acupuncture-center-graphicFAQ’s

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an effective form of health care that has evolved into a complete and holistic medical system. Practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine have used this noninvasive medical system to diagnose and help millions of people get well and stay healthy.

An acupuncturist will place fine, sterile needles at specific acupoints on the body. This activates the body’s Qi and promotes natural healing by enhancing recuperative power, immunity and physical and emotional health. It also can improve overall function and well-being. It is a safe, painless and effective way to treat a wide variety of medical problems. Other techniques used to stimulate the surface of your skin to improve the flow of Qi are Electro-Stimulation, Color (wavelengths of Light), Cupping, Massage, Moxibustion (Moxa), and Skin Scrapping (Gua Sha). We specialize in the non-needle stimulation of acupressure points using micro-current and color-light therapy (MEA). This can be used for facial rejuvenation and facial reflexology for the whole body!

What will my acupuncurist do?

During the initial exam a full health history will be taken. Questions will be asked regarding symptoms, health and lifestyle. Your acupuncturist also may check pulses and your tongue and may conduct a physical exam. This information is then organized to create a complete, accurate and comprehensive diagnosis of where Qi has become blocked or imbalanced. After the interview process, you may receive an acupuncture treatment. Visits with your acupuncturist may last from thirty to sixty minutes.

Why do they want to feel my pulse?
There are twelve pulse positions on each wrist that your acupuncturist will palpate. Each position corresponds to a specific meridian and organ. Your acupuncturist will be looking for twenty-seven individual qualities that reflect overall health. If there are any problems, they may appear in the pulse.

"Pulse-Positions

Why do they want to look at my tongue?
The tongue is a map of the body. It reflects the general health of the organs and meridians. Your acupuncturist will look at the color, shape, cracks and coating on your tongue.

Why did my acupuncturist recommend herbs?
Herbs can be a powerful adjunct to acupuncture care. They are used to strengthen, build and support the body or to clear it of excess problems like a cold, fever or acute pain. Your practitioner may suggest starting with herbs and then adding acupuncture to your treatment in the future. This is suggested to build up your internal strength so you can receive the full benefits acupuncture has to offer.
Is acupuncture safe for children?
Yes. In some instances children actually respond more quickly than adults. If your child has an aversion to needles, your acupuncturist may massage the acupuncture points. This is called acupressure or tuina.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments will vary from person to person. Some people experience immediate relief; others may take months or even years to achieve results. Chronic conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute ones. Plan on a minimum of a month to see significant changes.

Treatment frequency depends on a variety of factors: your constitution, the severity and duration of the problem and the quality and quantity of your Qi. An acupuncturist may suggest one or two treatments per week, or monthly visits for health maintenance and seasonal “tune ups”.

How much does it cost?
Rates vary and depend upon what procedures are performed. It is best to consult with your acupuncturist about costs.
Will my insurance cover acupuncture?
Insurance coverage varies from state to state. Contact your insurance provider to learn what kind of care is covered. Here are a few questions to ask:

  • Will my plan cover acupuncture?
  • How many visits per calendar year?
  • Do I need a referral?
  • Do I have a co-pay?
  • Do I have a deductible?
  • If yes, has it been met?
  • Most insurance plans only cover the treatment of pain; please be sure to ask if there are any limitations to diagnosis?
How should I prepare?
  • Write down and bring any questions you have. We are here to help you.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points.
  • Do not eat large meals just before or after your visit.
  • Refrain from overexertion, working out, drugs or alcohol for up to six hours after the visit.
  • Avoid stressful situations. Make time to relax, and be sure to get plenty of rest.
  • Between visits, take notes of any changes that may have occurred, such as the alleviation of pain, pain moving to other areas, or changes in the frequency and type of problems.
How safe is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is an all-natural, drug-free therapy, yielding no side effects just feelings of relaxation and well-being. There is little danger of infection from acupuncture needles because they are sterile, used once, and then discarded.
How are acupuncturists educated?
Today, acupuncturists undertake three to four years of extensive and comprehensive graduate training at nationally certified schools. All acupuncturists must pass a national exam and meet strict guidelines to practice in every state.
What can acupuncturists treat?

Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems. Below are some of the health concerns that acupuncture can effectively treat:

  • Addiction
  • Anxiety
  • Arthritis
  • Asthma
  • Bronchitis
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Colitis
  • Common cold
  • Constipation
  • Dental pain
  • Depression
  • Diarrhea
  • Digestive trouble
  • Dizziness
  • Dysentery
  • Emotional problems
  • Eye problems
  • Facial palsy
  • Fatigue
  • Fertility
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Gingivitis
  • Headache
  • Hiccough
  • Incontinence
  • Indigestion
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Low back pain
  • Menopause
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • Migraine
  • Morning sickness
  • Nausea
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Pain
  • PMS
  • Pneumonia
  • Reproductive problems
  • Rhinitis
  • Sciatica
  • Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
  • Shoulder pain
  • Sinusitis
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Smoking cessation
  • Sore throat
  • Stress
  • Tennis elbow
  • Tonsillitis
  • Tooth pain
  • Trigeminal neuralgia
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Vomiting
  • Wrist pain
Will my insurance cover acupuncture?
Our fees are competitive within our area.
Payment is expected at time of service. Our office accepts cash, checks, all major credit cards, Health savings accounts (HSA), or Flexible spending accounts (FSA).

A Note About Insurance
To support The Radiant Core method, we choose not to work directly with insurance—and that’s intentional. It allows us to focus fully on your healing, rather than what insurance will or won’t approve.

At the time of this writing, there are only 2 insurance plans that are supportive of Acupuncture patient care. United Healthcare Commercial Plan, and TriWest for Veterans (Veterans can obtain a referral from the Veterans Administration prior to seeking treatment).

Investing in Your Radiant Wellness
We understand the desire to use insurance—and that’s a smart, practical question. Our signature Radiant Core Method, at the heart of all of our services, goes beyond conventional pain management, offering deeply holistic care through facial rejuvenation acupuncture, pelvic floor dry needling, digestive balancing, and pain relief with manual therapies.

While we are out-of-network, we’re happy to provide a superbill for you to submit for potential reimbursement, depending on your plan.

It’s important to know: insurance typically covers short, standardized acupuncture sessions—focused only on symptom relief for musculoskeletal pain and limited to about 8–15 minutes of direct face to face care.

What we offer is different. These are integrative wellness sessions that prioritize whole-body healing, nervous system regulation, and functional restoration. It’s not a quick fix—it’s a transformative process.

Clients who choose to invest out-of-pocket aren’t just chasing relief. They’re reclaiming vitality. Each session builds toward graceful aging, pelvic strength, radiant gut health, and glowing skin—from the inside out.

To support your journey, we offer care packages that encourage consistency and provide savings. When you’re ready to go deeper, we’re here to guide you toward lasting change—radiant, strong, and truly well.