Frequently Asked Questions

JaneApp is an online platform for health record management. Through JaneApp, you can easily schedule your appointments, complete any necessary forms before your visit, and receive helpful text reminders so you never miss a session. It’s designed to be simple, secure, and convenient for your care.

Yes, acupuncture needles are safe and FDA approved. Acupuncture uses very thin stainless steel needles which are sterile and single-use only. The needles are immediately disposed of after treatment. Licensed acupuncturists are trained to safely apply needles to specific points around the body.

• Filling out forms
  • Fill out all required forms at least 24 hours in advance of your first treatment
  • Be sure to provide accurate dosage and frequency for all medications and supplements, especially for herbal/supplement visits

• Day before treatment
  • Avoid Alcohol and non-prescription drugs of any kind for at least 12 hours before the appointment
  • Avoid brushing your tongue for 24 hours before the appointment
  • Eat and drink regularly throughout the day

• Day of treatment
  • Wear loose fitting clothing that can easily go above your knees and elbows
  • Wear clothing that allows your back and abdomen to be comfortably exposed
  • Bring clothing in case your temperature changes after treatment! You may get cooler after treatment so an extra layer in the car to keep warm could come in handy
  • Avoid strenuous exercise and stressful situations before treatment
  • Avoid caffeine (caffeine increases needle sensitivity)
  • Eat and drink regularly throughout the day. Try to eat something approximately 2 hours before your appointment so your blood sugar is regulated when you arrive
  • If your blood sugar can drop easily, bring a snack or drink to consume after your appointment
  • If you get tired very easily, have a meal prepared at home for dinner or a take out spot to go to after your appointment

• You may have soreness around the areas that have been needled for up to 1-2 days after treatment
• You may have increased fatigue after treatment
• If your blood sugar can drop easily, bring a snack or drink to consume after your appointment
• If you get tired very easily, have a meal prepared at home for dinner or a take out spot to go to after your appointment
• Eat well, drink plenty of fluids, and make time to rest after treatment
• Your temperature and energy level may change after treatment. Have a good plan in place to stay warm and get home safely
• Avoid strenuous exercise and stressful situations to allow your body to focus on healing
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and greasy foods after treatment
• Avoid excessive exposure to wind and cold temperatures (no cold plunges) after treatment

Diagnostic techniques that were taught in school will be used to create a treatment plan, including

• asking questions
• observing the pulse, tongue, and body
• Palpation

Points are selected in order to harmonize the body systems so they can be brought back into balance. Acupuncture points have localized and whole body effects. Points will be used in the area of concern as well as points on the opposite side or at the opposite end of the body. Although needling far away from the area of concern may seem counterintuitive, it is a principle that is reinforced as effective in many classical Chinese texts.

The number of needles used depends on the condition of the patient. Patients can expect between 1-20 needles to be used in each treatment. If you are very sensitive you can be treated with fewer needles or with non-insertive techniques like acupressure, teishin, cupping, and gua sha.

Acupuncture needles come in assorted thicknesses. Needles range in size from 0.12 mm up to 0.45 mm thick. As a reference, a typical size needle for drawing blood has an outer diameter of 0.82mm.

The most common acupuncture needles used are 0.20-0.25 mm thick. Needles thickness can be adjusted based on patient sensitivity. Some patients report feeling less sensations with insertion when needles are slightly thicker. So don’t think that thinner is better.

Acupuncture involves placing a sharp needle through the skin so it will come with some sensation. The sensation will be felt in two parts – getting the needle through the skin and bringing the qi to the end of the needle.

The needle going through the skin may feel like a pinching sensation. It can be smooth or there can be a more widespread sensation. The sensation usually calms down after a few seconds and is different from point to point and person to person. Some people even have different reactions on different days. It is important for the patient to be calm while the treatment is occurring. Tensing up and anticipating pain will not help the situation!

Bringing the qi to the end of the needle can come with a range of sensations. There can be warmth, tingling, heaviness, dull aching, sinking, and many other self described feelings associated with needles. These sensations can stay in the local area or spread to other areas of the body.

The most important part of making acupuncture comfortable is communication between patient and practitioner. Patients are urged to communicate what they are feeling when the needle is being manipulated, especially if they are uncomfortable. Slight adjustments can be made which often help make the sensations feel comfortable and relaxing.