Frequently Asked Questions

Anyone! Acupuncture can treat so many things and there is almost always a way I can help you. Please advise me if you experience any of the following: 

• Are pregnant

• Have a pacemaker or heart condition

• Have experienced syncope

• Have diabetes or a clotting disorder

• Are on blood thinners such as Coumadin, Warfarin, Heparin

• Have a fear of needles or have ever had a reaction to needles

These are not contraindications to acupuncture but we might simply have to adapt the treatement to it safer for you.

Insurance coverage is constantly changing – more and more companies are starting to cover acupuncture. Speak with your insurance provider for further details. For federal employees. acpuncture services will be covered as of next year (see article here). 

Fun fact: insurance companies tend to provide coverage for services that are in demand. So if you would like to have your acupuncture treatments covered, let your insurance company know! The more requests they have, the more likely they are to cover it. 

The most important thing is to ensure that you have eaten. Acupuncture can produce a strong effect and fasting people have been known to be prone to fainting. Also, I am unable to treat you if you have consumed alcohol or drugs. It would become harder for me to predict the effect of the treatment and it could be unsafe for you.

We will use a massage bed with sheets on it so you can disrobe safely. Some people like to bring shorts and tank tops to wear during the treatment. It is totally up to you but please note that back treatments will require having your back uncovered. 

If possible try to plan for a slow day after treatment. A lot of people experience tiredness or fatigue in the hours after a session. The best course of action is to eat good and nourishing foods, avoid drinking alcohol and go to bed early. You'll feel even more benefits from the treatment if you follow these advices. 

It depends. After we decide on a treatment plan, I will decide which modalities to use. I might use cupping, gua sha or tuina for example. I will make sure to explain the different modalities and seek your consent before using them. 

First step will be obtaining your consent for assessment and treatment. Then we'll take some time to discuss and I'll ask you A LOT of questions. Yes, even personal questions like ''how's your poop?''. But don't worry, everything is absolutely confidential and most importantly, it will help me come up with your diagnosis.  I will explain the treatment plan and then we'll put that into action right away. After needles are inserted, you'll be resting for 20 minutes. I usually apply other modalities after that part of the treatment but that can vary. The whole treatment will take approximately one hour, except for the first one where we book 1h15 min to do the initial consultation.