Frequently Asked Questions
What will the first visit be like?
During the first visit we will review all of your intake forms together. We will go over all of your concerns and treatment goals. I will look at your tongue and feel your pulses. You will then have your first acupuncture treatment.
Do the needles hurt?
Acupuncture needles are extremely thin…about the thickness of a cat whisker. You can fit 25-30 acupuncture needles into the head of a hypodermic needle so the sensation is nothing like getting a shot. The sensation varies depending on the point and the person, but most of the time it is no more than a quick, slight pinch or a dull ache. Some will have little to no sensation at all. Once the needles start going in, you will start to sink into a deep state of relaxation.
Are there side-effects? How will I feel after treatment?
The most common side effect of acupuncture is a feeling of deep relaxation and euphoria. Most patient fall asleep or go to a semi-conscious state during treatment and awaken feeling calm and deeply refreshed. Many patients report improvements in sleep, digestion, elimination, mood, energy, and periods. Possible adverse effects include bruising from the needles, fainting (if you are prone to fainting easily), and feeling tired (if you’ve been running on fumes). Occasionally, in the course of treatment a small percentage of people will experience a slight flare-up of symptoms as the body is releasing old patterns. However, should this occur it’s a natural part of the healing process that resolves as treatment progresses. If this reaction occurs, it is mild and does not last any longer than 24-48 hours, and once it passes, the patient feels better than they did prior to treatment. Most patients leave every treatment feeling much better than when they first came in.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes, we use only sterile single-use needles. Acupuncture is a self-regulating medicine. There is no medicine on the needles. This gentle yet powerful form of medicine works by allowing the body to come back to homeostasis. Jen has completed years of graduate level training followed by an extensive clinical internship. She is licensed by the Maryland Board of Acupuncture.
How often should I come and for how long?
This varies from person to person based on many factors including the presenting symptoms, the patient’s age, overall health, and lifestyle factors to name a few. Generally speaking, most patients should expect to come weekly for, at minimum, the first 5-6 weeks. Acupuncture works cumulatively, meaning that each treatment builds upon the last. Over time, the treatment effects will last longer and longer and treatments can begin to be spaced out while maintaining a consistent state of wellness and balance.
How much does it cost? Will my insurance cover acupuncture?
Many insurance plans do cover acupuncture treatment. Jen is a participating provider with CareFirst BCBS and Hopkins EHP plans. She accepts many other insurance plans as an out-of-network provider. If you do not have insurance coverage for acupuncture and you pay at the time of service, the first visit which includes a full evaluation and your first treatment will cost $165.00. Follow-up sessions are $90.00 when paid at the time of service.
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