Acupuncture Treatment Benefits, Insurance Coverage and What to Expect

Acupuncture is a medical therapy based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a practice that dates back more than 3,000 years. The treatment involves a strategy of inserting very thin needles into specific points and depths of the body to activate the body’s natural healing capability. These acupuncture points are located along interconnected pathways, known as meridians, which are traditionally believed to influence the body’s overall function and balance. Stress, injury, illness, and the demands of everyday life can disrupt this balance and contribute to a variety of physical and emotional symptoms.

Acupuncture can treat a wide range of health conditions, including:

Chronic pain, including fibromyalgia, arthritis, headaches and migraines
Musculoskeletal problems like back, neck and joint pain, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, TMJ disorder
Other conditions, such as nausea from chemotherapy, insomnia, menstrual cramps, infertility, menopause symptoms, allergies, digestive disorders, smoking cessation support

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

While people may feel a brief pinch when needles are placed on acupuncture points, the treatment is relatively painless. Many people enter a very relaxing state or even fall asleep during their treatment.

The needles are also not inserted into areas where you may be experiencing pain. For example, someone receiving acupuncture to relieve neck pain may benefit from acupuncture needles inserted at points in their hands or feet.

Who Is a Candidate?

Acupuncture is generally safe for almost anyone, although you should tell your practitioner if you have any skin rashes or if you are pregnant.

Is Acupuncture Covered by Insurance?

Acupuncture may be covered by your health insurance for certain conditions. Coverage varies by plan and may be limited by specific diagnoses, number of visits, copays, deductibles, or coinsurance requirements.

Before your appointment, contact your insurance provider to confirm:

Whether acupuncture is covered
Whether your conditions qualify for coverage
Whether a referral or authorization is required
Your copay, coinsurance or deductible
How many visits are covered

Conditions that may be covered include:

Chronic neck pain
Chronic headache
Low back pain
Nausea of pregnancy
Post-operative and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
Post-operative dental pain
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Other chronic pain conditions

If your condition is not covered by insurance, or if you do not have acupuncture benefits, self-pay options are available.

What Should I Expect at My First Acupuncture Appointment?

At your initial one-hour appointment, a licensed acupuncture professional will sit down with you assess your overall health and well-being using a “pulse and tongue” diagnosis that incorporates the four pillars of TCM:

Looking: A visual inspection of skin complexion, eyes, ears, and gait, as well as an evaluation of the shape, texture, and moisture level of the tongue.

Listening: The sound of someone’s voice and the way they express themselves, very perky or very lethargic, gives the licensed acupuncturist a better understanding of the individual they are treating.

Touching: Called palpation, involves the licensed acupuncturist feeling various pulse points along your body. Palpation helps determine the strength of your pulse and allows the practitioner to find any swollen, tender, hot or cold areas of the body.

Asking: The licensed acupuncturist will ask questions about your health history and discuss your current symptoms, your medical history, any medications and supplements you take, as well as your sleep, stress, digestion, energy levels, and lifestyle.

After the exam, you will receive treatment anywhere between 20 to 40 minutes. The results of your exam will determine the type of treatment you’ll receive.

What Can I Expect During Treatment?

You will lie comfortably on a treatment table, usually on your back, stomach, or side depending on the treatment area. Needles of varying lengths will be inserted into certain areas of your body.

The number of needles utilized varies. When the needle is inserted, you may feel a light pinch. When the needle is in position, you may feel the sensations of tingling or pressure at the needle site. If you feel pain or discomfort during treatment, tell your acupuncturist right away.

Once the needles are in place, you will rest for a minimum of 20 minutes. During this time, you may experience a state of deep relaxation and fall asleep. Once the appointment is complete, the needles will be removed and disposed of.

How Long Do the Effects Last?

How effective acupuncture is or how long the effects last depend on a multitude of factors. Some patients experience relief after one session. However, those with more severe conditions will likely benefit from a consistent schedule of sessions. You will work with your acupuncturists to determine the treatment plan that best addresses your condition.