Your First Appointment
What should I expect at my first appointment?
The first session is approximately two hours, which includes a comprehensive health assessment (including feeling the pulses and looking at the tongue), exploration of your goals, and your first acupuncture treatment. During the treatment you’ll lie on a warm, comfortable massage table. Your acupuncturist will select points that will be most beneficial to balance your body, and then insert the needles. You will be allowed to rest for 20 minutes and then the needles are removed.
How should I prepare?
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing
- Eat a light meal 1-2 hours before your appointment
- Avoid consuming alcohol
- Print and fill out the 2 New Patient Forms to the left
How it feels
Are the needles safe? Does it hurt?
Acupuncture needles are like nothing you’ve ever seen. Each one is the width of a couple hairs, making them more like a flexible bristle than a needle. At Healing InSight we only use stainless steel needles that have been sterilized and pre-packaged for individual use. The needles are used only once, then discarded safely. You’ll be surprised how painless it is. Most people exclaim afterward “that’s it?!”, and they get up feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?
While an open mind and optimistic outlook help anyone heal, acupuncture stimulates the body much like massage or physical therapy so it doesn’t depend on you believing your body will respond.
Follow-up Sessions
How often do I need to come in?
Each follow-up session is 60-75 minutes and includes acupuncture, herbal recommendations, and health coaching. We recommend most people come in once per week for a period of time, or twice a week if you’re experiencing a lot of discomfort.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments you need will depend on the condition we’re treating and your body’s pattern of imbalance. Some conditions can be treated in a few sessions whereas others take several months. A general rule of thumb is to plan on one month of treatment for each year you’ve had the problem. Combining acupuncture with herbal medicine will help you heal faster so you’ll need fewer treatments.
Payments and Discounts
Is acupuncture affordable?
Although it may seem expensive to pay out of pocket for healthcare, the investment in your health pays off in the long run. Chinese medicine aims to heal the root of the problem, which prevents relapses, future illness, and decreases the need for drugs and future interventions. If you’re still not sure if acupuncture is right for you, call us for a free consultation or attend one of our classes page to learn more.
Accepted payments
We accept cash, checks, gift certificates, Visa, and MasterCard, including healthcare flex account credit cards.
Acupuncture Wellness Package discounts
Please ask us about our Acupuncture Wellness Package for a discount on multiple treatments.
Do I tip my acupuncturist?
No, acupuncture is considered a medical service and tipping is not standard. If you’re happy with your results, thank your acupuncturist and tell your friends!
Insurance coverage
We do not currently accept insurance but we will be happy to provide you with a detailed receipt if you wish to submit to your insurance for reimbursement. Also, most healthcare flex accounts and health savings accounts will cover acupuncture.
I have a friend who could really benefit from Chinese medicine. Do you sell gift certificates?
Yes, you can give the gift of good health with gift certificates in any amount to cover acupuncture, acupuncture and herbs, or an Acupuncture Wellness Package. Contact us and we’ll help you select the perfect gift.
