Acupuncture FAQ

Most patients are surprised by how little they feel. Unlike the hollow needles used for injections or blood draws, acupuncture needles are solid and hair-thin—roughly the thickness of a single strand of hair. Upon insertion, you might feel a quick, tiny pinch, which usually vanishes in a second. You may feel a slight "tweak" or a heavy, dull sensation (which we call De Qi), which is actually a sign that your nervous system is responding to the treatment. Most people find the experience so relaxing that they fall asleep.

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Does acupuncture hurt?

How does it actually work?

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By stimulating specific points, we signal the brain to release natural pain-relievers (endorphins), regulate blood flow to injured tissues, and shift the body from a "fight or flight" stress state into a "rest and repair" state. It essentially recalibrates your body’s internal communication system.

How many sessions will I need?

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The frequency of your visits depends entirely on your specific goals and what you are coming in for. We view healing as a process, not an event. Your treatment plan is as unique as what you are coming in for. We adjust the frequency of your visits based on whether your condition is acute (recent) or chronic (long-term), ensuring you get the exact amount of support needed to recover and stay well.

Typically, we recommend an initial "loading phase" where we see you consecutively—usually once or twice a week for a few weeks. This allows us to build momentum, reduce inflammation, and retrain your nervous system to stay in a harmonious state.

Once your symptoms begin to stabilize and you are consistently feeling better, we "taper" your treatments, spacing them out further apart. Eventually, many of our patients move into a "wellness" phase, coming in once a month or once a quarter for a "tune-up" to ensure they stay at peak performance and prevent old patterns from returning.

Absolutely. We use only sterile, single-use, disposable needles. As a highly trained practitioner, I have a deep understanding of anatomy to ensure every treatment is both safe and effective.

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Is it safe?

What should I do to prepare for my visit?

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To get the most out of your session, we recommend:

  • Eat a light snack: at least 4 hours before your acupuncture appointment

  • Wear loose clothing: This allows us to access points on your arms and legs easily.

  • Avoid caffeine

Can I combine acupuncture with my chiropractic adjustments?

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Yes—in fact, we encourage it. Acupuncture is the perfect "soft tissue" companion to the "structural" work of a chiropractic adjustment. By relaxing the muscles and reducing inflammation via acupuncture, your adjustments often hold longer and feel more comfortable.

What can I expect during my first visit?

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Your first acupuncture appointment will last 60 - 90 mins. We begin with a comprehensive health intake, bridging Western clinical history with traditional diagnostics. This includes a review of your symptoms, pulse, and tongue diagnosis, and a palpation exam of the affected areas (such as the back or neck) to identify specific points of tension.

Following your assessment, we will proceed with the needle insertion. You’ll then have 15–30 minutes of rest to allow the treatment to take full effect. While your initial visit is more comprehensive, follow-up sessions are streamlined to 45–60 minutes, focusing on continued progress and relief.

Can I take herbs with my current medications?

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When prescribed by a qualified practitioner, Traditional East Asian herbal formulas are generally safe to integrate with most medications. To ensure safety and maximize effectiveness, please provide a complete list of your current prescriptions during your intake.