Questions & Answers
How do I make an appointment?
You can call or email - I look forward to speaking with you! The CONTACT page has all the information you need but you can also click from here for my email or call me at 310-733-8455. Also, feel free to email or call with any questions you have about acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, or yoga and my private practice. I'd be happy to talk to you.
Do you take insurance?
At this time, I do not bill directly to insurance. Clients pay for the appointment at the time of service via cash, check, Apple Pay, Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. I can provide you with the paperwork needed to submit to your insurance carrier for possible reimbursement. You can call your insurance provider and ask if they cover acupuncture, how many sessions get some reimbursement, if you need to meet a deductible before your insurance carrier begins reimbursement, how much they cover per session, and if there are any limitations to coverage. It's always good to know what to expect and whether your carrier covers for acupuncture or not.
Can I pay using my Health savings account?
Yes! Acupuncture is a service covered by Heath Savings Accounts (HSA). You can directly pay using your HSA card if the card has a Visa or Mastercard logo, and as long as there are funds on the card. I will swipe it through my payment processor and you should be good to go! If you have run out of funds on your card, then you can use some other form of payment to cover the appointment - cash, check, Apple Pay, Visa, Mastercard, or Amex. If you need any additional information for your insurance company, let me know!
how many appointments will i need?
How many appointments someone will need to address their health issue varies per person and by health issues, and really a combination of both. It tends to be very individualized. I have some clients who come for 4-6 appointments to address a particular health issues which resolves quickly, and then come back again when a new issues pops up or for a monthly tune up. Other clients come for weekly acupuncture for stress management, to promote their well being, or to work on a longer term treatment goal. In addition, some chronic health issues and/or treatment focuses require a longer treatment time duration - they may need 8-12 sessions or weekly acupuncture for a longer period of time. For the Acupuncture Face Rejuvenation, clients who elect for that service are agreeing to a minimum 12 weekly sessions (possibly 15 sessions). Contact me and I can give you a better idea of what to expect with your case.
I always think it's a good idea to have acupuncture once a month to reduce stress, boost the immune system, and treat any new issue that has popped up before it becomes a pattern.
I always think it's a good idea to have acupuncture once a month to reduce stress, boost the immune system, and treat any new issue that has popped up before it becomes a pattern.
how often will i need to come for acupuncture?
Each case is different in regards to how to schedule appointments for the best treatment outcome. Without talking to you directly, it is hard to give the most accurate answer. Sometimes people do well with coming 1-2 times per week in the beginning to address their health issues. There is nothing wrong with having some appointments closer together, but for some health issues receiving acupuncture treatments too far apart may negatively affect how quickly you recover from your ailment. We can figure out a treatment protocol that works best for your healing and for your busy schedule.
Do you do cupping?
Yes, I do cupping. It is one of the many amazing treatment modalities within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that may be used during your appointment. Not everyone gets cupping but it may be done if its appropriate to your health issue. I also check with each client before doing the cupping to make sure it is a good time to receive cupping - cupping can leave painless bruises, and if you are walking a red carpet or have a special event where having the round cupping marks visible on some part of your body isn't welcome, you can chose not to have it at that time. We can talk more about whether cupping would be helpful and appropriate for you when you call or email me to set up your appointment or ask me at any of your sessions.
I am scared of needles, What are my options?
I have seen many clients who have trepidation about the needles and they warmed up to acupuncture. The needles are different (smaller, finer - more like a strand of hair) than the hypodermic needles that we often have negative associates with getting an immunization or with giving blood. However, whether you will ultimately feel comfortable giving acupuncture a try is up to you. If you don't want to get acupuncture, I'd be happy to talk to you about if there is something else within Traditional Chinese Medicine that may be helpful, for example cupping or Chinese herb formulas.
What if I can't make my appointment?
All clients are required to cancel or reschedule appointments with 24 hour notice. Canceling a appointment with less than 24 hour is considered a late cancellation and requires covering the full cost of the appointment. This is standard practice. I can send an invoice via email through my payment processor if that works best. With 24 hours or more notice of the appointment change, there is no charge as you gave ample time for the cancellation.
Do you take walk in appointments?
I do not take walk in appointments - all acupuncture sessions are made by appointment. It is often possible to get a same day appointment if you have some schedule flexibility. It's my goal to get you in as soon as possible to address your health issues, especially if it is urgent. Of course, if it is a medical emergency, please call 911.
How long will my appointment last?
The appointment duration depends on what kind of appointment. Here are some breakdowns:
First Appointment: 1 1/2 - 2 hours
This appointment is your first one in the office so we want to spend some more time at this appointment. This involves a consultation and acupuncture treatment. We will go over the primary reason for coming into the office as well as take a detailed health history. We need to get all the pertinent information known before the starting the acupuncture treatment. Knowing your health background is an important part of your care.
Follow Up Appointment(s): approximately 1 hour
We will have a cheek in for 5-10 minutes to see how you are feeling since the last appointment and see if there are any additional focuses for this treatment. It's most commonly about 55-60 minutes. If you have much to discuss every session, we can consider booking you for 75 minutes session and price accordingly.
Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation First Appointment: 2 hours
The first appoint for an Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation series. We will go over your goals for your skin/complexion as well as take a detailed health history (similar to the standard first appointment consultation and treatment). The treatment portion is detailed with numerous steps which include Chinese herbal poultice and a mask in addition to the face and body acupuncture - we want to take some time here to enjoy.
Acupuncture Face Rejuvenation Follow Ups (approximately 12 sessions in series): 75 - 90 minutes each session.
In this treatment series, each session involves both acupuncture for the face and body as well as Chinese herbal poultices or masks. It is a multi-layered treatment and therefore takes longer than a standard acupuncture follow up. It is absolutely worth the extra time.
First Appointment: 1 1/2 - 2 hours
This appointment is your first one in the office so we want to spend some more time at this appointment. This involves a consultation and acupuncture treatment. We will go over the primary reason for coming into the office as well as take a detailed health history. We need to get all the pertinent information known before the starting the acupuncture treatment. Knowing your health background is an important part of your care.
Follow Up Appointment(s): approximately 1 hour
We will have a cheek in for 5-10 minutes to see how you are feeling since the last appointment and see if there are any additional focuses for this treatment. It's most commonly about 55-60 minutes. If you have much to discuss every session, we can consider booking you for 75 minutes session and price accordingly.
Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation First Appointment: 2 hours
The first appoint for an Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation series. We will go over your goals for your skin/complexion as well as take a detailed health history (similar to the standard first appointment consultation and treatment). The treatment portion is detailed with numerous steps which include Chinese herbal poultice and a mask in addition to the face and body acupuncture - we want to take some time here to enjoy.
Acupuncture Face Rejuvenation Follow Ups (approximately 12 sessions in series): 75 - 90 minutes each session.
In this treatment series, each session involves both acupuncture for the face and body as well as Chinese herbal poultices or masks. It is a multi-layered treatment and therefore takes longer than a standard acupuncture follow up. It is absolutely worth the extra time.