What people ask before they book

Most people feel a brief pressure, a dull ache or a warm spread at some needles, and some feel almost nothing. The needles are hair-thin. Tell your acupuncturist right away if anything is uncomfortable, and they will adjust it or take the needle out.

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

Some plans do and some do not. Before your first visit we call your plan and tell you what it says: whether there is an acupuncture benefit, how many visits it allows and whether there is a copay or a deductible. If you pay without insurance, we give you a written estimate first.

Many health savings and flexible spending cards work for acupuncture. Your plan administrator has the final say, and we give you an itemized receipt after every visit.

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

Wear loose clothes that roll up past the knee and the elbow. Eat something light a couple of hours before. It is better not to come hungry or very full.

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

No. Keep taking everything your prescriber has given you. Bring us a list of everything you take, medicines and supplements included. Acupuncture does not replace your doctor's care.

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.