Acupuncture Sessions for Health and Wellness

Therapeutic sessions involving the insertion of thin needles into the body at specific points to alleviate pain and treat various health conditions.

Acupuncture Sessions FAQ

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What is acupuncture & how does it work?

Acupuncture is a treatment derived from ancient Chinese medicine. Fine needles are inserted at certain sites in the body for therapeutic or preventative purposes. It is used in many NHS GP practices, as well as in most pain clinics and hospices in the UK. Acupuncture is often seen as a form of complementary or alternative medicine (CAM).

What are the benefits of acupuncture?

Acupuncture benefits may include pain management, stress relief, and physical and emotional well-being. A traditional Chinese medicine practice, acupuncture is based on the idea that a blockage or disturbance in the flow of the body's life energy, or qi, can cause health issues. Research into the benefits of acupuncture is mixed.

How long does an acupuncture session last?

An initial acupuncture session usually lasts 20 minutes to 1 hour and involves an assessment of your general health, medical history and a physical examination, followed by insertion of the acupuncture needles. Courses of treatment often involve several separate sessions, but this can vary.

How much does an acupuncture session cost?

The cost of an acupuncture session depends on where you live and on whether or not the practitioner takes your insurance. For example, The UC San Diego Center for Integrative Medicine charges $85 per session, without insurance. As of 2023, the average cost for an acupuncturist in San Francisco, California is $150 per session.

How long will my acupuncture treatment plan last?

Every patient is different, and therefore every treatment plan is different. Your acupuncture treatment plan will probably last a minimum of 3 to 4 sessions and could be ongoing if it fits your lifestyle. One-off appointments are rare, and you may not see instant results.

How do I become a licensed acupuncturist?

Be sure to see a licensed acupuncturist (they should have LAc after their name). A licensed acupuncturist is required to pass the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) exam or complete the NCCAOM program in the foundations of East Asian medicine, acupuncture and biomedicine.