FAQS

ACUPUNCTURE
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Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body. It works by stimulating the body's natural healing processes, promoting blood flow, stimulating fascia, regulating the body’s nervous system and releasing endorphins to reduce pain and restore balance.
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Most patients experience little to no discomfort during treatment. The needles are much thinner than medical injection needles, and insertion typically feels like a gentle pinch or pressure. Many people find the experience deeply relaxing.
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Acupuncture can help with a wide range of conditions including chronic or acute pain, headaches, arthritis, anxiety, depression, digestive issues, addiction, insomnia, fertility concerns, mental-illness, and stress-related disorders. We can discuss your specific condition during a free consultation, which can be booked here.
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Treatment plans vary based on your condition, overall health, and how long you've had the issue. Acute conditions may improve in 3-6 sessions, while chronic conditions typically require 8-12 treatments. We'll create a personalized treatment plan after your initial assessment.
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Private sessions provide one-on-one care in a dedicated treatment room where you have complete privacy and personalized attention from your practitioner. These sessions allow for comprehensive health assessments, treatment of any area of the body, and integration of multiple modalities such as bodywork, essential oils, energy work, and Qi Gong.
Community sessions take place in a shared, peaceful setting with multiple patients receiving treatment simultaneously in individual recliners. Community treatments focus on accessible points while you remain clothed and offer the same high-quality acupuncture care at a more affordable rate, creating a calming group energy while maintaining your individual privacy and comfort.
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Your first private acupuncture appointment includes a comprehensive health consultation where we discuss your medical history, current symptoms, and treatment goals. The initial session lasts longer than a typical follow-up appointment and includes your first treatment.
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Community Acupuncture: When you arrive, you'll receive a Community Acupuncture Menu where you can select what you would like to address during your treatment, similar to ordering at a restaurant. Your practitioner will ask any follow-up questions and assess your tongue and pulse before administering acupuncture. Treatment takes place in a shared, peaceful setting with multiple patients receiving care simultaneously in individual recliners, creating a calming group energy while maintaining your privacy. Sessions focus on accessible points while you remain clothed, offering high-quality acupuncture care at an affordable rate.
Private Acupuncture: Each treatment begins with a thorough assessment to evaluate your current symptoms and progress since your last visit. This intake process includes discussing how you're feeling, checking your pulse, examining your tongue, and conducting a physical assessment as needed. Every treatment is customized based on your specific presentation that day, so your session may vary each time you visit. Treatment typically involves the insertion and retention of thin acupuncture needles at specific points on your body. Depending on your condition and treatment goals, we may also incorporate additional therapeutic modalities such as gua sha (gentle scraping technique), cupping therapy, essential oil applications, Tui Na (Chinese medical massage), moxibustion (the warming of specific points with burning herbs), or electrical stimulation of the needles to enhance their effectiveness. Your practitioner will explain any techniques being used and ensure you're comfortable throughout the entire session.
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Eat a light meal 1-2 hours before treatment, wear loose comfortable clothing, and avoid alcohol or caffeine beforehand. Bring a list of any medications or supplements you're taking, and complete new patient paperwork online in advance.
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Absolutely. We use only single-use, pre-sterilized, disposable needles that are safely disposed of after each treatment. All equipment meets strict safety and sanitation standards. Our practitioners are certified through the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine in Clean Needle Technique.
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We do not currently accept insurance directly; however, we can provide you with detailed receipts and documentation to help you file a claim for reimbursement through your insurance provider. Many insurance plans offer coverage for acupuncture, and we're happy to assist you with the paperwork needed to maximize your potential reimbursement. We also accept FSA & HSA payments.
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Needle retention time is generally 15-30 minutes, allowing your body time to respond to the treatment.
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Yes, acupuncture works well alongside conventional medical care, physical therapy, massage, and other complementary therapies. We encourage you to keep all your healthcare providers informed about your treatments.
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Rest for the remainder of the day if possible, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol and strenuous exercise for a few hours. Some people feel energized while others feel relaxed - both responses are normal.
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The duration of results varies depending on your condition, overall health, and how your body responds to treatment. For acute issues, relief may last several weeks to months to full remission after completing a treatment series. Chronic conditions often require ongoing maintenance treatments to sustain improvements, typically scheduled every 4-8 weeks once initial symptoms are resolved. Factors like stress levels, lifestyle habits, diet, exercise, and sleep quality all influence how long benefits persist. Many patients find that regular acupuncture treatments not only address their primary concerns but also improve their overall sense of well-being and resilience to future health challenges.
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Tipping is not expected or required for our healthcare services. Our practitioners are licensed healthcare providers, and our fees reflect the full cost of professional medical care. However, if you feel that you've received exceptional service and would like to show your appreciation, gratuities are always welcomed and appreciated by our staff. Your comfort and healing are our primary focus, so please don't feel any obligation regarding tipping.
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Chinese herbal medicine uses natural plant, mineral, and animal-based substances to restore balance and promote healing in the body. These herbs are combined into customized formulas based on traditional Chinese medicine principles and your individual health pattern and constitution.
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Yes, upon request. While many traditional Chinese herbs are naturally plant-based, some formulas may contain animal-derived ingredients. We can easily create effective herbal treatments using only vegan or vegetarian ingredients to align with your dietary preferences and ethical choices. Just let us know about your requirements during your consultation, and we'll ensure all herbal recommendations are suitable for your lifestyle.
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Chinese herbal medicine is available in several forms to suit different conditions, lifestyles and preferences.
Raw herbs are the traditional form - dried materials that you cook at home into concentrated teas (decoctions) for maximum potency.
Powdered extracts (granules) offer convenience by dissolving instantly in hot water,.
Tablets and capsules provide the easiest option for busy schedules.
Liquid tinctures are alcohol, glycerine or vinegar-based extracts that are quickly absorbed.
Topical preparations like liniments, oils, and poultices can be applied directly to the skin for localized treatment.
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Each herbal formula is carefully crafted specifically for you based on your symptoms, constitution, pulse, tongue diagnosis, and overall health pattern. Formulas typically contain 4-15 different herbs that work synergistically to address your primary concerns while supporting overall wellness.
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Raw herbs are typically simmered in water for 20-45 minutes to create a concentrated tea. Detailed cooking instructions are provided with each formula, including soaking time, cooking duration, and how to strain and store your herbal tea.
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Treatment duration varies depending on your condition and how long you've had it. Acute conditions may improve within days to weeks, while chronic conditions often require several months of consistent use. We'll monitor your progress and adjust your formula as needed.
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When prescribed correctly, Chinese herbs are generally very safe with minimal side effects. Occasionally, mild digestive upset may occur as your body adjusts. We carefully review any medications you're taking to avoid interactions and will modify your formula if any issues arise.
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In most cases, yes, but it's important to inform us about all medications and supplements you're taking. We carefully check for potential interactions and may time herb and medicatio
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Some people notice improvements within a few days, while others may need several weeks of consistent use. Acute conditions typically respond faster than chronic ones. We'll discuss realistic timelines based on your specific situation.
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Yes, herbal medicine can be safely used for children when properly prescribed. Pediatric formulas are specially modified for children's developing systems, with appropriate dosages and gentler herbs selected for their age and condition.
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Raw herbs should be stored in a cool, dry place and used within their recommended timeframe. Prepared herbal teas should be refrigerated and consumed within 2-3 days. Powders, tablets, and tinctures should be stored according to label instructions, typically in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.