

Traditionally, acupuncture needles were sterilized and reused. In modern practice, needles are sterilized at the point of manufacture, used only once, and then discarded. The needles are extremely fine and many people report feeling little to no sensation when they are inserted. People who are more sensitive typically experience no more than a brief sensation upon insertion. Once the needles are in place most people experience a deep state of relaxation throughout the rest of the session.

How quickly will I see improvement?

While some people may experience substantial results almost immediately, you should plan to commit to at least four sessions before you can fairly assess the cumulative effects of treatment. As a rule of thumb, acute conditions respond more quickly than longstanding illnesses. Chronic disease is often the result of years of slow, unhealthy changes in the body. Treatment is an attempt to reverse these processes and restore balance. A lasting, natural recovery can take some time and commitment. Willingness to follow lifestyle, dietary, and movement/exercise recommendations can greatly enhance therapeutic results.

Is acupuncture safe?

Performed by a qualified practitioner, acupuncture is a generally safe and well-tolerated procedure. There are cases were caution must be exercised or acupuncture may be contraindicated including patients with clotting disorders or taking sub-optimally managed blood-thinning medications. Several acupuncture points are thought to induce labor and are avoided during pregnancy. Patients with at-risk pregnancies may be advised to pursue alternate modalities. Finally, acupuncture is not advised as emergency medicine, particularly if there is any doubt about the underlying medical issue.

What are the fees for acupuncture?

The fee for a typical appointment is $80 to $90.  An initial consultation is required prior to the first session.  The fee for the consultation is $45 if scheduled in conjunction with the initial treatment.   

Some acupuncture practices require the upfront purchase of a series of treatments.  This is done to ensure a fair commitment to a reasonable course of treatment. We do not require an investment in a fixed number of sessions but suggest patients plan on four weekly treatments after which an assessment can be made regarding progress and prognosis.

Do you accept insurance?

We do not accept insurance at this time. Some insurance providers are beginning to reimburse for acupuncture services and we can provide an invoice if patients wish to submit to their insurance companies directly for reimbursement. Please contact your insurance company to inquire about eligibility and participating provider network restrictions.