Frequently asked
Questions
Does acupuncture hurt?
In most cases, not much. It’s too bad that so many people deny themselves such profound relief because of a fear of tiny little pins. These are not the thick hypodermic needles that go into veins that you’re used to. These are tiny pins, barely thicker than a hair, and they only go into muscle bellies, instead of sensitive blood vessels. The most you’ll feel is the subtlest prick going in, followed by a deep, heavy sensation like you feel when someone pushes on a pressure point. After a few seconds, it goes away completely. Many people find it so relaxing they fall asleep on the table.
what insurances do you take?
We currently accept Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Regence, Pacific Source, VA/Triwest, HMA/FSA, and III-A. We also accept Motor Vehicle Accident cases.
is acupuncture just placebo?
No. It is not just placebo. Acupuncture has solid evidence for pain, stress regulation, and certain functional conditions. More importantly, we’ll tell you plainly if we think it will help your case—or if something else makes more sense.
how many treatments should I get?
Every patient is different and we will let you know the course of treatment that we recommend during your first visit. Typically, the longer you’ve had your condition and the more pervasive it is, the longer the course of treatment that will be needed. However, on average, we ask patients to come in anywhere between 2-9 treatments. Oftentimes, it seems the patient is only making minimal progress, but if they keep up with the treatments, they find one day that their pain is completely or almost completely gone and doesn’t ever return. It’s one of the great joys of our work.
What level of education do acupuncturists get?
We are nationally required to have a bachelor’s degree and about four years of graduate study at an accredited Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine college, with at least 1900 hours of study and one year of full-time supervised internship with a licensed acupuncturist. In addition, we are required to pass three comprehensive board exams and regular practical exams in order to be licensed.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes. It is very safe. Acupuncture is a medicine that is over 5,000 years old and has been used by over 8 million Americans. The needles are all sterlized, single-use stainless steel, barely thicker than a human hair.
Do you offer dry needling?
Yes. We offer dry needling–style treatments within an East Asian medicine framework when appropriate, and we’ll tell you plainly if it’s a fit for your case.