Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Welcome to our Acupuncture FAQ page! Below, we've answered some of the most common questions we get from new and prospective patients. If you don't see your question here, feel free to contact us directly.
1. What is acupuncture, and how does it work?
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body. It aims to restore balance, alleviate pain, and promote overall well-being by stimulating the body's natural healing processes. Sometimes we use Acupuncture points at the site of pain or inflammation and other times we use distal points to treat a health issue. The energy channels of the body can be thought of like an electrical system. You can flip a light switch on one side of the room, and a light will turn on somewhere else. With Acupuncture needles, we help to encourage the proper flow of energy, which increases blood flow, lymphatic flow, and decreases inflammation. We also aim to relax the nervous system and support the different systems of the body such as the immune system, circulatory system, and organ systems.
2. What conditions can acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture can address a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to:
Chronic pain (e.g., back, neck, or joint pain)
Migraines and headaches
Digestive issues (e.g., IBS, indigestion, etc.)
Allergies and sinus problems
Sleep disturbances
Menstrual and hormonal imbalances (e.g., menopause, pms, painful periods, etc.)
Fertility support and prenatal care
Stress, anxiety, and emotional well-being
Chronic conditions (e.g., arthritis, asthma)
Acupuncture is a root cause treatment, which means we have our own diagnosistic system to evaluate what is out of balance in your body. In this way, we can treat many seemingly random symptoms that allopathic medicine has no answers for. We can help you make sense of mystery symptoms and understand your body better. We help connect a lot of dots and get to the bottom of what’s going on to help your body heal.
3. Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are very thin, much smaller than standard medical needles. Most patients feel little to no pain, though you might experience a mild tingling or pressure at the insertion points. Many find the experience relaxing. I specialize in a Japanese style Acupuncture, which is even more gentle than the typical type of Acupuncture. We use the thinnest needles possible, with little stimulation to the needles, making this style perfect for highly sensitive people. Of course, I am trained in different styles and can adjust the treatment accordingly for each patient.
4. How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on your specific condition and health goals. While some people feel relief after one or two treatments, chronic or long-standing issues may require ongoing sessions for optimal results. The number of sessions needed varies depending on your condition and how your body responds to treatment. For acute conditions, you may see improvement in just a few sessions, while chronic conditions may require ongoing treatment over several weeks or months. As a rule of thumb, I like to see patients for 5-6 treatments (1-3 times a week) for acute conditions and 10-12 treatments (weekly or every other week) for chronic conditions. However, this is not set in stone, and we can work around your schedule and your budget to meet your needs (this is also where herbs and nutrition can really help a treatment last longer). We’ll discuss a personalized treatment plan during your initial consultation.
5. Is acupuncture safe?
Yes, when performed by a licensed practitioner, acupuncture is safe. We use single-use, sterile needles and follow strict hygiene protocols.
6. What is Dry Needling? Is it different than Acupuncture?
Dry needling is a type of Acupuncture, but you are only allowed to use the term Acupuncture when you are a licensed Acupuncturist. So, they came up with a way to go around the licensure by creating the term “dry needling,” as opposed to “wet needling,” which is when you are inserting or taking out liquid from the body. California has enforced stronger restrictions with the use of the term dry needling, and reserves it only for medical doctors (it is illegal for physical therapists and other practitioners to perform dry needling in CA). Acupuncturists go through 3-6 years of training, while dry needling practitioners are only required to take a weekend course in the subject. Our long length of studies allows us to learn needle depths for every single Acupuncture point (360+) on the body, so we know where to avoid deeper needling over vital organs and blood vessels. I highly recommend seeking out a licensed Acupuncturist if you would like to try dry needling, as they are the only ones with the proper and extensive training needed to safely perform Acupuncture/dry needling. Dry needling has a sports medicine focus and needles into muscle trigger points (this is something all Acupuncturists know how to do, and very well).
7. What are the qualifications to become an Acupuncturist in California?
California has much stricter qualifications to become an Acupuncturist than any other state in the US. California requires its own licensing exam that is only offered twice a year. This is a very rigorous all day test, much like the bar exam. Students study for it for many months in order to be able to pass. And, in order to take the CA Acupuncture licensing exam, you must have attended a CA accredited university, which requires not only studies in Acupuncture, but also in Western anatomy, physiology, and pathology, Chinese herbalism, and nutrition. This means the length of studies is longer at a CA accredited school. This is because in CA, Acupuncturists are considered primary care providers. I attended Pacific College of Health and Sciences in San Diego, CA. It took me 4 years to finish, going full-time through the summers. The Master’s program in Acupuncture was 11 semesters long; stretched out to a typical school year, it would take 6 years to finish. Now they have changed the program a little bit, and you can take an extra semester to get your doctorate (6 more classes). At any point I can take 6 more courses to receive my Doctorate. It is essentially like going to med school. We also take clinical internships all throughout our studies (both at the school’s public clinic and various clinics around San Diego—I interned at Rady’s Children’s Hospital for inpatients and outpatients, and the UCSD HIV outpatient Clinic).
8. What should I expect during my first visit?
Your first acupuncture visit will include a comprehensive consultation where we discuss your health history, lifestyle, and any specific issues you're experiencing. We'll also conduct a physical exam and may check your pulse and tongue, which are common diagnostic tools in Traditional Chinese Medicine. We also palpate the Acupuncture channels to choose the best points for your individualized treatment.
After the consultation, you will lie on a comfortable treatment table while acupuncture needles are gently inserted into specific points. The needles will remain in place for around 20–30 minutes while you relax. At our office, since we specialize in a Japanese style of Acupuncture, we also commonly split it up into two treatments—one on the front side of the body and one on the back side of the body. Most patients find the experience relaxing and often feel a sense of calm afterward.
9. Are there any side effects?
Most people experience no side effects. Occasionally, you might feel slight bruising or soreness at needle sites. These typically resolve quickly. Many patients feel relaxed or energized after treatment.
10. Can I combine acupuncture with other treatments?
Absolutely! Acupuncture is often used alongside other medical treatments and therapies. We recommend discussing any ongoing treatments with us to ensure an integrative approach.
11. Do you accept insurance?
We accept some insurance plans. We are out of network providers, so only accept PPO plans that have Acupuncture coverage. Please contact us and we can check your insurance plan for you.
12. How much does a session cost?
The initial consultation and treatment costs $195, with follow-up treatments costing $135. We also offer packages to keep costs down. If you buy 5 visits at once, you get 1 free (this works out to $675 for 6 visits, or $112.50 per visit).
13. How long will each acupuncture session last?
Each follow-up session typically lasts between 45 minutes to 1 hour. This includes time for both the consultation and the acupuncture treatment itself. The initial visit lasts a bit longer—usually around an hour and a half.
14. How should I prepare for an acupuncture session?
To get the most benefit from your treatment, consider the following:
Eat something light before your appointment (but avoid heavy meals).
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, as we may need access to your arms, legs, or back.
Avoid alcohol or caffeine right before your session, as these can interfere with the calming effects of acupuncture.
Fill out any necessary paperwork before your appointment (it is all digital).
15. Can acupuncture help with stress and anxiety?
Yes, acupuncture can be highly effective in managing stress and anxiety. It helps regulate the body's stress response, balancing the nervous system and encouraging the release of endorphins. Many patients find acupuncture to be deeply relaxing, and some experience immediate relief from anxiety symptoms after a session.
16. Can I continue my regular activities after an acupuncture session?
Yes, most people feel relaxed and energized after acupuncture and can resume their usual activities right away. However, we recommend avoiding intense physical activity or heavy exercise immediately following your treatment to allow your body time to absorb the benefits.
17. Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?
Yes! Acupuncture can be a safe and effective treatment option during pregnancy, and it is often used to manage common pregnancy-related issues such as morning sickness, back pain, and stress. However, it’s important to consult with your acupuncturist or healthcare provider before beginning treatment to ensure it’s appropriate for your specific condition.
18. What if I don’t like needles?
If you're concerned about needles, let us know before your session. There are alternative techniques in acupuncture, such as acupressure using a smooth metal tool, that can provide similar benefits. We can discuss these options during your consultation.
19. What should I do if I need to cancel or reschedule?
We understand that life happens. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please give us at least 24 hours' notice so we can offer the time to another patient. If not within the 24 hr window, you can use our online scheduler to easily change or cancel your appointment without any fee. Patients who provide less than 24 hours notice, or miss their appointment, will be charged a cancellation fee of $25.
20. How do I schedule an appointment?
You can book your appointment online here:
Have More Questions?
If you have any other questions or would like to discuss whether acupuncture is right for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help!