What can I expect during my visit?
Treatments are administered in a private setting.
During your first visit you will have 15-30 min time with a practitioner to go over in-depth health history and diagnosis by pulse and tongue followed by a 30-50 min acupuncture treatment. While we don’t require labs or medical history forms, we are more than happy to have a look at them.
The treatment consists of acupuncture and may include other Chinese modalities such as cupping, gua sha, moxa, massage and/or electric stimulation.
During the session, there are heat lamps, table warmers and music to keep you comfortable. Some people fall asleep during treatment and find it relaxing. Others are energized and feel renewed.
Your visits might be paired with Chinese herbs, which work in tandem to promote healing and restoration.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are not at all like what you are imagining. These solid needles are hair thin and are not painful like hypodermic needles. They are inserted gently into the skin. Most patients find that there is no discomfort. The needles are retained for 20-40 minutes while you relax. The sterile, single use needles are disposed of after each treatment.
First Visit Intake Forms
Prior to arriving for your first appointment, you can fill these forms out online. Or you can download here, print and bring with you.
First Visit Payment
We expect full payment at time of service. We do not take or file insurance, but are more than happy to help you get reimbursed. A superbill will be provided for you.
Forms of payment we accept: all major credit cards, debit cards, as well as HSA or FSA cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice of using very thin needles, piercing the skin along meridian points in the body, to treat conditions such as pain, or various other conditions.
Will the needles hurt?
Acupuncture needles are very thin and are not painful like hypodermic needles. Most patients find that there is no discomfort. The needles are retained for 20-30 minutes while you relax. The needles are sterile and are disposed of after each treatment.
What can I expect during my first visit?
Treatments are administered in a private setting. You will first sit with your practitioner and discuss the health questionnaire forms you have filled out with your health history and ongoing conditions you want treated. You will then undress to a level you feel comfortable with, and lay on a padded treatment table, covered with sheets, and blankets if necessary. There are heat lamps and music to keep you comfortable. Some people fall asleep during treatment, and find it relaxing. Others are energized and feel renewed. Remember to drink plenty of water after your visit.
How should I prepare for my acupuncture treatment?
It is not recommended to receive treatment if you are very hungry and/or extremely tired. Therefore, patients should have a small meal or snack before the appointment and wear comfortable, loose clothing. Please let us know if you are pregnant or have a pacemaker so appropriate acupuncture points can be selected. In addition, please have a list of any medications you are taking.
What does acupuncture help with?
Acupuncture can help with a wide variety of conditions, ranging from pain alleviation to fertility issues.
Here’s a list of symptoms or conditions that the National Institute of Health and the World Health Organization studies have found acupuncture to be effective for:
- Allergies, asthma, colds
- Depression, anxiety, stress management
- Headache, migraines, hypertension
- Knee pain, low back pain, arthritis, and injury
- Smoking cessation
- And much more… You can read more about conditions we treat here.
How often will I need to come in?
Usually, a series of treatments are needed; longer treatment plans are typically required for more severe or chronic conditions.
Some patients respond after only one or two treatments, while it may take several weeks for others. Your provider will discuss with you the optimal treatment plan for your case based on your individual case.
How long will my appointment be?
Your first visit may last up to 1 1/2 hours. Please be courteous and have your health forms filled out ahead of time. This will ensure your visit will be on time, and you can spend more time with your practitioner. All follow up visits last about an hour.
Do you take insurance?
We do not accept insurance. Full payment is required at time of service. Note: More and more insurance companies are covering acupuncture services. If you think your health plan may cover acupuncture, we can give you a superbill (invoice) for you to submit to your insurance company that has the diagnostic codes you will need to file a claim. When calling your insurance carrier, be sure to ask when or how they will cover the service. IE, is it for pain? headaches? fertility?
What form of payment do you take?
We accept all major credit and debit cards. You can also pay with a HSA or FSA account card.
Cash is generally accepted but it would have to be exact. We don’t have change.
We do not accept insurance. Full payment is required at time of service.
How much will my appointment cost?
New visits are $150, and follow-ups are $100. For more information click here.
Cancellation Policy
We require 24-hour notice for all cancellations.
Missed appointments and cancellations made within 24 hours are subject to be billed at the regular price for the session.
Gift Certificates
Our gift certificates make great gifts for anyone interested in improving their health and well-being, as well as current patients. Please email frontdesk@acuatlanta.net to inquire.