Acupuncture FAQs

No, although I am happy to provide you with a Superbill and / or receipt if you would like to submit this to your insurance.

Not taking insurance allows me to focus all of my time taking care of you, the patient! While some insurance plans now cover acupuncture, most do not. Additionally, insurance coverage is often low enough that physicians taking insurance have to see many acupuncture patients a day. Visits are shorter and patients may not get great outcomes. So, not taking insurance -> better outcomes for you!

Yes! Just request this and I am happy to provide it. Some insurance plans will let you submit a “superbill” for out of network reimbursement. Check with your insurance plan for details.

I typically see patients starting around age 6, and I will see patients as old as 100! There are also ways to do acupuncture with kids younger than age 6. If you have questions, schedule a free Meet and Greet or complete the Contact Form. We’ll chat!

Lots of studies show that acupuncture is an effective treatment for migraine prevention and for musculoskeletal pain, such as low back pain and sports injuries. It can also be effective in helping anxiety, depression, and insomnia. If you’re wondering whether acupuncture can help with your specific condition, reach out to me! You can click on the "Email" button in the website footer. You can also schedule a free 15 minute “Meet and Greet” to discuss your questions with me. Schedule this by clicking one of the "Book Now" buttons.

They are relaxed and comfortable. Many people fall asleep during acupuncture sessions! After we talk for a few minutes, you will lie on an acupuncture table (similar to a massage table) and I will place the needles. We can utilize aromatherapy (essential oil sprays) and relaxing music. After the needles are placed, I turn the lights down and give you some time and space to relax. After about 20 minutes, I take the needles out.

An initial session may take about an hour since we will discuss your condition and your medical history. Follow-up sessions will take 30-45 minutes.

If possible, wear relaxed, comfortable clothing. I will often have you remove your shoes and socks, and it’s great if you have clothing that allows access to your lower legs and lower arms (such as pants and sleeves that can be pushed up). Coming straight from work? No worries. We have lots of flexibility regarding where I place the needles. We will make it work! Additionally, I have gowns that you can change into if desired.

You may feel tired and relaxed after treatments. You will want to make sure that you are alert before driving home. There are no restrictions after acupuncture, although it’s great to avoid strenuous workouts for the rest of the day if possible. Chinese wisdom says to “go gently through your day” after an acupuncture treatment.

This depends! For conditions that have just started in the last few weeks, you may see significant results after only 1 or 2 acupuncture sessions. For conditions that are more chronic (e.g. back pain for the past 3 years or migraine headaches for the past 9 months), it often takes 6 to 8 acupuncture sessions to see lasting results. You may see some improvement after the first few sessions, and continuing with acupuncture typically leads to more lasting improvement. I will typically recommend an initial series of 6-8 sessions. Often we can then space out to maintenance sessions once a month.

This depends! Common places include the hands, feet, scalp, and lower arms and legs. Needles may also be placed in the back and in other locations. We will discuss this together at the beginning of each session. Since there are over 300 acupuncture points, we can find locations that are comfortable for you.

I will email you a consent form and a form to get some additional information. I will collect your payment information, and you will be charged on the day of the appointment.

Sure! You can click on the ”Email” button in the website footer or you can schedule a free 15 minute “Meet and Greet” call using the “Book Now” button. On the call will I can answer any questions that you have about me and how the practice works.

No. Unless you are also one of my pediatric headache, ADHD, anxiety, or depression patients, I will not prescribe medications or provide medical advice. Your primary care physician and/or medical specialists will continue medical management of your condition(s).

There are many ways to do acupuncture, including some acupuncture “stickers” with very tiny tacks, as well as even some non-needle techniques, such as laser acupuncture. The needles used for acupuncture are VERY small, and we can go very slowly and gradually work up to using the needles. So, if you’re interested in acupuncture, reach out! Schedule a free Meet and Greet and we can discuss your specific situation. I’ve helped many patients with needle phobia, and in time they usually do great with acupuncture.

It’s important to let me know if you are pregnant or think that you may be pregnant. Reach out and let me know this before your appointment so that we can discuss options. You can also schedule a free Meet and Greet call.

Nope! All adults and kids are welcome to receive acupuncture at Bloom.