Common Q's
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What should I bring to my appointment?
Bring yourself some comfy clothing that allows easy access to your arms and legs (i.e., avoid skinny jeans on acupuncture day). If you have any recent lab work or another diagnostic testing, please feel free to bring a copy to the office; this can help us guide your retreatment plan. If you plan to use your health insurance to pay for your visit, please bring your insurance card and driver's license.
How many treatments before I start feeling better?
The number of treatments required to see a change in a pattern or symptom depends on several factors. Conditions that have been in place for many years can sometimes be stubborn and take more treatments to resolve than an acute situation. Most conditions should see a significant change in 6-10 treatments. As part of your first appointment, we will discuss your health in-depth in order to come up with an appropriate treatment schedule for your specific needs.
What will my first treatment be like?
When you meet with your practitioner for the first time, you will have a comprehensive talk about your health history, lifestyle and treatment goals. All this information helps the practitioner develop a dynamic view of your health. This first talk typically takes 30-45 minutes. The remainder of the time will focus on treatment, including acupuncture and possibly other modalities such as Tui Na, moxibustion, gua sha, cupping, and/or lifestyle and nutrition counseling. You have been given small “homework” such as stretches, exercises, or lifestyle adjustments to help you get the most out of the time between treatments.
How many needles will be used?
Most treatments utilize between 10 and 14 needles. The number of needles used is largely dependent on the style of the treatment and can range from 4 to 30 or more. Treatments can be done without any needles. For example, pediatric treatments use small metal tools to simulate acupuncture points.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are nothing like the needles you see at the doctor’s office; in fact, I wish we could call them something other than needles since almost everyone has scary doctor's office flashbacks at the first thought of "needles". The needles used by the acupuncturist are very small solid needles with smooth filiform tips. The needles used by your doctor for shots, IVs, and blood draws are much larger hollow needles with sharp tip. Many patients don’t feel anything when the needle is inserted, though some describe the sensation as a small pinch. After the needle is inserted, you may feel a sensation of heaviness, achiness, or fullness at the insertion site. This is the desired effect that shows the needle is working powerfully.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is very safe when performed by a licensed practitioner. Sonya and Stephanie are both licensed by the state of Idaho and by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Both are Clean Needle Technique Certified and use only sterile, disposable, single-use needles. Acupuncture has almost no negative side effects.
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What conditions does acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture can treat various conditions, including acute and chronic pain, anxiety and depression, digestive issues including IBS, nausea, sensitive digestion, blood pressure management, skin conditions, pregnancy support, menstrual irregularities, and PMS.
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What if I have to cancel?
Your appointment time is reserved just for you. A late cancellation or missed visit leaves a hole in the therapist’s day that could have been filled by another patient. As such, we require 24 hours' notice for any cancellations or changes to your appointment. Patients who provide less than 24 hours' notice, or miss their appointment, will be charged a cancellation fee. You will be charged half the cost of the appointment for your first missed appointment; subsequent missed appointments or late cancelations will be charged the full cost of the scheduled visit.