While there may be an initial sensation upon needling, it is not like receiving a shot. The needles are extremely slender, about the thickness of a few human hairs. Sometimes there is little to no sensation. Sometimes you may feel a slight pinch or ache upon insertion but as a practitioner, I always check in to ensure patients are comfortable.

The first session is typically 90 minutes (follow-ups are 60), involving a thorough review of your health and main concern(s). It may involve some physical examination (palpation/pressure) and tongue & pulse examination. Looking at the tongue and listening to the pulse help give insight into the body’s internal ecosystem and form a diagnosis in Chinese medicine.

Following the intake with me are typically two sets of needling. Sometimes other modalities besides acupuncture are incorporated (see FAQ below).

Yes. Sometimes I incorporate other Chinese medicine modalities into sessions, such as tui na, moxibustion, gua sha, and cupping. See Offerings for more information on these.

Frequency and regularity are key in the beginning of treatment. Acupuncture has a cumulative effect, meaning each treatment builds on itself. I understand most of us want results as quickly as possible so we can feel better. As a practitioner, I want that too. Coming to treatment when you are ready, receptive, and perhaps willing to make some lifestyle changes can make the process faster and more effective.

Typically, I recommend people start with four sessions—either once a week for four weeks, or twice a week for two weeks, depending on the urgency of the symptoms. After that we reassess. Acute issues naturally resolve more quickly while chronic issues tend to take longer. Lifestyle changes may also play a role. The goal is to work towards a “maintenance schedule”—which may look like monthly or seasonal visits.

The Chinese medicine view: Acupuncture is part of a complete and ancient system of medicine developed and refined over thousands of years. Chinese medicine is rooted in the understanding that everything is a manifestation of two interdependent energies: yin and yang. Broadly put, acupuncture works to balance these energies within us, resulting in a more harmonious inner environment and improved quality of life. More specifically, acupuncture points are located along meridians (pathways in the body) that are connected to certain organs. Qi (vital energy) travels through these meridians like water in a river, and needling the acupuncture points helps release blockages in their flow (relax, release tension) or draw qi to the area (tonify, strengthen).

The Western medicine view: Acupuncture stimulates local and centralized reactions to prompt the body’s own healing processes and promote optimal functioning of body systems. Acupuncture points are located in areas with higher concentrations of superficial nerves, blood vessels, and neuromuscular attachments. It is thought that acupuncture influences the following body systems:

• nervous—stimulates the central & peripheral nervous systems

• cardiovascular—promotes blood circulation, distribution of nutrients & hormones

• endocrine—promotes hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulation

• immune—strengthens immune function

That depends on the location:

KAM Acupuncture (Swansea, MA)

• can provide superbill to submit to your insurance for reimbursement if your plan accepts out-of-network providers for acupuncture

• initial 90-minute intake: $120

• 60-minute follow-up: $80

Ocean Ki (Warwick, RI)

• accepts insurance

• self-pay for initial 90-minute intake: $160

• self-pay for 60-minute follow-up: $105