Acupuncture

• Your First Visit: Please call us at 717-832-4111. We prefer to book new patient appointments over the phone so we can answer any initial questions and because there is more information for us to collect to get you started.
  
• Follow-up Visits: Returning patients can conveniently Schedule Online or give us a call at 717-832-4111.

In short: No. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable—and even relaxing—the experience is.

The misconception often comes from our experience with medical “hypodermic” needles used for shots or blood draws. Those needles are hollow and significantly thicker because they must move fluid. In contrast, acupuncture needles are solid and extremely thin—roughly the width of a single strand of hair. In fact, multiple acupuncture needles could fit inside the tip of a standard medical needle!

What will I feel? Because the needles are so fine, the initial insertion is often not felt at all. You may experience a mild sensation—sometimes described as a slight tingle, a heavy feeling, or a dull ache—which practitioners call De Qi. This is a positive sign that your body’s natural healing response has been activated. Most of our patients find the treatment so peaceful that they actually fall asleep during their session!

Yes. Acupuncture is an extremely safe, minimally invasive therapy.

To ensure the highest standards of safety and hygiene, we use only sterile, single-use, medical-grade needles. Each needle is brand new, used only once for your treatment, and immediately disposed of in a biohazard sharps container.

Acupuncture needles are strictly regulated by the FDA as medical devices. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) notes that the FDA requires these needles to be “sterile, nontoxic, and labeled for single use by qualified practitioners only.” At our clinic, all treatments are performed by licensed, board-certified practitioners who are expertly trained in Clean Needle Technique to ensure your safety and comfort.

From a holistic perspective, our bodies can develop internal blockages over time due to stress, overwork, poor diet, or physical injury. Acupuncture helps clear these blockages and restores the body’s natural ability to stay balanced and healthy. When normal function is restored, patients often report feeling more energized, sleeping better, and experiencing a greater sense of overall well-being.

The Scientific & Traditional Perspective The National Institutes of Health (NIH) describes acupuncture as a family of procedures involving the stimulation of specific anatomical points on the body. The most common and scientifically studied method involves the use of thin, solid, metallic needles—sometimes combined with electrical stimulation—to influence the body’s internal systems.

As a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture is based on the principle of maintaining a delicate balance between Yin (the cooling, restorative aspects of the body) and Yang (the active, warming aspects). When these forces are in balance, Qi (the body’s vital energy) flows freely through a network of pathways known as meridians.

By stimulating specific points along these meridians, acupuncture helps unblock this flow and return the body to a “balanced state,” supporting your emotional, mental, and physical health.

A Proven History While acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years in Asia, it gained widespread recognition in the United States in the 1970s. Today, modern American acupuncture incorporates the best of these ancient traditions from China, Japan, and Korea to provide a safe, effective, and time-tested approach to modern healthcare.

Yes, absolutely. We believe that acupuncture works most effectively as a complement to conventional medicine, rather than a replacement for it. It is important to continue seeing your primary physician for regular care.

We encourage open communication between all of your healthcare providers. Keeping both your physician and your acupuncturist updated on your treatments ensures you receive the most coordinated, safe, and effective care possible.

Many insurance companies now provide coverage for acupuncture, particularly for pain management.

Our office is in-network with most major insurance providers in the region. Because every plan is unique, we recommend giving us a call—we can help you determine if we are in-network with your specific plan and what your benefits may include. If you have coverage, we will gladly submit all claims to your insurance company on your behalf.

If you do not have insurance coverage: We view acupuncture and herbal medicine as a vital investment in your long-term health. Beyond addressing specific symptoms, this holistic approach focuses on restoring the body’s natural functions, reducing stress, and increasing overall vitality.

By prioritizing your health now, you are choosing a prevention-oriented approach that helps maintain wellness and can prevent more significant health issues in the future. Acupuncture and herbal medicine have served as primary forms of healthcare for millions of people over many centuries; if you haven’t experienced it yet, it may be the perfect time to start your journey toward better health.

Yes. Acupuncture is a qualifying medical expense for both Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). You can use these funds to pay for your treatments even if your traditional insurance plan does not offer acupuncture benefits.

Note: While acupuncture is covered, some accounts may require a “Letter of Medical Necessity” from your physician to cover the cost of herbal supplements. We recommend checking with your specific plan administrator for their guidelines.

To ensure you have the most comfortable and effective experience, we recommend the following:

• Eat a Light Meal: It is best to have a small snack or light meal about 1–2 hours before your appointment. We recommend not arriving on an empty stomach, but also avoiding a very heavy meal immediately before your session.
• Stay Hydrated: Being well-hydrated supports your body’s circulation and helps make the treatment more effective.
• Wear Comfortable Clothing: Please wear loose, comfortable clothing. This allows easy access to common acupuncture points on the arms and legs without the need for changing.

Arrive Relaxed: If possible, try to give yourself a few extra minutes to settle in so you can begin your treatment in a calm state of mind.

Most patients find acupuncture to be a deeply relaxing experience. It is common to leave your session feeling “lighter,” as if a weight has been lifted, and many people report improvements in their sleep, mood, and energy levels in addition to relief from their primary symptoms.

To get the most out of your session, we recommend the following:

• Allow Time to Integrate: If possible, plan for a little rest or relaxation immediately following your visit. This allows your body to fully process and “integrate” the treatment.
• Avoid Strenuous Activity: We advise avoiding intense physical exercise or heavy lifting for at least 6 hours after your appointment.
• Stay Observant: You may notice positive shifts in areas of your health you weren’t even expecting!

The Healing Process: Every individual responds differently. While many clients notice a positive change after just one visit, acupuncture is a cumulative therapy. We generally suggest allowing 2–3 sessions to fully observe how your body is responding and beginning to shift toward a more balanced state.