FOR PATIENTS
Frequently Asked Questions
New to Our Acupuncture Clinic? We’re Here to Help.
Whether you're considering acupuncture for the first time or preparing for your first visit, we want you to feel comfortable and informed. Below you'll find answers to some of the questions we hear most often from patients at our Chicago acupuncture clinic.
Will my insurance cover acupuncture treatments?
Acupuncture benefits vary considerably between insurance plans. We are in network with several major insurance companies, and when your plan includes acupuncture benefits, our office can help verify your coverage and submit eligible claims on your behalf.
Coverage may depend on your diagnosis, deductible, copayment or coinsurance, number of allowed visits, and whether your provider is considered in network.
When checking your benefits, helpful questions to ask your insurance company include whether acupuncture is covered, which conditions qualify for coverage, how many visits are allowed each year, your deductible and copayment or coinsurance, and whether your benefits differ for in-network and out-of-network providers.
What if my insurance doesn't cover acupuncture?
We believe acupuncture should remain accessible even when insurance isn't available. We offer reasonable self-pay rates for patients who don't have acupuncture benefits or prefer not to use insurance.
Acupuncture is also generally an eligible expense for Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). We can provide appropriate receipts when needed.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a traditional therapeutic practice that involves inserting very fine, sterile needles at specific points on the body.
From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, acupuncture is used to promote balance and healthy circulation throughout the body. Modern research suggests that acupuncture may produce effects through several interconnected mechanisms involving the nervous system, pain signaling, connective tissue, local circulation, and other physiological responses.
For a more detailed explanation of acupuncture and how we incorporate it into individualized care:
How does acupuncture work?
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective
According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture works by promoting the smooth flow of Qi (energy) and blood through pathways in the body known as meridians. These pathways are traditionally described as connecting and nourishing the body's organs and tissues.
When the flow of Qi becomes disrupted or obstructed, imbalance may develop and contribute to symptoms such as pain or other health concerns. By stimulating specific acupuncture points, treatment is traditionally understood to help restore the smooth flow of Qi, promote balance, and support the body's natural ability to regulate itself.
From a Modern Scientific Perspective
Modern research suggests that acupuncture produces its effects through several interconnected physiological mechanisms. Stimulation of acupuncture points can influence the nervous system, pain-processing pathways, connective tissue, local circulation, and the release of naturally occurring neurochemicals such as endorphins.
Research also suggests that acupuncture may influence aspects of autonomic nervous system regulation and the body's response to pain and stress. Rather than acting through one single mechanism, acupuncture appears to create a variety of local and nervous-system responses that may help explain its effects on pain, muscle tension, relaxation, and overall well-being.
Watch the video below to learn more about Qi, acupuncture, and the Chinese medicine approach to restoring balance.
What is Qi?
Qi (pronounced “chee”) is a fundamental concept in traditional Chinese medicine. It is often translated as “energy” or “vital energy,” although the traditional meaning is broader and describes the functional activity and vitality of the body.
According to Chinese medicine theory, Qi circulates throughout the body along pathways known as meridians and plays a role in maintaining balance and healthy function. When the flow of Qi becomes disrupted, deficient, or out of balance, it may contribute to patterns of discomfort or illness.
Acupuncture uses specific points along these pathways to help restore balance and encourage the smooth circulation of Qi and blood throughout the body.
Want to understand Qi a little better? Watch the video below as our licensed acupuncturist explains Qi from a Chinese medicine perspective and how it relates to acupuncture and restoring balance.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most people are surprised by how comfortable acupuncture is. Acupuncture needles are extremely thin—much finer than the hypodermic needles used for injections or blood draws.
You may feel a brief pinch as a needle is inserted, followed by sensations such as warmth, tingling, heaviness, or a mild dull ache. These sensations are generally brief and should not be painful. Many patients become deeply relaxed during treatment, and some even fall asleep.
Watch the video below where our licensed acupuncturist talks about the needles used at our acupuncture clinic.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes. When performed by a properly trained, licensed acupuncturist, acupuncture is generally considered very safe.
Our licensed acupuncturists are trained in Clean Needle Technique (CNT) and use sterile, single-use, disposable acupuncture needles. We also review your health history, medications, pregnancy status, and other relevant health concerns so your treatment can be appropriately tailored to you.
What can I expect at my first acupuncture appointment?
Your first visit begins with a conversation about your primary concerns, health history, symptoms, lifestyle, and treatment goals. Your acupuncturist may also perform assessments based on Chinese medicine, including examining your tongue and pulse, as well as other relevant physical assessments.
Your treatment will then be customized to your individual needs. In addition to acupuncture, your session may include complementary techniques such as electroacupuncture, cupping, gua sha, bodywork, or heat therapy when appropriate.
Please allow approximately 60 minutes for your first appointment. Follow-up appointments generally last about 50–60 minutes.
How should I prepare for my acupuncture appointment?
We recommend eating a light meal or snack within a few hours of your appointment rather than arriving on an empty stomach. Stay normally hydrated and avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol before treatment.
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is helpful, although we can provide clothes to change into and/or appropriate draping when areas covered by clothing need to be treated.
If this is your first visit, please complete any requested intake forms before your appointment so your acupuncturist has time to review your health history.
How many acupuncture treatments will I need?
There is no single treatment schedule that works for everyone. The number and frequency of acupuncture treatments depend on factors such as the nature and duration of your condition, its severity, your overall health, and how you respond to treatment.
Acute problems may improve relatively quickly, while longstanding or more complex conditions often require a longer course of care.
Your acupuncturist will recommend a treatment schedule based on your individual situation. Initially, this may mean treatment once or twice a week, with visits becoming less frequent as your condition improves.
What conditions can acupuncture help with?
Patients seek acupuncture for many different health concerns. At our practice, we commonly work with people seeking support for:
- Back, neck, joint, and musculoskeletal pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Fertility and women's health
- Stress, anxiety, and sleep concerns
- Digestive symptoms
- Menstrual and hormonal concerns
- Chronic and inflammatory health conditions
- General wellness and stress management
Because acupuncture isn't appropriate as a stand-alone treatment for every condition, we may also recommend that you consult your physician or another healthcare professional when appropriate.
What is the difference between a licensed acupuncturist and other practitioners who offer needling techniques?
Licensed acupuncturists complete extensive graduate-level education and supervised clinical training specifically focused on acupuncture and Chinese medicine and must meet state licensing requirements.
Their education includes acupuncture theory and technique, anatomy and physiology, safety and Clean Needle Technique, clinical assessment, Chinese medicine theory, and extensive supervised patient care.
Because acupuncture is the primary focus of our professional training and clinical practice, our acupuncturists are able to individualize treatments using the broader principles and techniques of Chinese medicine.