Question 1

How often will I need to come in?

Accepted Answer

The answer to this question is highly individual and depends on what your specific goals and complaints are. With that said, I usually recommend that new clients start with 6 sessions fairly close together (preferably weekly). I generally recommend that those first 6 sessions are completed withing a 6-12 week period. As soon as it makes sense to, I start moving the appointments further apart until we reach a monthly frequency. Once your condition is well managed we can discuss what maintenance or as needed treatment frequency.

Question 2

How many times will I need to come in?

Accepted Answer

After completing an initial phase of more intensive treatment (usually 3-6 months), I highly recommend ongoing monthly or seasonal tune-ups for everyone. Stress is a constant part of life, and acupuncture is an exceptionally effective tool for managing it. Integrating regular acupuncture sessions into your self-care routine ensures you maintain balance and well-being despite everyday stressors. Making acupuncture a regular practice can provide long-term benefits for your overall health and stress management.

Question 3

What is a typical acupuncture session like?

Accepted Answer

Each 90-minute session is completely tailored to your needs.
The first 30-45 minutes are spent talking to determine the goal of treatment and to deepen our understanding of what underlying factors may be contributing to your primary complaint. We discuss many things including anything that is on your mind, your thought patterns, goals for healing, and symptoms. This part of the session is often used for Lifestyle Coaching including Tapping/EFT, Subtle Body Work and lifestyle recommendations. Many people comment that this time reminds them of a therapy session.
The next 10 minutes cover any necessary physical examination. During this time, I feel the pulses on both wrists, examine your tongue, and gather many other pieces of information to further determine what treatment is most appropriate for you.
The next 10-15 minutes are spent applying various treatments. Once we have determined what the best course of treatment is for you, I select 10-30 acupuncture points and apply needles, cupping, and/or electrical stimulation to those points.
The final 20 minutes are time for you to rest and relax with needles. The needles create a state of deep relaxation. Many people report feeling like they have had a restorative nap during this time.
60 minute sessions are the same except less time is spent talking (10-15 minutes) These sessions are only recommended for follow up treatment for uncomplicated conditions.

Question 4

What is a typical coaching session like?

Accepted Answer

Coaching sessions are typically 60 minutes long. They can be in person in Littleton. CO or virtual on Google Meet. The first 50 minutes are spent quickly identifying what we are working on and then applying tools to shift the energy of the body. These tools include embodiment exercises, guided visualizations, Tapping/EFT (a type of self acupressure).

Question 5

Why is your price higher than other Acupuncturists?

Accepted Answer

In a way, my price of $120 for 90 minutes is actually lower than other Acupuncturists. I have set what I hope is a fair price considering that I spend a minimum of 60 minutes of dedicated time with each patient.

When you are comparing prices keep in mind that many acupuncturists spend less than 15 minutes with each individual and are actually bouncing back and forth between two to three patients per hour. In addition to this, it is common practice for an acupuncturist to have patients come in two to three times per week, whereas I rarely ask anyone to come in more than once a week.

Question 6

Do you offer sliding scale or package pricing?

Accepted Answer

My standard rates are $100 for a 60-minute session and $120 for a 90-minute session.

Packages to reduce cost are available and can be discussed at your first session.

Sliding scale pricing is available to anyone—no financial documentation or explanation is required. This flexible approach ensures that my services are accessible and affordable for all clients. If you're interested in exploring sliding scale pricing, we can agree on a session rate between $85 and $120, based on your individual circumstances. This rate will be applied to a set of 8 sessions. Once the initial 8 sessions are completed, if necessary we can reassess and determine a new sliding scale price for an additional 8 sessions.

Question 7

What is Five Element Acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

Five Element Acupuncture is based on the ancient Taoist principle that human beings are an expression of nature. Like all expressions of nature each of us has certain traits, functions or gifts, and limitations. By looking to nature as a guideline, we're able to learn a lot about our own elemental nature and how best to support ourselves and create a fulfilling life that is in line with our best and truest self.
Through talking and inserting needles in specific points on the body which are selected in accordance with your needs at that time, your body, mind, and spirit are naturally brought into alignment. When you are in alignment it becomes easier to heal, handle stress, make changes, and access deeper parts of your being to bring strength and understanding.

Question 8

What are the needles like? Do they hurt?

Accepted Answer

I use sterile single-use needles for all treatments. They are thinner than a piece of hair and while you may feel a sensation during insertion it is rarely felt as painful. In the tradition of acupuncture that I practice I prefer to find "de-qi". "De-qi" is a different sensation that lets me know that I have found the correct spot and accessed the energy there. To you, this sensation can be intense and sometimes there is a moment of "pain". Getting "de-qi" can feel like a slight electrical shock or a radiating ache. Once this sensation passes most people cannot even tell that the needles are there for the remainder of the session.

Question 9

Will I have to change my spiritual beliefs?

Accepted Answer

Your current spiritual beliefs are sacred to you, and I have no intention of undermining your beliefs. While I do incorporate a lot of Taoist and Buddhist practices of mindfulness into our sessions, none of these practices require any change of your beliefs. The reason I use philosophies from both of these traditions is that they are accessible and easily understood by most people. There are no deities to worship and no belief changes necessary to reap the benefits from Taoism or Buddhism so they blend beautifully with most other traditions.