Most patients begin to feel some benefits within 3 to 4 treatments – and sometimes after just 1. Acute issues generally resolve more quickly, while longer-term or chronic ones tend to take a longer trajectory. The effects of acupuncture are cumulative, so greater and greater benefit is felt over time. A usual course of acupuncture consists of 8 to 10 treatments.

Acupuncture is a comprehensive system of medicine that has been shown to be beneficial for a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional challenges. These include digestive issues, pain, fertility, menstrual imbalances, fatigue, headaches, addiction, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and more. As with any therapeutic intervention, some people will respond better to acupuncture than others. More information about research on acupuncture’s effectiveness and the conditions I treat can be found on the What We Treat page.

I offer free 20-minute consults so that we can get to know one another and both assess whether acupuncture or herbs could be a good fit for you. Please reach out to schedule one! If I believe another type of therapy would be more beneficial for you, I will let you know.

The Diagnostic Intake is an opportunity to gather in-depth information in a safe space about your goals, conditions, symptoms, health history, body systems, and current lifestyle. We spend time talking, and there is also a gentle physical exam. Your first acupuncture treatment with needles is included as part of the intake appointment if time permits.

The Diagnostic Intake may feel more thorough than most other healthcare intake appointments. This helps me develop a holistic and deep understanding of you so that I can offer the best possible care.

It’s best to eat a light meal or snack 1 hour or so before your first appointment. (Acupuncture on an empty stomach or while hungry can sometimes cause unpleasant lightheadedness.) Please also refrain from wearing scented products or make-up to your Intake appointment; these products can interfere with my diagnostic process. Prior to your Intake appointment, please also fill out the intake forms you will receive via email.

Milkweed is not in-network with any health insurance companies. However, if your insurance covers acupuncture, I am happy to provide a super-bill that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

If you are unsure whether your health insurance provides coverage for acupuncture, I recommend calling their customer service number.

We do also accept payment from FSA or HSA accounts provided by your employer.

From a Western medical perspective, the reasons why acupuncture works are not yet completely understood. In a broad sense, acupuncture reduces inflammation in the body, regulates the autonomic nervous system, stimulates the immune system, and balances hormones.

From an East Asian medicine point of view, acupuncture promotes the balanced movement of vital energy (Qi) throughout the body and organ systems, thereby stimulating the body’s innate healing capacity and restoring inner harmony.

This is an understandable and common concern. Acupuncture needles are much thinner than those used for shots or blood draws, and are therefore less painful. Even though the needles are very thin, acupuncture can feel like a pinch, tingling, or dull ache. If these sensations occur, they generally subside quickly.

I want acupuncture sessions to feel restorative. If needles are a significant concern for you, I am happy to treat you without needles, using traditional moxibustion and acupressure to stimulate acupuncture points instead.

If you need to cancel or reschedule an upcoming appointment, please get in touch at least 24 hours before your treatment either via text (617-444-9285), phone, or email (Joanna@milkweedacupuncture.com).

If you reach out to cancel or reschedule within less than 24 hours of your appointment, my late cancellation fee is $75.

(I waive the cancellation fee if you are experiencing sudden illness, an emergency, or inclement weather.)

To best protect our Milkweed community, I run an air purifier in the treatment room and sanitize surfaces between patient appointments.

If patients are feeling symptomatic or have recently been exposed to someone who is sick, I ask that they wear a mask for the duration of the treatment. In these cases, please consider wearing either a KN95 or N95. I always have extra masks available for patient use, as well.

I will not be able to see you for in-person appointments if you are feeling acutely sick, have recently tested positive for COVID-19 or flu, or have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19. If you are unsure whether to cancel your appointment, please reach out via text (617-444-9285) or email (Joanna@milkweedacupuncture.com). In these instances, I am happy to see you for a telemedicine appointment for herbal treatment/prevention and acupressure points.

More information about Milkweed’s COVID-19/infectious disease policies and procedures is available here.