What people ask before they book

Most people feel a quick pinch or nothing at all as a needle goes in, then a dull ache, warmth or heaviness around it. The needles are hair-thin. If anything feels sharp or wrong, tell us right away and we adjust. If needles worry you, say so when you book and we will go slowly.

Every needle is sterile, used once and dropped into a sealed sharps container. We wash our hands and clean your skin before each placement.

It depends on what brings you in and how you respond, and we cannot promise a result. At your first visit we suggest a plan, often a few visits close together and then more space between them. The plan is yours to change, and you do not buy visits in advance.

We are out of network with health plans and we do not bill them for you. Some plans pay part of an acupuncture visit back when you send in the receipt we give you. Ask your plan whether it has an acupuncture benefit, how many visits it allows and whether you need a referral.

Many people do. Ask your plan administrator whether acupuncture is an eligible expense, then pay with your card at the visit. We give you a receipt after every visit.

Wear loose clothes that roll up past the elbow and the knee. Eat something light a couple of hours before, and do not come very hungry or very full. We drape you with a sheet or blanket and leave the room while you change.

About 75 minutes. We talk about your health, your work and your medicines, look at your tongue and feel your pulse, then place needles for about 25 minutes while you rest. Your acupuncturist explains the risks and answers your questions before any needle goes in.

Tell us if you are pregnant or might be. Some points are left out, and we adjust the visit. Let your obstetrician or midwife know you are coming to us.

No. Keep taking everything your doctor prescribed. Tell us about every medicine and supplement you take, and tell your prescriber that you are coming to us.

It does not replace your doctor's care, imaging, physical therapy or surgery when you need them. See a doctor first for chest pain, trouble breathing, sudden weakness or numbness, a sudden severe headache, new trouble controlling your bladder or bowels, or a fever with a stiff neck. In an emergency, call 911.