FAQ

Q: Does acupuncture hurt?

A: Sensations most patients report is no sensation at all, a brief ache or heaviness upon insertion. Some points are more sensitive than others, and by and large, people report the sensation as fleeting and deeply relaxing.

Q: What does treatment entail?

A: Your first meeting with Trish will consist of a thorough medical & social history, short physical exam, and a discussion of your goals for treatment. This will be followed by the 1st treatment tailored to your needs. This will take about 1.5 to 2 hours. Subsequent treatments last about 1hr.

Q: How often should I expect to come?

A: To get the most benefit from treatment, patients are asked to commit to coming 1x a week for about 6-8 treatments. This is because acupuncture treatment is a process as each treatment builds on the previous one. Then, as patients experience improvement in their condition and a state of well-being is maintained, treatments can be spaced out to every 2 weeks, monthly, or seasonally. Everyone is different, so its best to discuss the timeline with Trish.

Q: What can I do to make treatment more effective?

A: For each visit it is best that you:

Avoid a very hot bath, shower or sauna within 3 to 4 hours, before and after.
Avoid coffee and alcohol within 24 hours, before and after.
Avoid drugs except those prescribed by your physician.
Do not wear cosmetics, fragrance or use scented products when possible for your first few visits.
Set aside time to arrive relaxed.
Avoid strenuous exercise directly before or after, if it is not your routine.
Avoid eating heavily just before or after.
Avoid smoking 3 to 4 hours before and after treatment.
Do not drink cold fluids for 4 hours following treatment.

Q: Do you have to be “sick” or in pain to get acupuncture?

A: Absolutely not! If you think you are pretty healthy, acupuncture can take you to new levels of awareness and help you take the next step in any area of your life. It is also a great form of preventative medicine. People who come in curious often leave with a greater sense of purpose in life, are more joyful, feel better, and have more connected relationships with the ones they love.

Q: Is acupuncture covered by insurance?

A: Since acupuncture is becoming more recognized in the Western medical arena, more and more insurance companies will reimburse for acupuncture treatments. Check with your provider for details. Full payment is due at each treatment and receipt will be given to turn into insurance for reimbursement.

Q: Are the needles safe?

A: Yes. Only sterile, disposable, one-time use needles are used.