Frequently Asked Questions
Learn about Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, and how Foundations Acupuncture operates.
Table of Contents
I've had dry needling before. Is that the same as acupuncture?
When can I expect to see results with acupuncture?
How do you know where to put the needles?
What if I just want cupping (or another modality) and I don't want needles?
How should I prepare for my first treatment?
Q: How does acupuncture work?
A: There are many answers to this question.
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The Western science based answer: not much formal research has been done on acupuncture. The general understanding, however, is that acupuncture influences the nervous system in several measurable ways. When needles are inserted, they stimulate local nerve endings, sending signals to the spinal cord and brain. This can lead to the release of neurotransmitters such as endorphins and serotonin, modulation of pain pathways, improved blood flow to targeted tissues, and a shift in the body’s stress response.
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In simpler terms: acupuncture helps the body communicate with itself more effectively. By engaging the nervous system, circulation, connective tissue, and immune signaling, it encourages the body to recalibrate and move back toward a healthier baseline, often reducing pain, inflammation, and tension along the way.
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The Eastern Medicine based answer: acupuncture is rooted in thousands of years of practice, exploration, discussion, and evolution. The foundation of acupuncture — as well as herbal medicine, cupping, gua sha, tui na, qigong, taiji, and other related modalities — comes from the philosophy of Daoism. It views the body as an interconnected, self-regulating system where physical, emotional, and environmental factors all influence health. Acupuncture works by supporting the smooth movement of qi (the body’s functional energy) and blood through the channels, helping the body restore balance, ease pain, and return to its natural state of harmony. My job as an acupuncturist is not to "heal" you - healing is the sole job of your body - but to help guide your qi along in the way it wants to flow naturally.
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In either explanation, the foundational philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine is that every single square inch of the body (including the mind) is connected to the next, and no area of the body functions without affecting the the other areas. This is what makes TCM holistic medicine.
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Q: I've had dry needling before. Is that the same as acupuncture?
A: Comparing dry needling to acupuncture is like comparing a hot dog to a hamburger; both are meat, and both are enjoyable meals in their own right (you won't catch me turning down a glizzy on a hot summer day!), but they are principally quite different. Dry needling involves inserting acupuncture needles into tight muscles and manipulating the needle to "release" trigger points. The muscle in question is targeted locally with a more intense needling style. Acupuncture, in its truest sense, is a system of needling which takes into account the meridians of the body and the underlying disease patterns of the patient. The problem muscle may be targeted directly (or not), but often other points throughout the body are needled based on Chinese Medicine theory to improve your symptoms. I have taken extensive coursework on dry needling and I employ it often at Foundations Acupuncture, but I almost never just dry needle - I will incorporate points throughout the body to help move the stagnation creating the trigger points in the first place. That way, not only can I provide relief to your painful muscles, we can work on your sleep, stress, digestion, and overall well-being as well.
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Q: When can I expect to see results with acupuncture?
A: This is going to vary greatly depending on the person and the condition being treated. Acute muscle sprains, a few days of sleeplessness, the beginnings of a cold, etc. can usually be treated quite effectively in a treatment or two. More chronic conditions will take a more targeted course of action to make meaningful progress; this may mean two sessions per week, or it may mean seeing me over the course of months, depending on your resources and time constraints. Treatment plans are discussed at the first patient appointment and will be revisited as the treatments continue. No matter the issue, most patients report feeling more relaxation, better sleep, better digestion or an overall sense of "better" with each acupuncture appointment.
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Q: Do the needles hurt?
A: Most patients are surprised by how little acupuncture needles hurt. The needles acupuncturists use are very thin (much thinner than the needles used for injections or blood draws) and the sensations of needling are usually mild, brief, or not felt at all. Often the sensation depends on what part of the body is being needled. Needling areas of the back or limbs tend to produce very mild sensations, while some areas like the ears, fingers, or toes can be more sensitive; however, the sensation typically dissipates quickly as the body adjusts to the needle.
Comfortable needling is a learned skill, and after hundreds of hours of training and thousands of needle insertions, my priority is always to place needles accurately and with as little discomfort as possible. Patients are always welcome to request certain areas of the body remain needle-free; I never have to needle a certain acupuncture point, and there are many points I can choose from to treat you.
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Q: How do you know where to put the needles?
A: Students of Traditional Chinese Medicine learn 361 acupuncture points on the 12 primary and 2 extraordinary meridians in the first term of school. In subsequent terms, they continue to develop a better understanding of what these points do and why. They also learn more points (in the ear, other extra points not on meridians, etc.) as they go. In practice, acupuncturists build point "prescriptions" - combinations of points which elicit the effect we are aiming to achieve, based on this fundamental knowledge learned in TCM school.
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Q: What if I just want cupping (or another modality) and I don't want needles?
A: That is more than fine - in most cases. I'm happy to provide a cupping-only session (or any other modality), as long as I believe you're a good candidate for it. Cupping can be taxing to your Qi (energy) and this may be too strong of a treatment for you at a particular time. The last thing I want to do is make you feel worse after seeing me, and I take my clinical responsibility very seriously. Many times, however, I can adjust cupping suction, cup retention time, and technique to ensure you get relief while not doing too much in a given session.
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Q: How should I prepare for my first appointment?
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Eat! Be sure to have eaten a small, easily digestible meal within a couple of hours of your appointment.
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Check that your intake paperwork has been completed online, if new to Foundations Acupuncture.
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Wear comfortable clothes to your appointment - sweat pants, t shirts, etc. Most points are on the arms up to the elbows and the legs up to the knees, so ensure your clothes can roll up to those areas. Also, think about the area of your body that is causing you trouble, and try to wear clothing that allows me to access that area for treatment time. I also have sheets to drape if necessary.
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Be prepared to go into "slow down" mode after treatment. Everyone is different - some feel more energized after acupuncture and some feel they need to relax the rest of the day. Either way, no intense workouts, working out in the cold air, or doing anything else mentally or physically taxing after your treatment.
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Q: How much does it cost?
Please click "Book an Appointment" in the menu (or click here) to be redirected to my booking website. Prices are listed next to each service.
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Q: Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
A: Some insurance plans do cover acupuncture. Foundations Acupuncture does not take insurance. If your insurance plan offers out-of-network benefits, you can submit a “superbill” for possible reimbursement. After your visit, I can provide you with a superbill that includes all the required medical codes. Simply upload it through your insurance company’s member portal, or email/mail it to the claims department listed on the back of your insurance card. They’ll process it and—if eligible—send reimbursement directly to you. I will do my best to support you through the process, though this will largely be between you and your insurance company.
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Q: Should I tip my acupuncturist?
A: I love this question, because it is a testament to the fact that acupuncture can be so relaxing, it'll make you feel like you've just gone to the day spa. However, you would never think to tip your doctor, your physical therapist, or your chiropractor, and acupuncture is similar in that you are receiving a therapeutic treatment. I consider the treatments I provide to be clinically necessary, not a luxury (though I'm so glad it feels that way!). The best way you can show your appreciation is to please write me a review - Google, Yelp, or an emailed review I can post to my website - this is crucial to the success of my practice, and is appreciated more than you know. Also, tell your friends and family about your great experiences with acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
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