Why would I see an acupuncturist?
Many people seek treatment because of physical ailments, and continue to pursue treatment because of added benefits. Other individuals seek treatment to maintain a sense of harmony and balance. The greatest reason to receive treatment is to open up the immense possibilities for healing and growth in your life and the lives you touch.

What can I expect during my first visit?
An initial visit comprises of an in depth personal history and health assessment, a physical exam, and may include an initial needle treatment. The initial session will usually be a treatment designed to clear and prepare the body to accept new healing possibilities. We ask that you wear no makeup, cologne, or perfume for the first session. We ask clients to either come fifteen minutes early to fill out forms, or print them from this website to bring to your initial visit. The first visit usually lasts from 1 ½ to 2 hours for adults, and 1 hour for children. After receiving treatment, please refrain from using alcohol or non prescription drugs for 24 hours. What can I expect during a regular session? At a regular visit, we talk about any changes that have occurred and anything you may want specifically addressed at that time. A treatment is given specifically designed for you with your near term and long term treatment goals in mind.

How often do I come?
This varies from person to person. We can design a plan together to best suit your needs. Initially, for most clients, we suggest weekly visits for four to six weeks. For clients with a need for more care, we may suggest coming twice a week for a few weeks. After this initial period, a treatment rhythm is recommended based on individual needs. For someone who is doing well; one visit per season can be a pleasant, refreshing and sustaining experience.

What does treatment feel like?
Everyone has a unique response to treatment. Clients report feeling relaxed and/or invigorated after treatment. People report feeling a wide variety of sensations at the needle site or on other parts of the body during treatment. For some, these sensations are faint and fleeting, others experience strong sensations that are very short lived. Some people feel nothing at all at the needle site. Many people have a fear of needles and we make every effort to create ease and comfort around our treatment methods. For some, we may use alternative methods to needling to effect a treatment.

Are needles reused?
We use prepackaged sterilized needles that are used only once and then disposed of. We always follow Universal Precautions set by the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine for health and safety.

Do you treat children?
Yes. We have worked with clients of all ages. We ask that a parent be present for young children during each session. For teenage children, please be present during the first session, and then for consecutive sessions if desired. Alternative techniques can be used in place of needling, such as laser stimulation and acupressure. We educate parents on techniques that they can do at home with their children.

Is Acupuncture covered by insurance?
A growing number of insurance companies and flexible spending programs are covering Acupuncture treatment. Please contact your insurer or flexible spending administrator for information on your policy. We can provide receipts complete with medical coding to submit for reimbursement. Payment is due at time of services rendered.

Can you help me stop smoking or with other addictions?
Absolutely. Acupuncture has repeatedly proved to be effective in the treatment of addictions. Both substance and behavioral addictions can be treated using Acupuncture. There are more than 1500 Acupuncture detoxification clinics throughout the world treating people with addictions including but not limited to heroin, cocaine, alcohol, and nicotine. The basic needle protocol for addictions typically involves five needles inserted into specific points in the exterior portion of each ear. Other points may be used to benefit specific needs.

How can I maximize the effects of my treatment?
It is generally recommended to have a small meal a few hours prior to treatment. If you are recovering from an injury, please continue to rest the remainder of the day even if the sensation of pain has decreased or disappeared. After treatment you may consider abstaining from alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, or recreational drug use as these can decrease the effects of treatment.

What is Community Acupuncture?
Community Acupuncture sessions are held in a group format, with clients receiving treatment side by side in our spacious reception area. In a group setting, you have the advantage of others having a healing experience around you. This treatment can be deeply relaxing and meditative. The points treated can include points on the hands, forearms, lower legs, feet and ears, therefore there is no need to remove any clothing. This session is Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. and limited to 10 clients, so please call ahead. As this is a low cost alternative to individual treatment, we can not offer insurance reimbursement forms for this service.