Frequently Asked Questions:

Does Acupuncture hurt? (I’m afraid of needles!)

It’s a common misconception that acupuncture will hurt, which often prevents people from getting the treatment they need. While every experience is different, acupuncture generally produces very little discomfort or pain. Even those with severe “needle phobia” tend to have a very positive experience. You might experience a heavy, throbbing, or distending feeling under the needles, called “Qi”. Acupuncture practitioners “call the Qi” to certain areas of the body to elicit the healing response or eliminate pain. The sensation is temporary and often necessary, signaling a deep energetic shift within the body. Believe it or not, most people report a feeling of deep relaxation and often fall asleep durning treatment!

Does Acupuncture work?

Well, YES! Acupuncture has been used for centuries to treat a plethora of ailments. In the last decade, modern medicine has recognized the invaluable effectiveness of acupuncture for managing chronic pain. At Paso Acupuncture we’ve been successfully treating patients for over 15 years and have seen first hand the incredible improvement in physical and mental health brought on by regular acupuncture treatment.

How long will it take to feel the effects of acupuncture?

The answer to this is different for everyone. It is dependent upon your personal set of symptoms, how long you’ve been afflicted, and if there are any extenuating circumstances. Sometimes the effects of acupuncture are felt immediately and healing is swift and lasting. 

Other times, especially in chronic conditions, effects are felt gradually over a longer period of time. The body dictates the immediacy of the results, despite the skill of the practitioner. On average, a patient should expect to have weekly acupuncture treatments for 6-8 weeks. After this time, treatments are often spaced out further as one moves into a maintenance phase.

At Paso Acupuncture we look at every case individually and create a highly tailored, personalized treatment plan. We will clearly communicate what we believe the duration and prognosis of your acupuncture journey will entail.

How long is an acupuncture treatment?

Treatments are usually anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour. The average treatment time, start to finish, is 45 minutes.

What to expect at my acupuncture treatment and how can I prepare?

• Acupuncturists will often take your pulse and look at your tongue as a form or diagnosis. If possible, do not brush your tongue before the treatment. (Brushing your teeth is okay.)
• Do not apply any scented lotions or perfumes before your acupuncture treatment.
• Depending upon the treatment, we will often ask you to disrobe. Although you will be draped with towels and have only small areas of skin showing, some patients prefer to remain clothed. If this is your preference, please ensure you wear (or bring) loose, comfortable clothing that can easily be moved about by the practitioner. It’s important that we have access to your legs, arms and abdomen without them being encumbered with heavy clothing.
• It’s important to have a light meal before your treatment. Also, drink plenty of water in the days leading up to, and directly following, your acupuncture treatment.
• Acupuncturist ask lots of personal questions! Do not be alarmed if we need to know about your bowel habits, urine output, menstrual cycle, drinking or drug usage, libido and more.

The more information you can give us, the better our treatment! Please pay attention to your body and know you are in a non-judgmental, safe place where we take patient privacy seriously. And honestly, we’ve heard it all, so no need to be shy around us.

• Please do not chew gum during your treatment. It can disrupt the free flow of Qi, particularly when treating headaches, anxiety, TMJ, or neck and shoulder tension.
• All cell phone MUST be silenced when in the clinic as not to disrupt your own treatment, as well as our other patients. 

Do you take insurance?

We do not bill insurance directly. If your insurance plan covers acupuncture (which some do), we will provide you with an itemized and properly coded receipt (called a “superbill”) at the end of each office visit or after a series of treatments. You can submit the superbill to your provider and they will reimburse you directly. However, it is your responsibility to know the extent of your insurance coverage as it relates to acupuncture.

How much is it? 

The initial evaluation and treatment is $150. Follow-up treatments are $85. All adjunct therapies (gua sha, cupping, moxa, tui na) that we feel are necessary to your treatment are complimentary and will not incur an additional charge.

Do I need to be sick or in pain to benefit from acupuncture?

No! It cannot be stressed enough that regular, preventative treatment is invaluable. The occasional tune-up will keep your body and mind in tip-top shape. Some patients choose to come in once a month, others seasonally, or just a few times a year. You and your practitioner can decide what’s the best plan of action for your unique needs. The Benjamin Franklin axiom that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is as true and relevant today as it ever was.