Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Acupuncture hurt?
A: This is a very commonly asked question because people associate needles with pain. Acupuncture needles are extremely fine. Their insertion is virtually painless. Often, the patient may not even know that the needle has been inserted. However, after the needle insertion, the patient will feel a sensation which may be a warmth or a coolness or a distension, it may be a heaviness or a tingling, it will be a sense that something is happening. These are qi sensations, manifestations of the body working to heal itself.

Q: Are the needles safe?
A: Yes, acupuncture needles are totally safe. They are made of high medical quality stainless steel.  Only sterile disposable needles are used. After use, they are discarded into Sharps containers and disposed of as Regulated Medical Waste.

Q: How many treatments are necessary?
A: In general, that depends on two major factors:

1. your body’s health. The healthier you are, the faster you’ll heal. Usually, a 30 year-old will heal a lot faster than an 80 plus-year-old person; and,
2. the severity of the problem – the more severe the problem, the more treatments are needed. A problem of 20 years duration would need more treatments to heal and repair than a problem of a few months duration.

Someone badly hurt in a car accident will need more treatments than someone who just recently twisted his/her ankle.

Q: How long before I see results? 
A: Usually, after the first treatment, you will notice change. There may be a different quality to the pain and although it is still painful, it feels different. It’s a process. Or the pain may go away for a while and then come back. 10% of the treatment gives relief from symptoms and 90% of the treatment works on healing the root cause. After treatment, you may feel relief of the symptoms but the condition is not healed enough to permanently get rid of the symptoms. If the injury or problem is not too severe or of long standing, the initial treatment may resolve the problem because a lot of healing takes place with each treatment.

Q: Do you offer free consultation?
A: Yes, I do. Please call for an appointment to schedule one.

Q: How much does it cost?
A: We have very reasonable rates. Please call for more information. We do not charge more for the initial visit nor extra for other modalities that we may use such as moxa, far-infrared heat, electro-stimulation etc. We also offer discount packages for patients interested in purchasing treatment packages. Please call to inquire about current package policy, availability and rates.

Q: Do you take insurance?
A:  We accept many insurance plans. We will be happy to check for your coverage and benefits when you come in and will bill your insurance for you. Or, give us your insurance information via phone or e-mail and we will check for you. Please include your name, insurance ID or policy number, the principal person insured, your date of birth and the contact phone number for provider which is usually found on the back of your insurance card. We accept the Kaiser/ASH and ASH plans.

Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: Cash, check, Visa, Mastercard & Discover Card. Payment is due upon completion of service, except when insurance coverage is confirmed.

Q: How should I prepare for my treatment session?
A: Please do not have any coffee the day of treatment. You may have tea. It is best to eat a light meal before your appointment so that your body has energy to work with. Before and after treatment, please do not engage in strenuous activity, do not drink alcohol or eat a very heavy meal and do not engage in sexual activity right before or right after your treatment.

If you have questions that are not answered on this website, please call or email me by clicking the contact button at the right.