Acupuncture costs $50 to $90 per session on average. The initial evaluation typically costs $100 to $300, including the first session. The total cost depends on the specific treatment type, location, and skill level of the acupuncture practitioner. Discounts are sometimes available when booking multiple sessions.

Acupuncture is the process of a doctor applying tiny pre-sterilized needles into the meridians of the patient's body to trigger a natural healing response. This holistic treatment is a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine that does not interfere with any medications.

Acupuncture works with the whole nervous system to promote health of the full body and mind.

Acupuncture is good for treating:

• Chronic pain of all types
• Muscle and body tissue injuries
• Inflammation in the joints
• infertility and menstrual problems
• Obesity and indigestion
• Sciatica
• Migraines
• Fatigue
• Anxiety and mood swings

An acupuncture session typically includes a discussion of which ailments to address in the session, after which you relax on a massage table. The doctor places the tiny, single-use needles where treatment is needed, and you lie still for 20 minutes to 1 hour according to the therapy type.

You may feel a bit sore in some areas after the session, but it passes within a few days as your body clears out any blockages that were released.

To prepare for an acupuncture session, follow these tips:

• Don't go to the session on an empty stomach, but you should allow 1 hour between your last meal and the session.
• Avoid drinking caffeine and alcohol for at least an hour before the appointment.
• Wear loose and comfortable clothing.
• Bring a list of current medications to show the acupuncturist.
• Take a bathroom break before you enter the treatment room.

Acupuncture is safe when performed by a licensed practitioner who has completed a full, multi-year course in Traditional Chinese Medicine. All acupuncture treatments are non-toxic.

Still, you should exercise caution in choosing your specialist if you have:

• A pacemaker
• Bleeding disorders
• Epilepsy
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Pregnancy

Acupuncture typically doesn’t hurt or cause discomfort. Most people only experience a mild pricking sensation from the needles, after which the needles feel weightless. There is no discomfort when the specialist removes all the needles at the session's end.

You can tell the acupuncture practitioner if an area is more sensitive, and they will adjust the position or remove the needle to accommodate you.

Some insurance policies do cover acupuncture. For example, Medicare began covering acupuncture visits to treat chronic lower back pain starting in 2020 as a pain-medication alternative. Contact your insurance company and ask how much your co-payment is and what they cover.

Browse through our listings on Thervo to find a good acupuncturist.

Use this helpful checklist to choose the right one for you:

• Compare at least 3 fee schedules from practitioners with 5+ years of experience.
• Read their reviews on Thervo and Google.
• Select insured and licensed professionals who've completed training in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
• Avoid the cheapest treatments that suggest low-quality standards.
• Get a copy of the terms of service and appointment cancellation policies.
• Avoid making the final payment before receiving the treatment.

• How long have you been treating patients with acupuncture?
• Where were you trained?
• Have you helped other patients with my conditions before?
• Can you recommend any dietary supplements to help my healing process?
• How many sessions will I need to experience results for this condition?
• Will I need to take a nap after this session?
• How should I alert you if I experience any discomfort after you've left the room?
• Do you use any other acupuncture treatment enhancements like aromatherapy or sound therapy?
• Can you perform acupuncture on my pets?