What can I expect from my first visit?
Your first acupuncture visit will include lots of talking and questions, so that Elizabeth can get a full picture of your symptoms and whole health history. It also includes a full treatment, which will include acupuncture and any other modalities you could benefit from.
Wear comfortable clothing and be ready to relax. We will always move at your pace, and make sure you are totally comfortable and have all your questions answered sufficiently before we move on to the treatment.
how does acupuncture work?
When you don't sleep or eat well, you get stressed and overworked, or maybe sustain some kind of trauma - it throws your nervous system out of balance. Acupuncture taps directly into your nervous system and prompts your body to repair itself. Just like your body knows how to repair itself from catching a cold, getting food poisoning or spraining an ankle, it can recover from every issue you encounter. It's just that sometimes it gets tired and forgets. Acupuncture reminds your body that it still has work to do.
Does it hurt?
No, acupuncture does not hurt. The tools Elizabeth uses are completely different than that of a Western doctor or nurse. Acupuncture pins are hair fine, short, and solid; smaller than a cat's whiskers. She also uses a guide tube, a small instrument designed to help the pins slide in gently without pain.
How many sessions will i need to get better?
Wouldn't it be great if there was a simple answer to this question! Unfortunately, the number of treatments varies quite a bit. Usually, patients will start to notice changes soon after their first treatment. However, symptoms generally creep back in throughout the week. If you are young and generally in good health, it could take as few as 4-6 weekly treatments to see significant improvement. If your issues are complex and you've had them for many years it will take longer, maybe 10 treatments or more before you start to see a more permanent shift in your symptoms. These are just general estimates, everyone responds differently to acupuncture, so once you start treatment, we will be able to get a better idea of how long it will take.
Do you sell gift cards online?
I’m glad you asked! Yes, we offer gift cards through our online booking portal. Click the “Schedule” link above, and it will take you right to it. On a computer, on the left hand side of the screen there is a link to purchase a gift card. You’ll be prompted to create a profile, then your purchase will generate a code that can be used to pay for acupuncture treatments. This code can be given to anyone you wish.
To book an appointment using a gift card, just schedule like you normally would, there’s not currently a way to enter the code online. But never fear, one you’re here just give us the code and we’ll enter into our system.
We also have physical gift cards that can be purchased at the clinic if you’re local. We recommend emailing before you show up, so we can plan a time that one of us will be free to assist you with that process.
Do you take insurance?
No, we can no longer file insurance claims for you. We are a small local business, and need to spend our time taking care of patients and clients, not dealing with insurance companies. However, we will supply you with a Superbill upon request. You can use this form to submit your claim to your insurance company for reimbursement.
We do accept cash, check, and all credit cards, including HSA/FSA cards.
Does acupuncture treat....?
Acupuncture treats a wide variety of symptoms and can help with many diseases and and diagnoses. Because it’s totally natural, it may work more slowly than conventional medicine, but comes with virtually no negative side effects. You can find a list of the conditions we have confidence in treating well HERE. If your condition isn’t listed, we may still be able to help you, but probably don’t have as much experience in what you’re currently dealing with. If you have questions about your specific ailment, send us an email from the link below.
If you are having severe, acute symptoms, it is best to head to your doctor or the emergency room to get checked out before coming in for an acupuncture treatment.
Are your needles clean?
Elizabeth uses ONLY completely sterilized, single use, surgical grade stainless steel needles. They are taken directly out of the sterile package, used once, and deposited into a hazmat container, where they become medical waste to be disposed of.