FAQs

From a Chinese medicine perspective, acupuncture stimulates points along your body's meridians (energy channels) to regulate your Qi (life force). From a western medical perspective there are a number of theories about how acupuncture works, including influencing the interstitium, fascia, neurotransmitters and hormones. Acupuncture stimulates your body's own resources for healing, and it is a safe, effective and natural way to treat many conditions without side effects.

Some examples of conditions acupuncture can support are:

• Pain: reduces both acute and chronic pain and inflammation.

• Musculoskeletal issues: promotes joint and bone health, supports healing from surgery

• Allergies: supports seasonal allergies (itchy/watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, etc.) as well as sinus symptoms

• Sleep: promotes more restful sleep, and can address underlying causes of insomnia

• Mood: overwhelm, anxiety, nervousness, depression, irritability

• Immunity:  boosts the overall immune system, helps reduce recovery time after illness

• Stress:  reduces stress, improve body's response to stress

• Digestion: treats a variety of digestive symptoms, including constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, gas, bloating

• Hormonal: addresses hot flashes, night sweats, PMS, menstrual cramps, irregular period, boosts adrenals/thyroid, improves fertility

• Pregnancy support: decreases morning sickness, increases energy, reduces pain, reduces stress

• Neurological conditions: Bell's Palsy, stroke recovery, management of symptoms for neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson's or MS.

• Other: blood pressure, diabetes, fibromyalgia, autoimmune support, and many more. 

A large majority of people (with all levels of needle sensitivity) are able to tolerate acupuncture treatments without issue. Acupuncture sensations can vary from treatment to treatment. Most needles are placed with little to no sensation. Occasionally a needle can feel a little "spicy," but will settle within a few seconds. If any discomfort persists after the initial placement of needles, your acupuncturist will make an adjustment to ensure your comfort. Most people find acupuncture to be a deeply relaxing experience. If you are afraid of needles, please let your acupuncturist know and we will do everything we can to make you comfortable. 

The amount of acupuncture you may need is dependent on the condition(s) you would like to work on, how severe the condition is, your goals for treatment, and how you respond. Once we discuss your symptoms, we can usually get a general idea of what a treatment plan could look like for you. Many people experience some improvement from an initial 1-2 treatments, however most conditions require a series of treatments to have lasting results. After your initial treatment we can work together to make a plan that addresses your concerns, and works for your budget and schedule. Once you have made some progress with your symptoms, we will adjust your frequency as needed. 

GGCA employs multiple privacy safeguards to ensure your privacy is protected in the community setting. Our charting and communications are HIPAA compliant. Patient interactions are conducted at low-whisper volume, and we use white noise machines as well as background music (think sound bath) to ensure privacy.  If you have something you are nervous to share in the community setting, you are welcome to reach out to Kerri by phone, text or email prior to your appointment. Additionally, patients remain clothed during sessions.

Your first treatment will include a brief intake that includes a review of your primary reason for seeking acupuncture and any health history you have shared. Usually this takes about 5-10 minutes. Your acupuncturist will orient you to the treatment space and clinic norms before moving on to your treatment. Once the needles are placed you are able to rest with the needles in for up to an hour. For more information about your first visit, check out our New Patients page.  

Most appointments last for about 1 hour. As a patient, you are able to choose how long you rest with the needles in. Resting for about 30 minutes is a good minimum to receive the benefit of the treatment, and many people stay for the full hour. 

Our sliding scale supports ongoing acupuncture access. At your first treatment the sliding scale is $35-$55, which includes a $10 administrative fee. For returning patients, the sliding scale is $25-$45. Patients choose what to pay on the sliding scale based on their budget, and how much acupuncture they need. You do not need to pay the same amount each time, and there is never any income verification required. 

We are not in-network with any health insurance companies. Offering an affordable, sliding-scale does not align with requirements for insurance billing. We are able to provide a receipt for treatments to submit to your insurance company, and some patients have been successful at receiving reimbursement for treatments.