Please reach out if you cannot find an answer to your question.
No—Acupuncture is typically not painful—acupuncture needles are about 10 times thinner than standard syringe needles, with up to 40 fitting inside the tip of just one hypodermic needle, making the experience far more gentle and comfortable than most expect. Many patients find treatments relaxing and may even fall asleep during sessions.
Yes—Acupuncture is generally a safe, well-established therapy when performed by a licensed practitioner using sterile, single-use needles. Minor possible effects like bruising, dizziness, mild soreness can occur, and serious complications are rare.
No—only single-use, sterile, surgical-grade stainless steel needles are used. AcuHealth prioritizes your health and safety, and follows clean needle guidelines.
Acupuncture is effective for a wide range of health concerns, including acute and chronic pain (such as back, neck, joint pain, migraines, and arthritis), emotional and psychological conditions (including anxiety, depression, and insomnia), digestive issues (like irritable bowel syndrome and gastritis), reproductive health (like infertility, menstrual, peri-menopausal/menopausal discomforts), respiratory problems, autoimmune disorders, and can manage side effects from cancer treatments. It also supports immune function, addiction recovery, weight loss, and overall wellness. Each treatment is tailored to your unique needs to promote balance and healing.
Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body along meridians, which are pathways believed in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to carry the flow of vital energy called Qi. This stimulation activates nerve fibers that send signals to the spinal cord and brain, promoting the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals, improving Qi flow, enhancing blood circulation, reducing inflammation, and regulating the nervous system for both local and systemic therapeutic effects.
Your first visit lasts about 60 minutes and includes a detailed health assessment, tongue and pulse examination, and a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Be sure to complete your necessary paperwork prior to your visit to avoid delays. Eat a meal, dress in comfortable clothing and arrive a few minutes early.
Subsequent treatments typically last 30-45 minutes, focusing on your progress and ongoing care.
Healing varies by individual and condition, as well as how chronic your symptoms are. Acute conditions may get relief quickly; chronic ones need more (eg. weeks to months); initial sessions might be 1–2x per week. For longer sustaining results, most patients require 8 to 24 treatments, with progress assessed within the first 6-8 sessions to tailor your plan.
Acupuncture sensations can vary widely, commonly including tingling, warmth, heaviness, or the unique “Qi” sensation described as a spread or flow of energy. Many people also find acupuncture deeply relaxing and calming during and after the treatment.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic system developed over thousands of years, focusing on balancing the mind, body, and environment using acupuncture, herbal therapy, nutrition, and other modalities to promote overall wellness. TCM differs from Western medicine in its emphasis on individualized, preventative care, and harmony within the body, while Western medicine tends to target isolated symptoms and uses modern diagnostics and pharmaceuticals for disease management.
Yes—Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is increasingly gaining scientific interest, with growing research highlighting its complex biological effects and potential therapeutic benefits. While some clinical trials are still emerging, rigorous studies have demonstrated TCM’s effectiveness in areas like pain management and chronic conditions, and ongoing research continues to deepen understanding of its mechanisms, supporting its integration alongside Western medicine.
---> For more info, check out my blog on Evidence-Based Benefits of Acupuncture.
Yes—Acupuncture and herbal medicine have been shown to support women's health by improving fertility, regulating menstrual cycles, reducing PMS symptoms, and alleviating menopausal discomfort. Research indicates acupuncture can enhance blood flow to reproductive organs, balance hormones, and improve reproductive function, while herbal therapies complement these effects by addressing underlying imbalances.
Yes—Acupuncture is generally safe, though some points are avoided in pregnancy; children may respond well, even with needle-free modalities like acupressure or ear seeds
Yes—can be used to support weight management, stress relief, cravings, and addiction recovery
This term refers to a phenomenon when the body starts to heal and detoxify, things might temporarily feel worse before they get better. It's viewed as a positive sign that the treatment is working and the body is actively trying to restore balance and expel harmful substances.
In California, a licensed acupuncturists must complete a series of robust, accredited training in both Eastern medicine and Western biomedical sciences, and passed a rigorous Board Examination. The training, combined with hands-on clinic rotations, takes 4-5 years on average. The training prepares practitioners to safely and effectively apply traditional acupuncture techniques while possessing a strong understanding of modern anatomy, physiology, and pathology, ensuring they collaborate productively within the broader healthcare system and maintain high standards of professional competence and ethics.
Acupuncture is a holistic medical practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), using fine needles to stimulate points on the body for a variety of conditions based on ancient principles. In contrast, dry needling is a modern technique focused strictly on relieving musculoskeletal pain by targeting trigger points
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and herbs can interact with Western medications in some cases, but such interactions are usually manageable with proper guidance. Communicating openly with healthcare providers and coordinating care helps ensure safe and effective use of both therapies together.
Choosing between acupuncture, herbs, cupping, and other Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapies depends on individualized diagnosis and treatment goals, as TCM emphasizes personalized care based on pattern differentiation and patient preferences. Make sure to consult a qualified TCM practitioner who assesses your unique condition helps determine the most appropriate combination of therapies for optimal balance and healing
AcuHealth welcomes cash, Zelle payments, and accepts major credit/debit cards.
AcuHealth works with most insurance providers with acupuncture coverage. Coverage varies widely. In general, insurance covers musculoskeletal pain for reimbursement, and requires a doctor’s referral. Please contact me or your insurer to verify your coverage before your appointment.
AcuHealth requires a 24-hour notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. This allows other patients to be accommodated and for the practice to maintain a smooth schedule. The session fee will be charged for late cancellations or no-shows.
AcuHealth is committed to protecting your privacy and confidentiality. All personal and health information you share is securely stored and used solely to provide you with the best care. Your information will not be shared without your consent, except as required by law. Your trust and comfort are my highest priorities.
Copyright © 2025 AcuHealth Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine - All Rights Reserved.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.