These questions apply to treatment in our community setting. Look here for FAQ regarding treatment in our private setting.

I am a new patient. How do I get started?

You have a few options for getting started. The first is to simply book a New Patient Community Acupuncture Treatment. We’ll send you some paperwork electronically to fill out ahead of your appointment. Then, all you need to do is show up and start relaxing 🙂

Or, if you prefer, you can simply walk-in to our community clinic during scheduled hours starting August 10, 2021.

If you’d like to be evaluated one-on-one with a practitioner before starting treatment, give us a call to book a New Patient Evaluation in our private clinic. This is not required in order to receive treatment in the community setting, but it is encouraged as it can greatly improve your practitioner’s ability to understand your unique health concerns and tailor the treatment to them. Then once this is completed, you can book your acupuncture treatments in the community room.

I am currently a patient in the private clinic. Can I receive treatment on the community side?

Yes, you certainly can! Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• If you are pregnant, you must be seen in the private clinic for an evaluation so that your provider can approve you for community care. Please contact us prior to setting up your community appointment if this is the case.
• If you have received treatment on the private side in the last 3 years, you can book your appointments on the community side as an Existing Patient. You do not need to start over as a new patient on the community side.
• If you are currently a self-pay patient on the private side with package credit on your account, you may use this credit for treatments you attend on the community side.
• The service on the community side is streamlined and as such, does not include some services that the private side does.
• Insurance is not accepted on the community side (see below).

Is insurance accepted?

Insurance is not accepted on the community side. These treatments do not meet the insurance definitions of acupuncture due to the group nature and brief contact spent with the practitioner. If you would like your acupuncture treatments to be submitted to your insurance, you will need to be treated on the private side. As such, we cannot provided coded receipts to be used for HSA/FSA reimbursement on the community side. However, we can provide charge receipts and depending on your HSA/FSA carrier, this may be all they require for reimbursement.

What is the cost?

Take a look at the cost for community acupuncture.

What exactly happens during a treatment?

Here is a breakdown of what to expect. You’ll check in at the desk, and fill out a brief summary of what you are seeking treatment for today. Then, you’ll be directed to a comfy recliner with a beautiful nature view! The practitioner will speak to you briefly about your concerns, and then administer the acupuncture treatment. This can involve anywhere from 4-20 needles placed on your arms, legs, and/or head. You will remain fully clothed – please wear loose clothing that can be rolled up to the knee and elbow. You’ll rest comfortably with the needles in for 30-45min. Many people fall asleep during this time, meditate, or just listen to the music and rest.

Do I have to get undressed in front of people?

Nope! No one gets undressed – we just need access to your arms, legs, and head. All conditions can be treated with acupuncture points along these places alone – no need to undress at all.

I have back pain. Can this be treated in the community clinic?

Yes! Acupuncture theory uses meridians along the body to treat various conditions. Back pain doesn’t have to be treated by putting needles on the back! We often use points on the hand, head, and around the knees and elbows to effectively treat back pain. So keep in mind that you may not have a needle right where it hurts – this is by design.

I am scared of needles/nervous about acupuncture. How will I be accommodated?

Most people with some trepidation around their first acupuncture treatment don’t realize just how tiny the needles are! They are about the width of a hair. Sometimes a small pinch is felt on insertion, sometimes you don’t feel much at all. In any case, we can accommodate even the most nervous patient. You may be offered acupressure (just gentle pressure applied to acupuncture points on the body – no needles), or acu “stickies” which are extraordinarily tiny needles (difficult to even see with the naked eye) that are stuck on with small piece of surgical tape. Stickies are used frequently with kids and highly sensitive patients and produce little to no sensation when applied.

I have multiple chronic health issues but I can’t afford private treatment. What should I do?

You have a couple of options. The best option would be to book a new patient evaluation in our private clinic. The self-pay rate for this is $90. You will have a private, one-on-one conversation with a practitioner who will evaluate you in depth and make recommendations on how to move forward with treatment keeping your budget restraints in mind. This may be a combination of community and private treatments, or perhaps community treatments with periodic re-evaluations ($63 self-pay) in the private clinic.

The other option is to simply begin treatment in the community clinic and see what degree of relief you get for your symptoms.

What kind of health issues can you treat?

There aren’t many health issues that acupuncture can’t treat! In the community clinic, it’s common for folks to be treated for stress, headaches, neck, back, or joint pain, digestive upset, fatigue, or trouble sleeping. But, nearly any condition can be treated here. The more complex your condition, the more likely you’ll be a better candidate for private treatment rather than community. But if that is not an option for you, we will do our best and see what can be done!

Please note that if you are acutely ill with cold, flu, or a stomach bug (anything that can be contagious), we will not be able to treat you in the community clinic until you are well (private treatment is an option for you, though).

How often can I come / will I need to come?

Your practitioner may make a recommendation for treatment frequency based on your condition. However, you are free to come as often as you wish. There is no limit.

Can kids get treatment here?

Absolutely! Kids age 4 and above who can sit quietly or quietly in your lap/as you hold them can receive treatment on the community side. For kids under age 4 or who cannot sit quietly, please book their appointment on the private side.

Can I receive treatment here if I am pregnant?

If you are currently pregnant, please contact our office prior to booking an appointment in the community clinic. You will need to first be seen in our private clinic.

Can I work/use my phone during the treatment?

Nope! Part of the healing comes from relaxing the body and mind while the needles do their work. Please leave all electronic devices in your car or turned completely off so there is no chance of disturbing the other patients. You are welcome to keep your phone with you on airplane mode if you’d like to use it for music (with headphones) during your treatment.

Is everyone going to be able to hear my business??

Although the community room does employ a group treatment setting which makes complete privacy impossible, your practitioner will make every effort to speak softly and with discretion so as not to broadcast your health issues to the whole room.

Why was I told I cannot receive treatment in the community clinic?

There are some circumstances that may prevent us from treating you in the community clinic. This is determined on a case-by-case basis so if you are not sure whether you are a candidate for community acupuncture, please contact us prior to booking your appointment.