Acupuncture FAQ — Your Questions Answered

Your initial visit is 90 minutes. The first half is a comprehensive intake: we’ll discuss your health history, main concerns, lifestyle, sleep, digestion, and emotional wellbeing. Pinghe Liou will examine your tongue and take your pulse at both wrists (two primary diagnostic tools in Traditional Chinese Medicine). The second half is your first acupuncture treatment. You’ll lie comfortably on a treatment table while ultra-thin needles are placed at specific acupoints. The needles are retained for 25–30 minutes as you rest. Most patients feel relaxed; many fall asleep.

Acupuncture needles are far thinner than hypodermic needles, about the diameter of a human hair. Insertion is rarely painful. You may feel a brief sensation of warmth, tingling, or a mild dull ache at the needle site, called “de qi” (arrival of Qi), a therapeutic response that is normal. Most patients find treatments relaxing.

Yes. Acupuncture is one of the safest medical procedures when performed by a licensed practitioner. Angel Holistic Acupuncture uses sterile, single-use needles, disposed of after every treatment. Serious adverse events are exceedingly rare. Common minor responses include light bruising or temporary soreness at needle sites.

This depends on your condition and how long you’ve had it. Acute conditions may resolve in 3–6 sessions. Chronic conditions typically require 8–12 sessions to achieve lasting results. You’ll receive a personalized treatment plan at your initial consultation with a realistic timeline based on your specific situation. For a full condition-by-condition breakdown, see our article: How Many Acupuncture Sessions Do You Need?

Eat a light meal 1–2 hours before (not on an empty stomach). Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows access to your arms and legs. Avoid alcohol on the day of treatment. Bring a list of any medications or supplements you take.

Yes, with appropriate modifications. Certain acupoints are contraindicated during pregnancy and are avoided by experienced practitioners. Acupuncture is commonly used to treat morning sickness, back pain, and other pregnancy-related discomforts, and to prepare for labor. Always inform your provider that you are pregnant.

Yes. Acupuncture can be adapted for pediatric patients. Children with anxiety, digestive issues, allergies, and other conditions respond well to treatment. Needle-free alternatives (acupressure, tuina) are available for very young or needle-sensitive children.

Patients on anticoagulants (warfarin, aspirin, Plavix) can receive acupuncture with minor modifications: needles are placed more shallowly and pressure is applied after removal. Inform us of all medications before your first visit.

The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture for over 100 conditions. Angel Holistic Acupuncture specializes in: pain management (back, neck, joint), fertility and reproductive health, anxiety and stress, migraines and headaches, digestive disorders, insomnia, menopausal symptoms, and more. If you don’t see your condition listed, call us. We may still be able to help.

Yes, many plans do. We accept Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, and VA/Veterans Affairs. We verify your benefits before your first visit so you know exactly what to expect. See our Insurance & Pricing page for details.

Initial consultation: $150 (90 minutes, includes intake and first treatment). Follow-up sessions: $85 (50–60 minutes). Package pricing is available. HSA/FSA accounts accepted.

Most insurance plans do not require a referral for acupuncture. VA benefits do not require a referral at our clinic. We’ll confirm your plan’s requirements during benefits verification.

Many patients notice improvement after 2–3 sessions. The timeline depends on the condition: acute pain often responds quickly; chronic or complex conditions take longer. Acupuncture has a cumulative effect: each treatment builds on the last.

Yes. Acupuncture is an excellent complement to conventional medical care, physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, and psychiatric care. Always inform both your acupuncturist and your other providers about all treatments you’re receiving.

Herbal medicine is optional, not required. Pinghe Liou may recommend a custom herbal formula to enhance your acupuncture treatment. All herbal recommendations are individualized based on your TCM pattern diagnosis and are reviewed for interactions with your current medications.