Frequently Asked Questions

Chinese medicine is a comprehensive healthcare system with a history spanning thousands of years. It is founded on the principles of balancing the body’s vital energy, or qi, and maintaining harmony between the opposing forces of yin and yang. This approach incorporates a variety of modalities, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, and bodywork such as cupping or tuina.

Practitioners assess patients by observing symptoms, examining the pulse and tongue, and evaluating overall constitution. The focus is on identifying and addressing underlying imbalances, rather than simply treating isolated symptoms. The ultimate goal of Chinese medicine is to support the body’s natural healing abilities, restore equilibrium, and improve overall health and well-being.

During your appointment, you will be asked questions about your health history and current concerns. The practitioner will also examine your tongue and pulse to gain a deeper understanding of your overall constitution. Based on this assessment, your treatment may include a variety of modalities such as tuina, cupping, gua sha, moxa therapy, or e-stim, and any herbal prescriptions will be discussed as needed.

When your treatment begins, you will be asked to lie on the table, either face up or face down, depending on your plan. Very small, thin needles will be placed in areas specific to your needs and are typically retained for about 20 minutes. During this time, you are encouraged to rest, relax, or even take a nap while soothing music plays.

If at any point you feel uncomfortable or would like adjustments, you can call the practitioner into the treatment room using the buzzer provided. We communicate clearly about each step of the treatment and foster an environment where questions are always welcome.

Many patients report feeling calm, relaxed, and refreshed immediately following a session. Depending on the treatment, you may notice immediate relief, improved sleep, or increased energy. We always recommend drinking plenty of water and resting if possible to support your body’s natural healing process.

It is normal to notice sensations in your body after a session. Occasionally, acupuncture can make the body more aware of areas that need attention, sometimes called “waking the dragon.” This awareness can indicate that the body is beginning to heal on a deeper level. If any sensations feel like mild discomfort, they generally resolve within 24 hours.

We recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing that can easily be rolled or lifted above the knees, depending on the area being treated. This makes it easier to access the points needed for acupuncture, cupping, or other bodywork. If this isn’t possible, don’t worry — we provide blankets and sheets to ensure your comfort and modesty during treatment.

While acupuncture has no required downtime, we recommend taking a little time to care for yourself afterward. Rest when you can, drink plenty of water, and nourish your body with healthy meals. Gentle activity is fine, but try to avoid overexertion immediately following your session.

Some patients notice heightened awareness of certain areas in the body, mild soreness, or a sense of deep relaxation. These sensations are normal and usually resolve within 24 hours. Listening to your body and giving it extra care after a session can help support the healing process and enhance the benefits of your treatment.

The timeline for results can vary because each treatment plan is personalized to your unique needs. On average, we recommend reassessing after six sessions to evaluate progress. Some patients notice improvements right away, while others—especially those with chronic conditions—may require several sessions before seeing significant changes. Consistency and following your treatment plan are key to achieving the best results.

Yes! Chinese medicine, including acupuncture, tuina, and herbal therapies, is supported by a growing body of clinical research and evidence. Like all areas of healthcare, there is always more research being conducted, and we stay up-to-date on the latest findings while honoring the thousands of years of traditional practice.

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We do not accept insurance and cannot bill insurance directly. Many patients are still able to submit a superbill to their insurance for possible reimbursement through out-of-network benefits, or use an HSA or FSA to cover treatment costs.

Please visit the Services & Rates page for more information.

Understandably, you may want to give the gift of acupuncture, we get it! Just click this link. Also buying a card could also be to pay it forward, helping someone receive acupuncture who otherwise may not be able to.

We thank you for your support!

The upmost compliment is when we are able to work with people that our patients know.  In order to say thank you we are offering 25% off our patients next treatment if you refer someone. All they have to do is say your name!

We thank you for all your support.