Frequently Asked Questions

Does acupuncture hurt ?

Acupuncture is not entirely painless, but the needles used are much thinner and lighter than the needles used for injection. Most people experience a dull, heavy, distending, or "electric" sensation from acupuncture needles, not "pain". If you are in an acute phase of an injury or illness, the acupuncture points are likely to be more sensitive.

How much does it cost ?

Acupuncture is a medical procedure, therefore acupuncture and related services are provided as medically necessary and are billed according to the amount of time spent with a patient. Treatment varies from person to person. Charges range from a minimum of $84.00 to a maximum of $230.00. Many Paths Acupuncture accepts a great many types of insurance, and offers a number of discounts. Please refer to the Financial Policy/Fee Scedule download available on the Clinic / Forms page of this website for more detail. If you have questions about your insurance coverage that your insurance provider cannot answer, please call or email and I'll do my best to find the answers on your behalf.

How long will it take to get results ?

Immediate and dramatic results are possible, just not usual. An immediate and dramatic result should never be ruled out, but one should not expect this either. One can expect a course of treament that is proportional to the time they have had a condition, with exceptions at either end. In other words, if you have had a chronic condition for 20 years, a rough rule of thumb is one month of treatment for every year. A new injury or illness, depending on severity, usually responds more quickly. In both cases, there are exceptions to the rule; everyone is a unique and special opportunity for healing and vitality.

How does it work ?

There are basically two explanations for how acupuncture and related Asian medical techniques work. The biochemical model has clearly established that acupuncture activates the release of neurochemicals including endorphins; the body's natural pain-killing chemicals, and serotonin; the bodies "happiness" chemical. Acupuncture also mediates the body's immune response, activating local tissues and releasing histamines, increasing local circulation of blood, and reducing inflammation.

The Traditional Chinese Medicine explanation posits that the body/mind is an interlocking and interdependent network of "channels" or "meridians" through which "Qi" or "vital energy", "blood, and fluids" are exchanged and modulated. Through the manipulation of points, the ingestion of herbs and food, breathing and movement exercise, this network can be utilized to affect all the various systems within the human organism. Through these manipulations; according to specific rules within a 2000 year old cohesive body of knowledge, illness and pain are reduced and health and vitality are restored and enhanced.