Frequently Asked Questions

Is acupuncture effective? Does the medical community think acupuncture is valid?

There is a long history (over 2,000 years) of the use of acupuncture and acupuncture-like treatments to stop pain or otherwise promote health in indigenous cultures all over the world. Sectors of the Western medical community have begun to acknowledge the validity of acupuncture, largely as a result of research studies proving its benefits for certain tested conditions.

I am afraid of needles. Are there other techniques you can use?

Yes. Your fear of needles is no problem here at Acupuncture Works, but please consider having an open attitude about needles. Treatments do not hurt in general. Even if there is slight discomfort during a treatment, it usually does not last for more than an instant. Depending on the condition, we can sometimes opt for needle-free treatment or herbal consultation and supplementation instead of acupuncture treatment. The needles are not what you encounter at the physician's office, where blood is drawn or shots are given. Acupuncture needles are neither putting in substances nor taking them out of your body. Thus, they are made to be super thin, like a hair. 

Does it hurt? Will I bleed or bruise afterwards?

As mentioned above, there is virtually no pain. On the rarest of occasions, there may be a tiny drop of blood (about the size of the head of a pin) as a needle is removed. Bruises happen even less frequently than that.

I feel fine. Should I still get acupuncture?

It's ultimately up to you if you get treatment or not, but regular self-care through many means including acupuncture can help you to be more energetic and to stay healthy throughout your life. As a result of living, we often collect insults to our bodies and minds that can affect our health in a negative way. Acupuncture can boost your reserves so that you continue to keep feeling fine, or to feel even better than you do today. Besides, we can notice potential weaknesses and fix them up well in advance of any symptoms, or when a coming problem is in its intital stages,  thereby preventing it or lessening its severity and impact. Most anyone will benefit from acupuncture even if treatments are very few and far between because they are already in good health. For those of us who could stand to be healthier, more regular treatments will help and will not harm.  

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments needed will depend on the duration and severity of the condition being treated. For most conditions, we should space the first three or four treatments close together, perhaps within two weeks, to give acupuncture the best opportunity to work. Some conditions require many treatments over time, although the frequency can usually be reduced as the condition improves. Herbal remedies can also help.

Specifically, to help with fertility, how many treatments will I need?

Research studies of acupuncture for fertility suggest a treatment protocol of treatments once or twice per week for four to six weeks before the date of timed intercourse, IVF egg retrieval, or artificial insemination followed by a treatment within a week after the procedure to promote implantation (for IVF, it's within a week after the embryo transfer). Many of the reproductive endocrinologist clinics in Atlanta recommend once a week treatments, and that's what we usually do here. Also, many patients choose to continue with treatment after a positive pregnancy test to help prevent miscarriage. These treatments are usually carried out at least through the first trimester. Some patients also choose to come in throughout their pregnancies to help with morning sickness and other discomforts and for improving the general health of mother and child. In addition, acupuncture can be very helpful in preparing for labor after 35 weeks.

How much does it cost?

Rates vary a bit. We have rare but occasional small increases every several years. See the Rates section on the Treaments Page.

What forms of payment do you accept?

Cash, check, and most major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express). Flex spending debit cards are also accepted.

Do you take insurance?

Payment is expected at time of service. Some insurance companies operating in Georgia will reimburse the patient based on information in the superbill that our office provides; please indicate if you need one. Medicare does not cover acupuncture. Flex spending accounts are welcome. Worker's Compensation and Personal Injury claims are considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Note:  Over time, Acupuncture Works has tried to accept insurance copays with the promise of reimbursement from insurance companies, but will no longer do so. What we have found is that insurance companies tend not to keep their word about reimbursements to this office as a third party; they are much more likely to pay their own customer (the patient) if they pay at all. When have not received full payment at time of service in the past, we then have had to spend time and effort to attempt recovery of fees from the insurance company or from the patient. This usually made for a frustrating situation for all involved. So, Acupuncture Works will no longer even try to take insurance. If you are a continuing patient with a new insurance plan that now 'covers acupuncture', or if you must use insurance, you will have to find another acupuncture clinic unless you are willing to pay us first in full and get your insurance company to pay you back. Other than giving you the superbill, we cannot help you with insurance. We have tried and found that it does not work to handle this any other way. Thank you for understanding. 

Why do you have a cancellation policy?

The cancellation policy is in force so that practitioners and patients respect each other's time and efforts. It is not meant to penalize people who are reliable about keeping their commitments. Under certain circumstances (not always), new patients will need to place a deposit to hold appointments in advance to prevent no-call, no-show missed appointments which affect our practice. For specific questions about these issues, please call the office. 

What should I look for in an acupuncturist?

First of all, your acupuncturist should be a licensed provider. NCCAOM is the national body that certifies licensed acupuncturists for most of the United States. The practitioner should also be licensed in the state where s/he practices. Further, the acupuncturist you choose should be someone who studies continuously after graduation from an accredited four-year program, preferably someone who studies in Asia with esteemed and seasoned practitioners who are willing to teach him or her. In addition, your practitioner should be someone who impresses you as caring, compassionate, and attentive to your needs. Your ability to communicate with each other is very important.

Why should I come to Acupuncture Works?

For several reasons, some of which are listed below:

1] I love my work, and are enthusiastic about helping you achieve and maintain your best possible health status. You have access to a practitioner who studies and cares.

2] I provide individualized treatments based on sound theoretical and practical principles.

3] I provide extra services to your treatments when indicated (acupressure, moxibustion, cupping, exercise, and/or nutritional suggestions) at no extra charge.

4] I take my time with you. The initial treatment lasts about 75 minutes and follow-up treatments last 50-60 minutes. I try very hard to stay on time, and if I am running late, it's usually no more than a few minutes. I realize that your time is valuable. 

5] Only the highest quality products (needles and moxa imported from Japan) are ever used or prescribed (in the case of herbal preparations). 

6] Flexible appointment options are available, including many evenings. Please give at least 48 hours advance notice for cancellations/rescheduling of appointments. This is a courtesy to allow the appointment to be filled by someone who may be waiting, or it may allow office staff to do something else if informed in time. Please care enough to notify the office well in advance whenever possible. 

Call (or Text) Today: 404-949-0550