Acupuncture is a well-established form of healthcare that has developed into a comprehensive holistic medical system. Practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine use this gentle, noninvasive approach to help diagnose conditions, support healing, and maintain long-term wellness for millions of people. During treatment, an acupuncturist places very fine, sterile needles at precise points on the body. This helps stimulate the body’s Qi and encourages its natural healing abilities by supporting immunity, restorative function, and overall physical and emotional balance. Acupuncture may also enhance overall system performance and well-being. It is widely regarded as a safe, minimally uncomfortable, and effective therapy for a broad range of health concerns.

During your initial examination, a complete health history will be reviewed. You’ll be asked about your symptoms, overall health, and lifestyle habits. Your acupuncturist may also assess your pulse, examine your tongue, and perform a physical evaluation if needed. All of this information is carefully considered to form a thorough and accurate diagnosis of where Qi may be blocked or out of balance. In some cases, treatment may begin during this first visit. Appointments typically last between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on your individual needs.

Your acupuncturist will gently assess twelve pulse positions on each wrist, with each position linked to a specific meridian and organ system. From these, they evaluate up to twenty-seven distinct pulse qualities that provide insight into your overall health. Any underlying imbalances or concerns may be reflected in the pulse reading.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the tongue serves as a map of the body, reflecting the condition of the organs and meridians. Your acupuncturist examines its color, shape, cracks, and coating to gain insight into your overall health.

Herbal therapy can be a valuable complement to acupuncture. Herbs may be used to help strengthen and nourish the body, or to help clear acute conditions such as colds, fevers, or sudden pain. In some cases, your practitioner may recommend beginning with herbs first and introducing acupuncture later. This approach helps build your internal balance and strength so you can get the most benefit from acupuncture treatments.

Yes—when performed by a qualified and licensed practitioner, acupuncture is generally considered safe for children.

In pediatric care, practitioners often use gentler techniques than those used for adults. This may include shallower needle insertion, fewer needles, shorter treatment times, or even needle-free methods such as acupressure or laser stimulation, depending on the child’s age and comfort level. Acupuncture for children is commonly used in supportive care for things like allergies, digestive issues, anxiety, sleep difficulties, and pain management. That said, it should always be tailored to the child’s needs and medical history.

Treatment plans vary from person to person. Some individuals notice relief right away, while others may require several months—or in some cases, longer—to see meaningful results. Chronic conditions typically take more time to improve than acute concerns. As a general guideline, allow at least a month to begin noticing significant changes. How often you receive treatment depends on several factors, including your overall constitution, the severity and duration of your condition, and the strength and balance of your Qi. Your acupuncturist may recommend one to two sessions per week initially, followed by less frequent visits over time. For ongoing wellness, monthly treatments or seasonal “tune-ups” may be suggested to help maintain balance and support long-term health.

Rates vary and depend upon what procedures are performed for which services and how many treatments will be necessary for your individual plan. It is best to consult with your acupuncturist about costs in your complimentary consultation.

We recommend contacting your insurance provider to learn what kind of care is covered and if our services are covered. Here are a few questions to ask:

- Will my plan cover acupuncture?

- How many visits per calendar year?

- Do I need a referral?

- Do I have a co-pay?

- Do I have a deductible? If yes, has it been met?

Acupuncture is a very safe, all-natural, drug-free therapy with no side effects other than a sense of relaxation and overall well-being. The risk of infection is extremely low, as the needles are sterile, single-use, and safely disposed of after each treatment.

Acupuncture usually does not hurt, though the sensation varies from person to person. Most people feel very little when the needles go in—often just a quick tap or mild pressure. Once the needles are in place, you may notice sensations like tingling, warmth, heaviness, or a subtle “dull ache.” In traditional practice, this is considered a normal response and is often described as the “qi sensation.” The needles used are extremely thin—much thinner than those used for injections or blood draws—so discomfort is typically minimal. Many people actually find the experience relaxing and even fall asleep during treatment.

That said, sensitivity depends on the area being treated and your individual comfort level. If anything ever feels uncomfortable, your practitioner can easily adjust or remove the needle.

Today, acupuncturists complete three to four years of rigorous graduate-level education at nationally accredited institutions. They are also required to pass a national certification exam and comply with strict licensing standards in order to practice in each state.

You can certainly make a request for a specific acupuncturist, but we cannot guarantee they will be available for your designated appointment time. We will always do our best to accommodate requests though. However, our experienced team of acupuncturists work together on your personalized treatment plan so all our acupuncturists are able to treat you.

Our entire team of acupuncturists work together on your customized treatment plan so every team member at Compassionate Hands Acupuncture is up-to-date on your health at all times.

During the initial consultation, a comprehensive health history is collected. You’ll be asked about your current symptoms, overall health, and lifestyle habits. A focused physical examination is also performed, which may include pulse and tongue assessment. This information helps the practitioner identify patterns of imbalance in the body’s Qi that may be contributing to your health concerns. From there, a personalized and structured treatment plan is developed to address those underlying imbalances. Once these disruptions in Qi are identified, the acupuncturist gently places fine, sterile needles at specific acupoints along the body’s meridian pathways. This safe and typically comfortable process helps release blockages and restore proper flow of Qi. As balance is reestablished, Qi is able to circulate freely throughout the body, supporting the nourishment of cells, organs, glands, tissues, and muscles. This may help reduce pain, restore internal harmony, and support the body’s natural ability to heal—promoting overall health and well-being.

Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) as an effective treatment for a broad range of medical conditions, such as:

- Addiction

- Anxiety

- Arthritis

- Asthma

- Bronchitis

- Carpal tunnel syndrome

- Chronic fatigue

- Colitis

- Common cold

- Constipation

- Dental pain

- Depression

- Diarrhea

- Digestive trouble

- Dizziness

- Dysentery

- Emotional problems

- Eye problems

- Facial palsy

- Fatigue

- Fertility

- Fibromyalgia

- Gingivitis

- Headache

- Hiccough

- Incontinence

- Indigestion

- Irritable bowel syndrome

- Low back pain

- Menopause

- Menstrual irregularities

- Migraine

- Morning sickness

- Nausea

- Osteoarthritis

- Pain

- PMS

- Pneumonia

- Reproductive problems

- Rhinitis

- Sciatica

- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

- Shoulder pain

- Sinusitis

- Sleep disturbances

- Smoking cessation

- Sore throat

- Stress

- Tennis elbow

- Tonsillitis

- Tooth pain

- Trigeminal neuralgia

- Urinary tract infections

- Vomiting

- Wrist pain

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For more information on what acupuncturists can treat, please review various conditions here.

Both approaches aim to restore balance and support healing—the difference comes down to intensity and comfort level. Traditional acupuncture tends to deliver stronger clinical results, while needle-free options offer a gentle, accessible alternative.

Both approaches aim to restore balance and support healing—the difference comes down to intensity and comfort level. Traditional acupuncture tends to deliver stronger clinical results, while needle-free options offer a gentle, accessible alternative.

Compared to manual acupuncture, electro-acupuncture provides more consistent and intensified stimulation, making it especially effective for targeted, clinical pain management and rehabilitation.

Most patients feel a mild pulsing or tapping sensation—not painful, but more noticeable than traditional acupuncture.

Facial acupuncture is designed to address a range of common skin concerns, including fine lines and wrinkles, dull or uneven skin tone, puffiness and fluid retention, acne and inflammation, as well as loss of firmness or elasticity—supporting a smoother, brighter, and more youthful complexion from within.

Treatments are gentle and precise with most clients experiencing little to no discomfort. Sessions often include body points as well, creating a full-body therapeutic effect that supports both beauty and health.

Herbs can be a powerful adjunct to acupuncture care. They are used to strengthen, build and support the body or to clear it of excess problems like a cold, fever or acute pain. Your practitioner may suggest starting with herbs and then adding acupuncture to your treatment in the future. This is suggested to build up your internal strength so you can receive the full benefits acupuncture has to offer.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbs are carefully selected for their ability to regulate the body’s energy (Qi), nourish blood and vital substances, clear heat, reduce inflammation, eliminate toxins, and support key organ systems such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys. Rather than being used individually, these herbs are thoughtfully combined into customized formulas designed to create a precise, synergistic effect tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

Cups (glass, silicone, or plastic) are applied using heat (traditional fire cupping) or manual suction (pump or silicone squeeze). They may be left in place or moved across the skin.

Cupping often leaves temporary circular marks due to increased blood flow—these are not bruises and typically fade within a few days.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, fertility is closely tied to the balance of energy (Qi), blood flow, and organ systems such as the kidneys, liver, and spleen. Acupuncture helps fertility by regulating hormones, supporting ovulation, increasing blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, reducing stress, improving egg quality and uterine lining health, and supporting sperm health in male fertility. Fertility treatments aid with irregular or absent menstrual cycles, conditions like PCOS or endometriosis, unexplained infertility, support during IVF or IUI treatments, recurrent miscarriage prevention, and general reproductive wellness.

Write down any questions you have before your visit and feel free to bring them with you—we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Please wear loose, comfortable clothing to ensure easy access to acupuncture points.

Avoid eating large meals immediately before or after your appointment.

For up to six hours following your session, please refrain from strenuous exercise, overexertion, and the use of drugs or alcohol.

Try to minimize stress after your treatment. Give yourself time to rest, relax, and allow your body to integrate the benefits of your session.

Between visits, keep track of any changes you notice—such as reduced pain, pain shifting to different areas, or changes in the frequency or nature of your symptoms.