What should I expect on my first visit?

The first time you visit our practitioner, you will begin with a detailed consultation. During this time, you will be asked about your condition and medical history. Because the pulse, tongue's color and coating can reveal a lot about a person's overall health in TCM theory, it may be examined as well. A diagnosis will then be given and a treatment plan discussed. The treatment will last about 1 hour and may include any combination of TCM techniques depending on your specific needs.

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Does insurance cover treatment?

We are an In-Network Provider with United Healthcare, GEHA, OPTUM, Anthem, CareFirst BCBS, Cigna and Aetna. There are different benefit plans and there is no guarantee of coverage (as stated by insurance). If you are covered, plans vary and you may have to meet a deductible, a copay, and/ or have a certain number of visits covered. If you are unsure of you benefits, we encourage you to call our office and send us your insurance information, or you can click here and fill the insurance verification form, we would be happy to help you check on your coverage before your appointment.

If we don't accept your insurance, we will provide a receipt that you can submit to your plan for reimbursement.

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Can I use my FSA or HSA card to pay for the treatment?

Yes. We also accept FSA (Flexible Spending Arrangement), HSA (Health Saving Account) card payment.

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This is my first time try acupuncture, what should I prepare for my acupuncture treatment?

For the best treatment results, please keep a few things in mind:

• It's better if you do not overbook yourself on the day of your appointment, as you want to be relaxed during the actual acupuncture treatment.

• Please eat an appropriate amount before your appointment. We recommend that you eat something approximately two hours prior to your treatment. However, make sure this isn’t a big meal, as this may cause you to feel uncomfortable during your appointment. The other extreme should be avoided as well. You risk feeling lightheaded if you go to your appointment on an empty stomach.

• Please do not drink coffee for at least two hours before your acupuncture treatment. It has been shown to increase sympathetic nerve activity, coffee increases your body’s fight-or-flight response, something which acupuncture seeks to lessen. Neither is alcohol.

• It is also important to wear or bring loose-fitting clothes on the day of your appointment. This will make it easier for the acupuncturist to place the needles in the right places.

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Is acupuncture painful?

Most patients find acupuncture painless and soothing. Some even fall asleep during treatment. Acupuncture needles are very small, hair-thin and made from a very special and soft metal. Often, their insertion is not even noticeable, just like a light prick. One must stay still, however, while needles are in position. A bell, which allows you to call the practitioner at any times, is given to each person during treatment. Afterwards, when the therapist stimulates the needles, one may sense a reaction in the form of a tugging, pressure or  vibration, which emanate from the conditions along the energy pathways or meridians. These reactions, the "De Qi" (getting Qi) are by all means desirable from a therapeutic standpoint.

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Are there risks or side effects?

Acupuncture, as a nature therapy, allows the body to heal itself naturally by restoring Qi balance. When practiced by well educated and experienced practitioners, acupuncture has no side effects and risks in comparison to other therapies. At the most, one may feel somewhat tired after a therapy session, or sometimes the symptoms increase at first before they subside. The application of cupping glasses, during treatment, may leave behind round and red marks, which clear after a few days and this is a normal reaction after the application of cupping glasses.

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Is acupuncture hygienic?

Yes, acupuncture is completely hygienic. Only sterilized, single use, disposable needles are used at all times.

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How long will the treatment last?

This varies with each patient and each condition. Typically needles are inserted for 30-40 minutes at a time, but also could be up to 1 hour.

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How many treatments does it take?

Depending on the condition being treated. A course of acupuncture treatments can last from one week to several months, or longer. Many acupuncture patients begin by receiving treatments about 1 to 2 times a week, while some may require every the other day attention. As a patient's condition improves, treatments become less frequent. For some chronic condition, we also recommend a low-frequent, long-term maintaining treatment to keep your physical condition in a balanced status.

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If you still have any other questions regarding to your health or acupuncture experience, please feel free to contact us, our practitioner will provide you more information you need.

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