Frequently Asked Questions

Does acupuncture hurt?
 
     No, acupuncture should not hurt. Acupuncture needles are as fine as a strand of hair, so most of the time, you

     will not feel pain when the needle is inserted. At times, you may feel a slight pressure or ache when the needles

     are inserted. After insertion, you may feel a muscle twitch (especially if we are addressing a musculoskeletal

     concern) or a slight ache or tingling sensation.
 

I want to try acupuncture, but I'm scared of needles. What should I do? 
     

     If you are nervous about your first acupuncture treatment or are afraid of needles, just let us know. We can    

     adjust the number of needles we use and limit the retention time in order to make sure that your visit is as

     comfortable as possible.
 

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What are the risks, if any, for receiving acupuncture? What about cupping? Gua Sha / IASTM?

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     When receiving acupuncture from a licensed acupuncturist, acupuncture carries few risks. Sterile, single-use    

     needles are used to limit the risk of infection during needling. Our acupuncturists are trained in Clean Needle

     Technique and adhere to strict needling protocols to keep patients safe. Other side effects of acupuncture

     include mild bleeding or bruising at the needling site. 

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     Before having acupuncture treatment, be sure to tell your practitioner if you:

• Have a bleeding disorder. Your chances of bleeding or bruising from the needles may be increased if you have a bleeding disorder or if you're taking blood thinners.

• Have a pacemaker. We do not administer electroacupuncture on patients with pacemakers or any other electrical implants.

• Are pregnant. Some acupuncture points can stimulate labor, which could result in a premature delivery.

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     While cupping and Graston Technique / Gua Sha are safe modalities for most, they are contraindicated for

     those with bleeding disorders or who are taking blood thinning medications. These modalities also cannot be

     performed over open lesions, rashes, ulcerations, sun burns, or skin that is not fully healed.

 
Do I need a referral to get acupuncture?
 
     No, you usually do not need a referral from your primary care physician to get acupuncture. However, some

     insurance plans do require a referral from your primary care physician. Please confirm with your insurance

     company prior to booking an appointment.

 
How many visits will I need?
 
     Every condition and patient is unique so there is no set number of visits that applies to everyone. As a general

     rule of thumb, acute conditions require fewer visits than chronic ones.
 
          For more acute and minor conditions, you may require 4 to 6 visits. 
          For more severe and chronic conditions, you may need at least 10 to 12 visits. 
 
     Regardless of your health concern, we are happy to work with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your

     needs.

 
What should I do before my visit?
 
     Drink water and eat a light meal or snack 1-2 hours before your visit. If possible, refrain from consuming caffeine

     or other stimulants prior to the appointment.

 
What should I wear to my visit?
 
     You should wear loose fitting clothing to your visit. For musculoskeletal concerns, we will need access to the area

     that is injured or in pain. If you are coming in for a shoulder injury, for example, wearing a tank top would be best.

     If you are coming for a lower body injury, please bring shorts to your visit.

 
What should I do after my visit?

 
     Rest and recover! We advise patients to avoid strenuous exercise after their appointment. Make sure to hydrate

     and eat a healthy meal after your treatment. If we worked on a musculoskeletal concern, you may experience

     mild muscle soreness, similar to muscle soreness after a workout. This soreness should resolve within a few days.

 
What is your cancellation policy?

 
     When you book your appointment, we reserve that appointment time just for you. As a courtesy to our office, our
     doctors, and our other patients, we ask that you cancel or reschedule your appointment at least 24 HOURS

     before your appointment time.
 
     You may cancel your appointment via our online scheduler or call our office during business hours. If you do not
     cancel at least 24 hours before your appointment, you will be charged a no-show fee of $100.
 
     Late Cancellations and No-Shows 

     A cancellation is considered late when the appointment is canceled less than 24 hours before the appointed

     time. A no-show is when a patient misses an appointment without canceling. If you are MORE THAN 15 MINUTES

     LATE to your appointment, your appointment will be canceled and considered a no-show. Late cancellations and

     no-shows will result in a fee of $100.
 
     Failure to pay these fees will prevent any future bookings. Only when your balance has returned to $0 will you be
     able to book future appointments.
 
     Appointments are in high demand, and your advanced notice will allow another patient to book that

     appointment time. Out of respect to our doctors and other patients, we ask that you arrive at your appointment

     on time. This allows us to stay on schedule and ensure that every patient receives a full assessment and

     treatment.

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How is the parking?

 

     There is metered street parking along Ocean Avenue and in front of the clinic. Across the street, there is free 2-

     hour residential street parking.

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Is there elevator access?

 

     No, there is no elevator access in the building. In order to reach Optim Health and Acupuncture, there is a flight of      

     stairs to climb. Our office is located at the top of the stairs and to your left.

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Do you accept insurance?
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     We are In-Network with the following insurance plans: United Healthcare, Sutter Health Plus, certain Cigna PPO

     and HMO plans, and certain Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of California plans.
 

     Acupuncture coverage varies from product to product. Therefore, if you plan on using your insurance benefits, it

     is crucial that you submit your insurance information for verification at least 48 to 72 hours prior to your

     appointment.

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