Frequently Asked Questions
Acupuncture FAQ
Everything you need to know before, during, and after treatment at Nature Acupuncture & Herbs.
Before Your First Visit
What should I wear to my acupuncture appointment?
Loose, comfortable clothing is ideal - shorts, sweatpants, and a loose top allow access to the legs and arms without needing to fully undress. For most treatments, points on the lower legs, forearms, abdomen, and back are used. Your practitioner will provide draping for any areas that need to be exposed.
Should I eat before acupuncture?
Yes - come to your appointment with something in your stomach. Receiving acupuncture when very hungry or fasting can occasionally cause lightheadedness. Avoid a heavy meal immediately before your session. A light meal 1–2 hours prior is ideal.
How long does an acupuncture session last?
Initial consultations typically run 75–90 minutes, including a detailed intake (health history, current symptoms, lifestyle) and the treatment itself. Follow-up sessions are usually 60–75 minutes. Needle retention time - lying with the needles in place - is typically 25–40 minutes.
What happens during my first acupuncture appointment?
Your first visit begins with a comprehensive intake: your practitioner will ask about your chief complaint, medical history, lifestyle, sleep, digestion, and emotional wellbeing. They will also examine your tongue and take your pulse at both wrists - traditional diagnostic methods that provide information about your overall constitution. Treatment follows the intake, and you'll receive a brief overview of the findings and a treatment plan.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is one of the safest medical procedures available when performed by a licensed practitioner. Our practitioners are Licensed Acupuncturists (L.Ac.) who have completed a minimum of 3,000 hours of graduate training. We use sterile, single-use disposable needles for every treatment. Serious adverse events are extremely rare in professional settings.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most patients are surprised by how comfortable acupuncture is. The needles are solid and hair-thin - far finer than injection needles - and insertion is usually painless. You may feel a brief pinch at certain points, or a mild ache, heaviness, or tingling once the needle is in place. This sensation, called "de qi," is a sign of therapeutic effect and typically fades quickly. Many patients fall asleep during treatment.
How many needles are used in a session?
The number of needles varies by the condition being treated and the practitioner's approach, but typically ranges from 6–20 needles per session. Some highly targeted treatments use only 4–6 needles. Needles are retained for 20–40 minutes while you rest comfortably.
What does acupuncture feel like?
Most patients describe the overall experience as deeply relaxing - many fall asleep on the table. Individual needle sensations vary: you may feel nothing at all, a mild pressure, warmth, or a tingling that spreads from the needle site. These sensations are normal and typically subside within seconds. After treatment, many patients feel a pleasant heaviness, warmth, and calm that can last for hours.
How Acupuncture Works
How does acupuncture work?
From a biomedical perspective, acupuncture works through several mechanisms: stimulating the release of endorphins and other endogenous pain-modulating chemicals, reducing inflammatory mediators, modulating the autonomic nervous system (shifting from sympathetic "fight-or-flight" to parasympathetic "rest-and-heal"), and regulating neurohormonal pathways including the HPA (stress) axis. From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, acupuncture restores the balanced flow of qi (vital energy) through the body's meridian pathways, addressing the underlying patterns that produce illness.
What conditions does acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture has evidence for a wide range of conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes acupuncture as effective for over 100 conditions. Strongest evidence exists for: chronic and acute pain (back, neck, joint, headaches), nausea and vomiting, anxiety and depression, insomnia, infertility and reproductive health, menopausal symptoms, allergic rhinitis, and chemotherapy side effects. Our practitioners also treat digestive disorders, autoimmune conditions, fatigue, and many other presentations.
How quickly does acupuncture work?
This depends on the condition and how long it has been present. Acute conditions (recent injury, acute pain, recent-onset insomnia) often respond within 2–4 sessions. Chronic conditions that have been present for years typically require 8–12 sessions for substantial improvement. Most patients notice something meaningful - even if subtle - after their first session.
What is qi (chi) and do I have to believe in it for acupuncture to work?
Qi is the traditional Chinese concept of vital energy that flows through the body's meridian pathways. You do not need to believe in qi for acupuncture to work - the physiological mechanisms that produce its effects (endorphin release, nervous system modulation, anti-inflammatory effects) operate regardless of belief. Many patients who are skeptical of acupuncture still experience significant clinical benefit.
Cost & Insurance
How much does acupuncture cost?
Our initial consultation and treatment fee varies by practitioner and service. We recommend calling our office for current pricing. Many patients have insurance coverage that significantly reduces their out-of-pocket cost - we accept most major insurance plans and can verify your benefits before your first visit.
Does insurance cover acupuncture?
Many major insurance plans now cover acupuncture - coverage has expanded significantly in recent years. Plans that commonly cover acupuncture include Aetna, Blue Shield of California, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Kaiser Permanente, and Medi-Cal. Coverage varies by plan, so we recommend verifying your specific benefits. Use our online insurance verification form or call our office and we'll confirm your coverage before your appointment.
Does Medicare cover acupuncture?
Medicare Part B covers up to 12 acupuncture visits per year for chronic low back pain (CLBP), with an additional 8 visits if the patient demonstrates clinical improvement. This coverage applies to Original Medicare; Medicare Advantage plans may have different (sometimes broader) acupuncture benefits.
What if I don't have insurance coverage for acupuncture?
We offer self-pay rates for patients without insurance coverage or whose plans don't cover acupuncture. We also accept FSA and HSA cards - acupuncture is an eligible expense under most plans. We also work with patients on personal injury liens and workers' compensation cases, where treatment is provided at no upfront cost and settled through your legal case or employer. Please call our office to discuss your options.
Do you accept FSA or HSA cards?
Yes. We accept Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) cards as a form of payment. Acupuncture is an IRS-qualified medical expense, making it eligible under most FSA and HSA plans. This is a great way to use pre-tax dollars toward your care - no insurance coverage required.
Do you offer a sliding scale or financial assistance?
We make every effort to work with patients who have financial constraints. Please speak with our front desk about payment options. Community acupuncture - where multiple patients receive treatment in a shared space - is another option that reduces cost while maintaining quality care.
Specific Treatments
What is Hijama / wet cupping?
Hijama (wet cupping) uses specialized cups (glass, silicone, or plastic) to create suction on the skin. This draws blood and lymphatic fluid to the surface, releasing muscular tension, improving circulation, and promoting healing. It leaves temporary circular marks on the skin that fade within a few days. Hijama is particularly effective for back pain, muscle tightness, respiratory conditions, and sports recovery.
What is electroacupuncture?
Electroacupuncture involves applying a gentle, adjustable electrical current through acupuncture needles using a small device. This amplifies the therapeutic effect of the needles and is particularly effective for nerve pain (sciatica, neuropathy), paralysis, and chronic pain conditions. The current is typically mild - most patients describe it as a gentle pulsing or tingling sensation.
What is Gua Sha?
Gua Sha is a traditional technique in which a smooth tool is pressed firmly against the skin and moved in long strokes, creating temporary redness (petechiae) on the skin surface. This stimulates circulation, breaks up adhesions in the fascia, and has strong anti-inflammatory effects. It is particularly effective for neck and upper back stiffness. The redness fades within 2–4 days.
Do you offer herbal medicine?
Yes. Chinese herbal medicine is a core part of our practice. Our herbalists prescribe custom-formulated herbal protocols - either raw herbs for decoction or concentrated granule formulas - tailored to your individual constitution and diagnosis. Herbs are commonly used alongside acupuncture for hormonal conditions, digestive issues, chronic fatigue, skin conditions, and complex presentations that benefit from internal treatment.
Booking & Logistics
How do I book an appointment?
The easiest way to book is through our online booking portal at natureac.janeapp.com. You can also call our office at (424) 317-0014 or email contact@natureac.com. We offer appointments at three Los Angeles locations: West LA, Hawthorne, and Lynwood.
How far in advance do I need to book?
For new patients, we recommend booking 3–7 days in advance to ensure availability with your preferred practitioner. We do maintain cancellation slots that sometimes become available sooner. If you are in acute pain, call us directly and we will do our best to see you quickly.
What is your cancellation policy?
To respect the time of our practitioners and fellow patients, we require a minimum of 24 hours' notice for all cancellations and rescheduling requests. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice, or missed without prior notice (no-shows), are subject to a $30 late cancellation fee. This fee is not billable to insurance and is due at the time of your next visit. We understand that unexpected circumstances arise - please contact our office as early as possible if you are unable to keep your appointment.
Still have questions?
Our team is happy to answer any questions about acupuncture, insurance coverage, or what to expect at your first visit.
Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?
Book a consultation at any of our three Los Angeles locations.