• What can I expect at my first session?

    At your first session, we will thoroughly review your health history and discuss and evaluate your areas of concern. We will look at your tongue and feel your pulse which will help us form our Chinese medical diagnosis, and we will discuss your treatment plan. You will receive a full treatment at this appointment.

  • Is acupuncture painful?

    No, acupuncture is not painful. In fact, many people feel so relaxed that they fall asleep during the treatment. The needles are about as thin as a hair, and you often won’t feel them go in at all. When there is sensation, is is usually a dull ache or heaviness, and these are therapeutic responses. If something does feel pinchy or sharp, the needle will be removed or adjusted, as this is not a desirable sensation for treatment.

  • Are there side effects?

    Negative side effects to acupuncture are very rare. The most common side effect is a drop of blood or some bruising at the site of a needle insertion.

  • How deep do the needles go?

    Needle depth depends on the nature of the condition, and the area being needled. Most needles will be inserted 1/4 inch to 1 inch deep.

  • Does my insurance cover acupuncture?

    Ariella Koplen Acupuncture accepts insurance. Acupuncture coverage varies plan to plan but fill out this form and we will be happy to verify your coverage for you and get back to you..

  • How many sessions will I need?

    This varies case by case. Generally, the amount of time a condition has existed is a good indicator of how long healing will take. Acute conditions may resolve after just a few treatments, while more chronic conditions may take much longer. However, improvements are usually seen after just a few sessions. Additionally, many people return regularly for maintenance treatments or general wellness long after their conditions have resolved.

  • What should I wear to my appointment?

    It is good to come in comfortable, loose fitting clothing that can be easily moved. But don’t sweat it. The office is stocked with drapes so we will be able to work with you no matter what you come in wearing.

  • What can acupuncture help with?

    So much! It’s a complete system which works to identify the imbalances in the body causing the symptoms/ disease and then, using our tools and knowledge, we work to correct the imbalance so the body can heal. In fact, people usually find that not only does the condition they are seeking treatment for resolve, but other issues improve as well. Below is a list of some of the things acupuncture is proven effective for in controlled clinical trials as of 2003 and published by the World Health Organization: adverse reactions to chemotherapy, allergic rhinitis, gastritis, facial pain, headache, hypertension, induction of labor, knee pain, low back pain, malposition of fetus (i.e. breech baby), morning sickness, nausea and vomiting, neck pain, dental pain and TMJ, postoperative pain, rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, tennis elbow.

  • Can I get acupuncture while pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding?

    Absolutely! In fact it is a great time to nourish your body and address any negative symptoms or discomforts. Acupuncture can also help prepare your body for labor. There are some points that are contraindicated during pregnancy, but a well trained acupuncturist will know to avoid these spots.