Your Health is
Our Priority

Always ask about the training and experience of a health professional. Qualified, state-licensed acupuncturists get thousands of hours of specialized training. 

At Acupuncture USA, we are trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).  We are passionate about treating patients by seeking out the root of problems and eliminating symptoms.  Wisdom says that short term pain produces long term gains.

For most conditions we treat, acupuncture provides significant relief.  Any condition that is characterized by inflammation and pain, or an imbalance in hormones, immunity or neurotransmitters, is likely to respond.  

Acupuncture regulates the production of the body’s natural anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving chemicals, and improves functioning of the endocrine, immune and digestive systems. The World Health Organization lists over 40 illnesses that respond to acupuncture. 

The Initial Consultation/Treatment includes an opportunity for us to obtain as much information as possible on your individual health issues. We take sufficient time to be good listeners, taking comprehensive notes about both your present health concerns and your past medical history. Seemingly unrelated or unimportant symptoms may actually provide keys to help us understand hidden weaknesses. 

A specialized acupuncture exam will be performed, including the palpation of points on the abdomen. Manual muscle testing may also be performed. During the exam the focus is on diagnosing which nerve or organ systems might not be functioning optimally, and then proceeding to treat those specific areas in order to bring the body back into balance. 

It’s advisable to wear loose, comfortable clothing. Most of the points we use are on the arms and legs, so patients generally remain dressed during the treatment. We make great efforts to accommodate our patient’s schedules, including some early-evening appointments, so if you have special circumstances please let us know.

The initial visit, which includes a full medical history, acupuncture exam and treatment, generally takes 90 minutes. Subsequent visits are between 50 minutes and an hour. During each visit, a progress report will be discussed and a brief acupuncture-specific exam will be performed before the needles are inserted. The needles are left in place approximately 25 minutes.

We endeavor to keep our fees affordable, and you will find our fees on the low side, especially considering our many years of experience. You can find our present fee schedule here. Herbs and Nutritional supplements are extra, and prices vary.

We usually see patients once a week, for a series of treatments. Effects are cumulative and the recovery rate depends on many factors: the length of time an illness has been present, the severity of illness, patient compliance with lifestyle and dietary suggestions, and an individual’s unique response to treatment.

Some people will see results in a couple of treatments and others my need 6-8 treatments before experiencing a notable difference. Once the positive effects of treatment are “holding” or lasting, we generally start to space out the treatment intervals. For some, the condition will resolve, and for others we will reach a point where the results reach a plateau, and a maintenance program will be recommended to sustain the achieved results. This varies with individuals and may be once a month, once a quarter, or sometimes a short series of treatments once or twice a year.

While acupuncture may take longer than medication for an initial response, once the treatments begin to ‘take,’ the effects are usually long-lasting. Some patients we treated fifteen or twenty years ago have remained free of relapses. Others, depending on the condition, require periodic ‘tune-ups’ to maintain their health. 

Acupuncture is capable of providing a long-lasting solution because it actually improves the way the body functions, and stimulates the body’s resistance and latent abilities to heal. You actually become healthier. In contrast, when the effects of medications wear off, we often remain in the same state we were in before the medication was taken, thus increasing dependency on the drug. Where possible, our job is to help you become free of any medical interventions, including ours. 

Extremely. When performed by a licensed professional, acupuncture is remarkably safe and virtually without side-effects. Relatively few complications from acupuncture have been reported to the FDA considering the millions of people treated each year. A 2002 National Health Interview survey found the incidence of adverse reactions very low.

Occasionally there is some residual pain at the site of the needle placement. This is usually brief and mild. Sometimes there is a small drop of blood when a needle is removed. A worsening of symptoms is quite rare.

Rest assured that all needles in the clinic are guaranteed sterile and are made of surgical stainless steel. A new set of disposable needles is taken from a sealed package for each patient.Needles  are properly disposed in a sharps container afterwards.

The needles are extremely fine and insertion is virtually painless for most people. Small plastic guide tubes are used to swiftly insert the needles with little discomfort. Our clinic uses a Japanese technique, which utilizes needles that are much thinner than that used with traditional Chinese approaches (40 gauge vs. 30 gauge). People describe the sensation in a variety of ways  from almost nothing, to a tingle, to a mild ache, or a slight sting for a few seconds, like a pinch. 

Whatever sensation is experienced, it quickly goes away and the patient is resting comfortably on the table during treatment. Most feel relaxed, and some even fall asleep! It’s common to be energized after the treatment, and to feel an increased level of well-being.

Acupuncture should not interfere; it should complement or enhance your medical care. As treatments progress, acupuncture can reduce the need for some medications.  However, we do not recommend reducing your medications without consulting your doctor. We are more than willing to discuss any special circumstances with you.

Some health insurance companies are starting to cover acupuncture. Contact your insurance company and ask whether or not your policy covers acupuncture by a licensed acupuncturist. Payment is required at the time of treatment, but we can make a ‘super bill’ receipt for submission to your insurance company for reimbursement, if covered. Acupuncture is fully deductible in a medical savings account and we are happy to print receipts for that purpose.