FAQs

Does acupuncture hurt?

The needles are very thin, about the thickness of a hair. You may feel sensations such as a dull ache, a feeling of pressure or tingling in the area. Every point is different and some are more sensitive than others. Ann is very sensitive to your experience and makes you as comfortable as possible.

Is acupuncture safe?

Yes, Ann is a qualified practitioner and it is very safe. Acupuncturists are required to use sterile needles and are to dispose of them after one use. Plus, there are no harmful side effects.

What conditions are treated by acupuncture?

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) suggests acupuncture as an effective or therapeutic treatment for:

Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Addictions, Obesity, Chronic pain, Fatigue, Insomnia, PMS, Menstrual cramps, Allergies, Weak immunity, Digestive disorders, Carpal Tunnel, Back pain, Sciatica, Sinusitis, Infertility, Asthma, Headaches, Indigestion, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Menopause, Colitis, Constipation, Acne, Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis, Sleep disturbances, Schizophrenia, Irritable bowel syndrome, Morning Sickness, High Blood Pressure, Knee pain, Low back pain, Nausea, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sprain, Tennis elbow, Dysmenorrhea, Adverse reactions to chemotherapy and radiation, Sprain, Infertility, Gout, Herpes zoster, Earache, Diabetes, Meniere’s disease, Sexual dysfunction, Neuralgia, Labor pain, Raynaud syndrome, Retention of urine plus many more symptoms/illnesses.

What forms of payment do you accept?

I accept check or cash only. Payment is due on the day of treatment.

What can I expect at the first visit?

Ann will ask you about your medical and personal history, your reason for coming, and any events or experiences that contribute to your reason for coming. We will then do a physical examination, an energy assessment and end with a treatment. This initial visit will last 90 minutes. Please do not wear any make-up or strong scented products (lotions, deodorant, hair spray, essential oils, perfumes), refrain from drinking caffeine on the day of treatment, and be sure to not be too full or too hungry coming in. The benefits of acupuncture start immediately. After your first treatment, you could experience an excellent night of sleep, higher energy, more focus, less stress and improved symptoms.

What happens at follow up treatments?

Follow up treatments usually last 45-60 minutes. The first 15-20 minutes is spent seated as I ask how you have been since your last visit and you report your experience from the last treatment. The remaining time is spent treating you.

What types of insurance do you accept?

I accept Tufts, Mass General Brigham, BCBS and Aetna. I do not accept Medicare plans.

How many treatments will I need?

Everyone responds differently. Most acute cases take 5-7 treatments to resolve, whereas, chronic cases will take 10 or more treatments. Ideally, receiving 2 treatments a week for the first 2 weeks will give you the most benefit. After that, once a week is recommended. Once your symptoms are gone and you are feeling better, we can then space the treatments out to 2/month, 1/month, etc. I recommend that all patients come in once a month or seasonally to keep the body, mind and spirit in balance.

Is acupuncture used preventatively?

Yes! Acupuncture is used preventatively as imbalances in the qi energy will occur before symptoms arise. We don’t need to be symptomatic in order to get benefits from acupuncture. People who see acupuncturists regularly for maintenance report fewer colds, better energy and are more at peace with themselves and the world. Maintenance could mean anything from treatment once a month to treatment at the change of every season