Questions people ask first

Many people do. Your acupuncturist explains the risks before the first needle: soreness, light bruising, feeling light-headed and, rarely, bleeding or infection. Some points are avoided in pregnancy. Tell us how far along you are, and tell your doctor or midwife that you are coming.

Most people feel a quick pinch, a dull ache or a warm, heavy feeling, and some feel nothing at the point. The needles are much thinner than the ones used for shots. If anything is too much, say so and we adjust or stop.

Yes. We use sterile needles from sealed packs, open each pack in front of you and use each needle once. Used needles go into a sharps container.

Yes. Feed, change or hold your baby whenever you need to, and we will plan the visit around naps.

Your acupuncturist suggests a plan on your first visit. It is a suggestion, not a promise, and results vary. You can change the plan or stop at any time.

Some plans pay for acupuncture and many do not. We are out of network, so ask your plan whether it reimburses out-of-network acupuncture, how many visits it allows and whether you owe a copay or deductible. We give you a written estimate in advance if you pay without insurance.

Many health savings and flexible spending cards work for acupuncture. Ask your plan administrator, and we give you an itemized receipt after every visit.

Wear loose clothes that roll up past the elbow and the knee. Eat something light a couple of hours before.

No. Keep taking everything your prescriber gave you, and tell us all that you take. Acupuncture works alongside your doctor's care, never in place of it.

Tell your doctor or midwife today if you have bleeding, severe or sudden pain, a fever, or a baby who moves less than usual. If you feel very low, anxious or unlike yourself after a birth, tell them too. If you are in crisis, call or text 988. In an emergency, call 911.