What people ask before they book

Most people feel a brief pinch, a dull ache or a heavy sensation at a needle, and then little. The needles are much thinner than the ones used for injections. Tell your acupuncturist right away if anything is uncomfortable, and they will adjust it or stop.

We use sterile, single-use needles. We open each one in front of you and put it in a sharps container after the visit.

Some herbs can change how a medicine works, so bring us a list of everything you take, and ask your own prescriber too. We go through it before a formula is written. The herb safety page has the full list of what to tell us.

Yes. Our front desk, our pharmacy and our acupuncturists speak Mandarin, Cantonese and English between them. Tell us which you prefer when you book.

We are out of network with health plans and do not bill one for you. Some plans pay part of an out-of-network visit, and we give you a receipt, called a superbill, to send to yours. Anyone paying without insurance gets a written estimate in advance. The fees page has the details.

Many health savings and flexible spending cards work for acupuncture. Your plan administrator has the final say.

Your acupuncturist suggests a plan after the first visit and looks at it again as you go. It depends on your reasons and how you respond, and you can stop whenever you like.

Tell us when you book if you are pregnant or might be. Some points and some herbs are avoided, and your acupuncturist explains the risks. Check with your obstetric provider as well.

It does not replace your doctor, your medicines or your therapist, and we do not prescribe medicine. It does not work the same for everyone, and we do not promise a result.

See your doctor or an urgent care clinic first for chest pain, trouble breathing, sudden weakness or numbness, a sudden severe headache, or a fever with a stiff neck. In an emergency, call 911.