Frequently Asked Questions

General Acupuncture Questions:

Research has shown that acupuncture:

  • – Reduces inflammation [Reference 1, 2]
  • – Increases naturally-produced painkillers such as opioids (for example, endorphins) [Reference 123].
  • – Reduces cortisol (the body’s “stress hormone”) [Reference].
  • – Regulates the autonomic nervous system to interfere with the way the brain processes pain [Reference].
  • – Increases circulation (blood flow) to the muscles, connective tissue, and organs [Reference].

 

This is a great article from Bustle explaining the many ways acupuncture impacts our brains and bodies:

>> 7 Ways Acupuncture Changes Your Brain, According to Science

The results of acupuncture are cumulative, which means that each treatment builds on the progress of the ones before it.

Many people feel improvement right after the first treatment, but it’s like working out – you may feel results right away, but for lasting change (to your pain levels or other symptoms) it’s important to commit to series of treatments.

The general recommendation is one treatment a week for 6-8 weeks. After 6 weeks, we re-assess and try to space out your treatments while still maintaining good results.

For conditions that have existed a long time, more treatments may be necessary.

For example, back pain that you’ve had for 10 years may take more time to heal. For acute conditions (sudden onset pain), you may need to come twice a week in the first week, and then once a week after that.

My goal is to follow whichever treatment protocol makes you feel better the fastest!

We do not currently accept insurance. However, if you do have acupuncture coverage as part of your health insurance policy, we’re happy to print a superbill for you to send to your insurance company for reimbursement. We can also accept funds from Flex Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA).

  1. 1. Please complete your paperwork online in advance to save time at your treatment. After making your first appointment, you should have received an email with a link to complete the paperwork online. If not, let us know and we can resend it!
  2. 2. Eat a snack one hour before your first treatment. Try not to come on an empty stomach.
  3. 3. Wear loose, comfy clothing so that the points around your elbows and knees are easily accessible, if necessary.
  4. 4. Get ready to nap!

Acupuncture needles are very thin, about the width of a human hair. They are much, much thinner and more gentle than hypodermic needles. Some points may feel a slight pinch, and others feel like nothing at all. Once the needles are in, most patients fall asleep on the treatment table.

Yes, we’re happy to print you a superbill. A superbill is a detailed receipt created specifically for your insurance company. We doesn’t accept health insurance, but if you have acupuncture coverage as part of your insurance, you can submit a superbill to be reimbursed for the difference between your copay and the cost of your treatment. For example, we charge $60 for general acupuncture treatments (pain, digestion, etc.). If your acupuncture co-pay is $45, then when you submit a superbill, you insurance company should reimburse you the $15 difference.

Yes! We can accept payment from both Flex Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

There is a very large parking lot for our office building. This parking lot has an easy entrance just off Route 5&20.  Handicap parking is available near the north entrance to the building.

We recommend parking near the north side of the building and entering through the “Service and Delivery” entrance. Once inside, we’re the first door on the left.

Cosmetic Acupuncture Questions:

Cosmetic acupuncture works along the same lines as general acupuncture (above) but with a few added benefits to the skin:

  • – Increases blood flow to the skin, delivering a boost of necessary nutrients and oxygen to give the skin a healthy glow.
  • – Stimulates collagen production in the skin. Cosmetic acupuncture creates tiny “micro-traumas” in the skin just under the surface. The body’s response is to send protein (collagen) to the area to “restructure” the skin and fill in the area of micro-trauma. The result is more plump looking skin. ✨

Check out this article for a more in-depth look at how cosmetic acupuncture works, including the perspective of a dermatologist and research!

For lasting results, the treatment plan for cosmetic acupuncture is two treatments per week for five to six weeks, for a total of 10-12 treatments. After this, maintenance treatments are recommended once every 4-6 weeks.

The truth is that beautiful skin with lasting results takes time, but it’s worth it. The skin takes time to heal, but as world-renowned acupuncturist and dermatology expert Mazin Al-Khafaji says, once the skin is in balance, it tends to stay in balance.

Cosmetic acupuncture gently tightens, plumps and smooths the skin, refines skin texture, reduces acne, and more. Healing and changing the skin is a process, and the results are gentle and develop over time.

Absolutely! While multiple treatments are recommended for lasting results, you can still see bright, refreshed, and glowing skin from a single treatment! I recommend the Acupuncture Glow Facial for a special treat.

Those with headaches, unmanaged or uncontrolled high blood pressure, or those who are pregnant or trying to pregnant.

Great question! Cosmetic acupuncture is a great way for brides and mothers-of-the-bride to to get glowing for the big day.

To be safe, I recommend completing the last treatment (in a series of 10-12 treatments) four weeks before an important event or photo shoot, to give extra time to ensure bruises have faded.

Just like with general (body) acupuncture, it’s not uncommon to get a small bruise or two on the face during a series of cosmetic acupuncture treatments.

These bruises are usually light-colored, small, and easily covered with make-up. But for important events, it’s best to complete the series of treatments early so you don’t even have to worry about it!

Cosmetic acupuncture includes very thin needles on the face to brighten and plump the skin, along with body points to address underlying conditions.

After all the needles have been removed, there’s a cooling gua sha massage and with silky, all-natural facial oils to sculpt and smooth the face. Relaxing and luxurious!

Our signature Acupuncture Glow Facial is a cosmetic acupuncture treatment – with luxurious extras!

A classic cosmetic acupuncture treatment is 60 minutes and includes a brief gua sha facial massage at the end.

The Acupuncture Glow Facial is 90 minutes and includes an extended gua sha massage PLUS a deeply moisturizing hydrojelly mask. 

Click here to learn more about the Acupuncture Glow Facial.

Note: This service is a standalone treatment and you do NOT have to set up a Free Cosmetic Consult before scheduling!

Great! The next step is to set up a Free Cosmetic Acupuncture Consult. 

In this 30-minute consult, we’ll discuss your skincare goals, answer your questions about the series of 10 cosmetic treatments, and what to expect from treatments.

Click here to schedule your consult online.