How much does acupuncture cost?
How much does acupuncture cost?
$75 – $150 average cost per session
Average cost of acupuncture
Acupuncture costs $75 to $150 per session on average for treatment in a private clinic. However, the initial consultation typically costs $100 to $300 for a comprehensive assessment of your health and treatment plan. The total cost of acupuncture depends on the location and the condition being treated.
| Factor | Average cost without insurance* |
|---|---|
| Initial consultation visit (including first treatment) | $100 – $300 |
| Follow-up treatment visits | $75 – $150 |
*For treatment at a private acupuncture clinic
Health insurance plans vary widely and often have many limitations concerning acupuncture. Check with your provider to confirm your coverage details before seeking treatment.
What does acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including:
Allergies
Anxiety and depression
Arthritis
Back and neck pain
Chronic pain
Digestive issues
Fatigue
Headaches and migraines
Infertility
Insomnia
Joint inflammation
Nausea
Obesity
Sciatica
Sinusitis
Sports injuries
Stress
Women's health issues
Acupuncture prices by location
The cost of acupuncture varies depending on where you receive treatment. One-on-one treatment at an acupuncture clinic is the most common and costs $75 to $150 per session. Community sessions cost $25 to $60 each, often with a sliding scale fee structure to allow individuals at any income level to receive treatment.
Mobile acupuncture, performed in the comfort of your home, is the most expensive but the most convenient. Some acupuncturists charge slightly less if they treat you on your bed versus a portable massage table they must set up and take down.
| Visit type | Average cost per session* |
|---|---|
| Private practice / clinic | $75 – $150 |
| Community / group setting | $25 – $60 |
| Mobile / in-home | $180 – $300+ |
*Initial consultation fees are typically higher.
Acupuncture cost factors
Several factors influence the overall cost of acupuncture treatment:
Location: Treatment costs tend to be higher in major cities with a higher cost of living. Local competition also plays a significant role in determining prices.
Clinic type: Treatments in a group setting typically cost much less than those given one-on-one in a private practice.
Consultation fee: Your initial treatment visit typically costs more because it includes a comprehensive health assessment and thorough evaluation that helps your practitioner create an effective, personalized treatment strategy.
Experience & credentials: Practitioners with extensive experience and additional certifications typically charge higher rates for their services.
Session length: Most acupuncture sessions last 30 to 60 minutes, with longer sessions commanding higher fees. Some practitioners offer shorter follow-up visits at reduced rates for maintenance treatments.
Number & frequency of sessions: Your specific condition and treatment goals determine how many sessions you'll need and how often you should receive treatment. Chronic conditions typically require more frequent visits initially, while acute conditions might need fewer sessions.
Practice reputation: Well-known, in-demand clinics often charge more for their services. These higher rates reflect superior facilities, experienced staff, and consistently positive patient outcomes.
Treatment purpose: Treating multiple or complex conditions or requiring specialized techniques may result in higher fees per session. Cosmetic or facial rejuvenation acupuncture tends to fetch higher prices than standard treatment sessions for a medical condition.
Discounts: Many practitioners offer reduced rates for prepaid treatment packages. These discounts can significantly lower your per-session cost while ensuring consistent treatment. Some clinics also offer discounted rates for students, seniors, military veterans, and more.
Additional services or treatments
Many practitioners offer additional services that may affect overall cost:
Cupping therapy costs $40 to $110 per session on its own, but some clinics charge less when adding the therapy to your acupuncture session.
Massage therapy costs $50 to $90 per hour or $30 to $65 for a shorter 30-minute session.
Herbal Chinese medicine formulas cost about $20 to $50 per week each, depending on the formula and dosage.
Electro-stimulation adds $15 or more to an acupuncture session, while moxibustion adds $25 to $40.
Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
Many major insurance providers now cover acupuncture. Coverage typically requires a diagnosed medical condition, and some providers only cover acupuncture for certain conditions. The number of sessions covered may also be limited. Policies, deductibles, and co-pays vary by plan. Check with your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage.
Does Medicare cover acupuncture?
Medicare Part B covers acupuncture for chronic low back pain only. Medicare covers up to 20 acupuncture treatments in a 12-month period—up to 12 treatments in 90 days, and an additional 8 treatment sessions after that if the patient shows improvement.
For covered acupuncture treatments, once you meet your Part B deductible, you'll pay 20% of the amount approved by Medicare.
Benefits of acupuncture
While the cost of acupuncture is an important consideration, weighing the potential benefits is helpful to determine if it's the right course of treatment for you. In addition to supporting most other medical treatments without side effects, the benefits of acupuncture include:
Enhanced overall well-being
Faster injury recovery
Holistic approach to health
Improved sleep quality
Increased energy levels
Natural pain relief
Potential reduction in medication use
Reduced stress and anxiety
Stronger immune system
Acupuncture FAQs
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture works by inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate healing and promote balance in the body's energy flow, or Qi. This process can:
Stimulate nerve signals
Release natural pain-killing endorphins
Improve blood flow
Reduce inflammation
Does acupuncture hurt?
While sensations vary by individual, most people experience little to no pain during acupuncture. Some may feel a slight pinch or tingling sensation when the needles are inserted. Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, and many patients find the treatments relaxing.
How long is an acupuncture session?
Most acupuncture sessions last 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the type of session, the condition treated, and the acupuncturist's approach. The initial session is typically the longest, from 60 to 90 minutes on average for consultation and treatment. Follow-up treatment sessions usually run 30 to 60 minutes long.
How often should you get acupuncture?
How often you should get acupuncture depends on your specific condition and treatment plan. Some people may benefit from weekly sessions, while others may only need monthly treatment. Your practitioner will create a personalized schedule to address your specific needs.
Common treatment schedules:
Acute conditions: 2 to 3 times per week
Chronic conditions: weekly sessions
Maintenance: monthly or as needed
What is the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?
While both involve inserting needles into the body, dry needling focuses on treating muscle pain through trigger points and is typically performed by physical therapists, while acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine principles and addresses a broader range of health issues.
Training requirements differ and insurance coverage varies between these two treatments.
Choosing an acupuncturist
Laws for practicing acupuncture vary by state. Follow these guidelines when searching for acupuncture near you to ensure you find a qualified, trustworthy practitioner:
Look for acupuncturists listed in the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture or the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine directories.
Verify their credentials and licensing.
Read patient reviews and testimonials on Thervo and Google.
Inquire about their experience with your specific condition.
Discuss their treatment approach and philosophy.
Consider the clinic's location, accessibility, cleanliness, and atmosphere.
Questions to ask an acupuncturist
Asking the right questions can help you feel confident you're choosing the right practitioner for you:
How long have you been licensed and practicing?
What is your experience treating my specific condition?
How many sessions do you recommend?
What results can I reasonably expect?
What are your fees, and do you offer package discounts?
Do you accept insurance?
What should I expect during and after treatment?
Are there any risks or side effects I should be aware of?
How should I prepare for each session?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.