Frequently Asked Questions
What does acupuncture treat?
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most people feel no pain at all. Sometimes there is an uncomfortable sensation for the first few seconds after needle insertion and then it goes away.
How many treatments will I need?
Acupuncture is not a one-time fix, it works best in a series of treatments. 8-10 treatments are often recommended to start with. For acute conditions, more treatments in a short time are effective. Regular treatments spaced farther apart are better for chronic health problems. Your acupuncturist will give you a treatment plan on your first visit.
Do I have to be sick or in pain to receive acupuncture?
Absolutely not. Acupuncture is prized for it's stress reducing and endorphin boosting qualities. People often receive acupuncture as part of an overall wellness plan, such as eating healthy food and being physically active. Acupuncture can boost energy, improve sleep, brighten mood and lower stress.
Does acupuncture interfere with other forms of health care?
No. You may receive other forms of therapy such as massage, chiropractic, physical therapy etc., even on the same day as having your acupuncture treatment.
How close together can I have treatments?
You may have acupuncture every day if you'd like. For people in acute pain or undergoing other intense duress, we often recommend coming every day for treatment. For those who are working on more chronic conditions, we usually recommend an interval of one week between treatments (though more will not hurt you).
Can children be treated at The Bow Acupuncture?
Yes. We can treat children aged 10 and up. Your child will need to be able to rest quietly with their treatment for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
What types of payments do you accept?
Cash, checks, and all major credit/debit cards. Most flexible spending accounts cover acupuncture, or you could also use your health savings account to pay for treatments. We do not bill insurance, but we can provide you with a receipt to send to your insurance company.
How long does a treatment take?
Plan on approximately 90 minutes for your first appointment and 60 minutes for return visits. Treatment time with the needles is between 20-60 minutes. This is the therapeutic window of time for treatment. You can decide how long you like to stay. People have different preferences, some like to stay for just 20 or 30 minutes (and find this effective), where others love to stay for an hour and take a nap. Either is fine!
Is acupuncture safe?
Absolutely. The needles are very small, much smaller than the needles used for injections and vaccinations. The needles are sterile and after they are used one time, they are discarded.
Acupuncture doesn’t add anything to or take anything away from the body. It either encourages the body’s own healing power to take effect or, very rarely, nothing happens.
You treat in a group setting. Am I going to have to get undressed?
Definitely not. Wear loose and comfortable clothing that can be rolled up to expose your lower legs and arms. You will remain fully clothed during your treatment. Even if you are coming in with back pain or another inaccessible area, we can treat you with highly effective points on the arms and legs.
Tell Me About Your Sliding Scale
The sliding scale is given to increase affordability and accessibility of acupuncture for everyone. You choose what you pay on the sliding scale based on how much you can afford and how much you value the service. We want you to pay an amount that is comfortable for you and will allow you to receive regular treatments. An income guideline chart is provided in the new patient paperwork and can be completed before you come to your first appointment. Click Here to go to the "New Patients" page to download. No income verification is required.
- Allergies, asthma, and sinus problems
- Skin problems
- Insomnia, fatigue, and depression
- Hormone Imbalance, PMS, cramps
- High blood pressure
- Headaches and migraines
- Digestive and intestinal disorders
- Chronic pain and arthritis
- Side effects of chemotherapy and radiation
- Weakened immunity
- Anxiety and stress
- Pain from injuries
- Decreases recovery time from strokes and Bell’s Palsy
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Helps almost any health problem to some degree
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most people feel no pain at all. Sometimes there is an uncomfortable sensation for the first few seconds after needle insertion and then it goes away.
How many treatments will I need?
Acupuncture is not a one-time fix, it works best in a series of treatments. 8-10 treatments are often recommended to start with. For acute conditions, more treatments in a short time are effective. Regular treatments spaced farther apart are better for chronic health problems. Your acupuncturist will give you a treatment plan on your first visit.
Do I have to be sick or in pain to receive acupuncture?
Absolutely not. Acupuncture is prized for it's stress reducing and endorphin boosting qualities. People often receive acupuncture as part of an overall wellness plan, such as eating healthy food and being physically active. Acupuncture can boost energy, improve sleep, brighten mood and lower stress.
Does acupuncture interfere with other forms of health care?
No. You may receive other forms of therapy such as massage, chiropractic, physical therapy etc., even on the same day as having your acupuncture treatment.
How close together can I have treatments?
You may have acupuncture every day if you'd like. For people in acute pain or undergoing other intense duress, we often recommend coming every day for treatment. For those who are working on more chronic conditions, we usually recommend an interval of one week between treatments (though more will not hurt you).
Can children be treated at The Bow Acupuncture?
Yes. We can treat children aged 10 and up. Your child will need to be able to rest quietly with their treatment for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
What types of payments do you accept?
Cash, checks, and all major credit/debit cards. Most flexible spending accounts cover acupuncture, or you could also use your health savings account to pay for treatments. We do not bill insurance, but we can provide you with a receipt to send to your insurance company.
How long does a treatment take?
Plan on approximately 90 minutes for your first appointment and 60 minutes for return visits. Treatment time with the needles is between 20-60 minutes. This is the therapeutic window of time for treatment. You can decide how long you like to stay. People have different preferences, some like to stay for just 20 or 30 minutes (and find this effective), where others love to stay for an hour and take a nap. Either is fine!
Is acupuncture safe?
Absolutely. The needles are very small, much smaller than the needles used for injections and vaccinations. The needles are sterile and after they are used one time, they are discarded.
Acupuncture doesn’t add anything to or take anything away from the body. It either encourages the body’s own healing power to take effect or, very rarely, nothing happens.
You treat in a group setting. Am I going to have to get undressed?
Definitely not. Wear loose and comfortable clothing that can be rolled up to expose your lower legs and arms. You will remain fully clothed during your treatment. Even if you are coming in with back pain or another inaccessible area, we can treat you with highly effective points on the arms and legs.
Tell Me About Your Sliding Scale
The sliding scale is given to increase affordability and accessibility of acupuncture for everyone. You choose what you pay on the sliding scale based on how much you can afford and how much you value the service. We want you to pay an amount that is comfortable for you and will allow you to receive regular treatments. An income guideline chart is provided in the new patient paperwork and can be completed before you come to your first appointment. Click Here to go to the "New Patients" page to download. No income verification is required.