
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:
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:
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:
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.
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