Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Most people are pleasantly surprised to learn that, in most cases, acupuncture is a painless procedure. The needles used are extremely thin—about the width of a human hair. Some patients may feel a mild tingling, a warm sensation, or a dull ache at the point of insertion. These are all normal reactions that are to be expected. If at any point you do feel discomfort, let your acupuncturist know and they will be able to make the appropriate adjustments to your treatment.

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine — much thinner than needles used for injections and blood draws, with some being even thinner than human hair. The exact size used will vary based on the condition and part of the body being treated. In most cases, the needles will range between .16 mm and .25 mm thick.

It is recommended to make sure you are well hydrated before your appointment. Eating a light snack half an hour beforehand is also advisable. Prior to your first treatment, please make sure to have completed the pre-appointment documents found in your patient portal.

When possible, wear loose fitting clothing that allows access to your limbs, neck, shoulders, and abdomen. Whatever your attire, we will drape you in a way that allows access to treatment areas while maintaining your comfort and privacy.

When prescribed and taken under the supervision of a licensed practitioner, Chinese and Western herbal medicines are generally safe and legally classified as dietary supplements. While many of the same botanicals appear in common products, their safety and effectiveness depend on proper quality, formulation, and practitioner training. In Massachusetts and many other states, only licensed practitioners who have passed a national board exam may prescribe Chinese herbs. Botanicals with proven toxicity are not legal or available in the United States.

Acupuncture and dry needling both use acupuncture needles to treat pain and limited range of motion. Additionally, acupuncture treats chronic pain conditions, systemic issues, supports mental-emotional wellness, and requires extensive licensure and training in order to practice. While there is debate about how they differ, both offer demonstrated clinical value in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions.

Integrative medicine combines the best of conventional Western medicine with evidence-based holistic therapies—like acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, and mind-body practices. The goal is to treat the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—rather than just managing symptoms. This approach supports long-term wellness by addressing the root causes of imbalance and empowering patients to take an active role in their health.

A Doctor of Acupuncture (DAc) is an acupuncturist who has pursued further education and earned a doctorate in acupuncture. Doctoral training typically includes advanced coursework in biomedicine, healthcare systems, and collaboration within multidisciplinary medical teams.

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