Is acupuncture painful?
The sensation you may feel with the insertion of the needle may be a pinch and some are not felt at all. You may have some “hard-to-explain” sensations while the needles are in, such as movement in the body or tingling. Feel free to let your practitioner know what you are feeling as the treatment goes on.
What can I expect a treatment to be like?
The first appointment tends to be longer because of the amount of information that will be gathered. Expect it to be between 75-90 minutes.
The follow-up appointments take less time. Expect between 45-60 minutes.
After speaking with the practitioner and answering a few questions expect to lie down on a treatment table (or sit if need be) face up or face down, depending.
Refer to the services tab for explanation of all the treatment services that can be provided.
The room should be warm with heat lamps and blankets if need be.
Treatments can involve you to be on the treatment table somewhere between 25 and 45 minutes. Lights will be low and relaxing music will play to your preference.
Try not to move needles, answer phone calls, or excessively move around during a treatment. Small movements to get comfortable are okay.
Your treatment plan will be discussed at the end of the treatment.
Sometimes you can feel light-headed or dazed after a treatment. Give yourself some time after a treatment to recoup.
Payments will be accepted before or after each treatment. Whichever works best for you. Check, Cash, or credit/debit card are accepted.
How do I prepare for a treatment?
Wear loose clothing so feet, legs, arms, back, stomach, and head can be accessed.
Have a light meal before a treatment to reduce the chance of queasiness.
Turn your phone on silent or vibrate before you enter the treatment. If you are waiting for an important call tell your practitioner.
Try to plan exercise before a treatment and not afterwards, as this can reverse some of the effects of the treatment.
Drink plenty of water before and after the treatment.
How often do I need a treatment?
This answer varies. For more acute (recent) conditions you most likely will not need very many treatments (ranging from 3-6 treatments 1-3 times a week). For chronic conditions you will most likely have more treatments. The rule of thumb is if you have had this condition for a long time it is possible it can take up to an equal amount of time to heal. This can depend on how you set your appointments up. If you come in 2-3 times a week it can take less time than coming in 1 time per week.
Who can benefit from acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine?
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes acupuncture is beneficial in treating many different disorders. Here is a link to information on evidence based acupuncture: https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/who-official-position/
Does insurance cover acupuncture?
Center Life Health is currently a provider for Veteran Affairs as a community care provider. It is possible in the future for us to become credentialed with other insurance carriers, however, at the moment everything else is pay out of pocket at a reasonable price. Please contact for more information.