Most people do not feel the acupuncture needles. Occasionally there will be a pinching sensation with insertion which quickly dissipates. The needles are made of sterile surgical stainless steel. The acupuncture needles are solid unlike hollow hypodermic needles. There is no medication on the needle. The discomfort that most people associate with needles is from the thicker and hollow needle combined with the burn of the medication that is injected.
No. The needles are sterile single use. They are disposed as medical waste after each use.
Eat a light quality (not sugary) snack prior to treatment. Do not come for acupuncture having not eaten that day. Wear loose clothing. Pants should comfortably rise above the knees without cutting off circulation. Many people keep gym shorts in their car so that they can change into them before treatment. Women should wear 2 pieces and not a one piece dress. Let your office and family know that you cannot be disturbed during this time and turn your cell phone OFF prior to entering the office. Almloff Acupuncture is a fragrance free office. Please remember not to wear any perfumes or scented body products the day of your treatment.
Do not drink any alcohol the day of acupuncture. Do not exercise or enter a body of water for the remainder of the day. It is alright to exercise prior to your treatment time. Eat in moderation.
Acute and recent onset conditions require few treatments. It is recommended to have treatment twice per week until better. Chronic conditions require longer therapy. For pain it is recommended to begin with two treatments per week for2-3 weeks until improvement is felt and then have treatment once per week until better. For internal medical conditions and emotional issues treatment is recommended at once per week.
Yes. There may or may not be a drop of blood when some of the needles are removed. However, acupuncture will not cause a “flow” of blood.
Few insurance policies in Hampton Roads pay for acupuncture. Call your insurance company to find out if your policy does. Medicare and Tricare do not pay for acupuncture. Payment in full is due at the time of service. If your insurance does pay for acupuncture, you will be provided with a superbill at each visit which you can send to your insurer for reimbursement.
Can I use my Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for acupuncture?
Yes. Acupuncture is a covered service under HSA/FSA. If you have an HSA or FSA Visa card it is accepted as payment. If not you will be provided with a superbill to submit for reimbursement.
24 hours’ notice of any change in appointment is required to avoid being charged for the session. For Monday appointments notice needs to be received on the previous Friday.
The office strives to see everyone on time. If you arrive 15 minutes or more past your appointment time it may not be possible to see you that day. Please allow time for traffic.
New patient appointments are 90 minutes and $175. Established patient appointments run 45-60 minutes and cost $100.