Q: Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture is not painful. You may feel a sensation when the needles are in but you should not feel pain. One might feel heaviness, distention, tingling, warmth, or a sensation of movement along the acupuncture channel. Most people feel very relaxed during the treatment and energized after.

Q: How do I prepare for a visit?

Have a light meal and some water. Use the restroom before your session time begins. Bring a loose fitting tank top and shorts or loose pants for your session. If you tend to be chilly, bring a lightweight scarf. The room is kept cozy for you. Bring a list of questions and concerns you would like addressed.

Q: What is acupuncture good for?

Acupuncture can provide relief and healing for many kinds of conditions and diseases — from back pain and other injuries to digestive and autoimmune disorders. See the Services page for descriptions of some common ailments we treat.

Q: Are the needles clean?

Acupuncture needles are single-use, disposable, sterilized, metallic, solid, and hair-thin. After each treatment, all needles are disposed of.

Q: How many times do I have to visit?

Acute disorders respond quickly to acupuncture, so 2-3 visits over two weeks may be all that is needed. For chronic diseases that need a longer course of treatment, one visit per week for 3-6 months may be required. Usually after six treatments we will know whether or not acupuncture is working for your condition.

Q: Is acupuncture safe for cancer patients?

Acupuncture is safe in cancer care, it is widely utilized by the leading cancer hospitals in the country, and it is shown to be effective in treating the side effects of cancer treatment - a huge source of anxiety for patients - as well as improving quality of life, as measured by patients themselves. For more information, click here.

Q: Where do you put the needles?

Acupuncture needles are inserted in points located around the body. Usually points are located on channels flowing through the body carrying energy, blood, and nourishment. Inserted at these points, needles adjust the flow to help the body rebalance and become healthier. A patient has the right to designate any area or point “off limits” for treatment at any time.

Q: How many needles will I get?

Acupuncturists typically choose between 6-18 points for a treatment depending on the presenting problem.

Q: How soon can I expect to see results?

Some patients feel an immediate reduction in their symptoms, for others it may take a few treatments. If you are not seeing results after six treatments, Carrie will refer you to another practitioner or a different type of medicine that may serve you better.

Q: How much do appointments cost? Do you accept insurance or Medicare?

First sessions are $130 and include a zoom consult and visit. All follow-up treatments are 60 minutes, and cost $80. Patients whose insurance policy covers them for acupuncture pay at the time of service, and then may request a superbill with all appropriate coding. This superbill can then be submitted for reimbursal directly to the patient. You may use Flex Spending and HSA dollars on acupuncture services. I am not able to accept Medicare at this time.

Q: How can Chinese herbs help me?

Taking herbs daily increases the duration and depth of effectiveness of an acupuncture session. They represent a time-honored tradition of gently altering a patient’s condition to correct long standing diseases and disharmonies. They work to restore balance at the deepest levels. Herbal formulas may be prescribed as teapills, granules, or teas. Formulas are $35-45 per bottle, which can last a week to a month, depending on dosage.

Q: What is moxa?

Moxibustion is a traditional treatment commonly used by acupuncturists to treat arthritis, numbness, infertility, indigestion and other illnesses thought to be caused by prolonged exposure to cold. It consists of burning the leaves of the herb Artemesia, commonly called moxa or mugwort, near to or on the patient’s body.

Q: Will moxa burn my skin?

No. Carrie typically uses the type of moxa which does not come into direct contact with the skin. When direct moxa is indicated, she protects your skin with an herbal balm to allow the healing effects of moxa to penetrate in a safe, gentle way. Patients experience it as a very pleasant warming sensation.