Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! Your practitioner's hands are clean, the area of insertion will be swabbed with alcohol, and we use sterile, single-use needles that come with guide tubes to prevent touching any portion that may enter the skin.

No! The needles are so thin that people rarely feel the insertion. 

The round, colored circles you see are not actually bruises. In fact, not everyone will get them. Cupping is similar to a deep tissue massage but instead of pushing into the muscles, suction is used to pull on the soft tissue.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is used to treat people with all conditions. Some of the most common complaints include  

• neck pain
• back pain
• sciatica
• nerve pain or numbness
• headaches
• stress and anxiety
• digestion and elimination
• systemic functioning

Long term clientele schedule one to two appointments per month proactively to prevent imbalances and to maintain their health.

Very relaxing. It is not uncommon to fall asleep during treatment. 

You'll first talk with your acupuncturist about your condition, and then lie down to receive acupuncture, sometimes with other therapies including cupping, gua sha, stretching, or massage. The first appointment  may take 90 minutes, and return visits up to an hour.

Be open to healing and be able to turn off your phone and set time aside for yourself to relax. Arrive on time wearing loose-fitting clothing or be willing to disrobe if necessary (and properly draped with a sheet) so your acupuncturist can access points on your body including the area of pain. Do not arrive on an empty stomach but avoid a large meal immediately before treatment. 

Results always vary from person to person because there are many factors that contribute to treatment outcomes including  how long you’ve had the condition, how severe it is, and your lifestyle. Many people notice changes immediately, while other people may take longer.  As a general rule, significant and lasting improvements are noticed after repeated treatments. Acupuncture is meant to be incorporated into your  wellness routine with regular treatments to prevent future imbalances.

At this time, Santee Acupuncture does not bill insurance. You can use your HSA or FSA card, and we can provide a superbill for reimbursement at your request. 

Discounts are available only through the purchase of packages or monthly payment subscription options.