How much does acupuncture cost?
Acupuncture treatments vary in price - anywhere from $50.00 to $150.00 per visit. Typically your first visit will be more expensive, because the practitioner will spend more time with you reviewing your history and assessing your current symptoms along with your treatment.
I charge $100.00 for the initial exam and treatment. Follow up treatments are $75.00 each. There is no extra charge for moxibustion, cupping, cold laser therapy or other modalities received in the office.

Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are made from extremely fine surgical steel wire. As many as 5 acupuncture needles can fit inside the hole of a hypodermic needle. Most commonly acupuncture needles are inserted with little or no discomfort. When needles contact (energy) - particularly when the energy has been blocked or stagnant - there may be a temporary sensation of heaviness, achiness or tingling. The sensation does not last and is a signal that the acupuncture point has been activated.

Does insurance cover treatments?
Acupuncture treatments are allowed as a medical deduction on Medical Flexible Savings Accounts and Health Savings Accounts. Some insurance companies do reimburse for acupuncture. You will have to contact your insurance provider and discuss this with them directly. If they do, some questions you might ask would be: Is coverage limited to particular conditions? Does it matter from whom (Licensed Acupuncturist or Board Certified) you get treatment? Is there a limit on the number of visits covered and at what percentage? Also keep in mind that I am not associated with any insurance networks so you will want to know if acupuncture is covered out-of-network.

I do not typically bill insurances directly, but will gladly provide you with a bill to submit for reimbursement. Please talk with me if your insurance offers coverage or has contracted discounts for acupuncture treatments.

How often must I receive treatments?
This varies with the condition and the individual. Symptoms and conditions that are chronic will probably take longer to resolve than acute ones. Also, the age and general health of an individual will affect the body's healing process. Typically, 6 to 10 visits, once or twice a week, occur before re-assessing the treatment plan.
My goal is to resolve symptoms and restore health. Ideally, Chinese medicine is used for the prevention of illness, and treatments are sought with the change of seasons or during times of stress.

What is Classical Chinese medicine?
Classical Chinese medicine is a complete health system, based upon ancient medical texts from China, primarily the Ling Shu, Su Wen, and Nan Jing. This medicine emphasizes attention to any imbalance in the vital life force (qi) which is the origin of illness or disease. These imbalances manifest as symptoms expressed by the body, mind and spirit in the individual. Diagnostics include observation of the pulses, tongue, tone and appearance of a person. Each treatment is unique to the individual at that point in time. Health is facilitated by balancing the individual's qi and allowing the body's innate intelligence to restore health. Acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping and tuina (Asian bodywork therapy) are the prime modalities used here.

Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?
No. While it has been shown that belief in the efficacy of a treatment can enhance the results, it is not a requirement. I have been happy to see positive results in clients who were skeptical of this medicine. It is worth noting that acupuncture is also beneficial to animals, who do not understand or believe in it's theories.

Is acupuncture safe?
Yes, when performed by a skilled, licensed acupuncturist, acupuncture is very safe. Only single use, sterile needles are used here, in a clean and relaxing environment.

Can I have acupuncture if I am pregnant?
Yes. Acupuncture can be helpful for a variety of symptoms or complications associated with pregnancy. For example, acupuncture can relieve morning sickness, low back pain and correct breech positioning.

How does acupuncture work?
While studies have shown that acupuncture needles stimulate endorphines and the response of the immune system in individuals, acupuncture is not just a placebo effect. In Eastern philosophy, acupuncture facilitates health by tonifying, stimulating, and/or sedating the flow of qi. Though Western science has not yet been able to measure qi, it has been understood through empirical observations over the centuries.

What conditions can be treated with Classical Chinese medicine? This is an extensive healing system which has been practiced for over 3000 years. The World Health Organization lists over 43 conditions for which acupuncture can be effective. Please refer to the "Ailments Treated" page for a detailed list.

What can I expect for my first visit?
During the first visit I will conference with you about your health history and current symptoms. You will receive a treatment as well as recommendations for diet or lifestyle choices. You should wear comfortable clothing, not be hungry, and try not to engage in any heavy physical activity for at least 12 hours afterwards.
Each person's response is unique and treatments have a cumulative effect. However, people often feel relaxed and calm after a treatment. Some notice immediate improvements. The effect of the treatment will carry for the next several days and symptoms may improve within that time. Acupuncture is facilitating health and a series of treatments will build upon one another to provide more permanent relief.