FAQ

 

How many acupuncture sessions will I need?

For acute pain, such as sprains, strains, injuries, or post-surgical repair, most patients will notice improvement in 1-4 sessions. For chronic conditions, consistent acupuncture is necessary to see substantial results.

We recommend weekly acupuncture for the first 6-8 weeks to heal the root cause of chronic imbalances. For hormonal health, cycle regulation, or fertility we recommend weekly treatment for at least three months. If this feels inaccessible to you, please reach out for a package discount.

Please note that our fertility and menstrual cycles reflect our health across the past 90 days, as it takes 90 days for an egg to fully mature before ovulation. If you would like to enhance egg quality, try to conceive, or treat gynecology conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, or painful / irregular cycles, we recommend a three-month initial treatment strategy.

Afterwards, clients may transition to every other week or monthly for maintenance, however many people work with their acupuncturists long-term for ongoing support and prevention.

Do you take insurance?

Dr. Margarita is an out-of-network provider, and does not participate in insurance billing. That said, many people have out-of-network acupuncture benefits. We are happy to provide you with “superbills,” which are detailed receipts containing diagnostic codes that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

What kind of conditions does acupuncture treat?

We specialize in reproductive and sexual healthcare including fertility and conception support, hormonal and endocrine balance, uterine and pelvic health, cycle regulation for people who menstruate, perinatal care (prenatal, pregnancy, and postpartum), and gender-affirming care.

In addition, Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine is a full-scope medical tradition that can treat most internal or external conditions including:

  • Acute or chronic pain or injury in any area of the body (including back, neck, hip, knee, tennis elbow, headaches, migraines)

  • OBGYN (fertility, menopause, painful / irregular / or absent periods, PCOS, endometriosis, cysts, fibroids, perinatal care)

  • Endocrine concerns and hormonal balance (reproductive endocrinology, hormone imbalances, blood sugar regulation)

  • Mental health (anxiety, depression, BPD, PMDD, OCD, Bipolar)

  • Gastrointestinal issues (bloating, IBS, constipation, diarrhea, Crohn’s, colitis, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain)

  • Sleep issues (insomnia, chronic fatigue)

  • Dermatology (hormonal acne, psoriasis, eczema, scarring)

  • Hair (alopecia, hormonal hair loss)

  • Nervous system regulation (stress, burnout, adrenal fatigue)

  • Focus and memory (brain fog, memory loss, cognitive function, ADHD)

  • Allergies and respiratory issues (asthma, cough, congestion)

  • HEENT (disorders of the head, ears, eyes, nose, throat including chronic sinusitis, dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus)

  • Cardiology (hypertension, palpitations, shortness of breath)

  • Chronic or long-haul viruses (COVID, Lyme, recurrent illness)

  • Circulation (venous insufficiency, varicose veins, cold extremities)

  • Immunity (autoimmune disorders like Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis, acute or chronic colds and flus)

  • And so much more!

What will I feel after my first session?

Most people report feeling calm and at ease after acupuncture sessions. It is like taking a deep, long nap. Some even report feeling “acu high” and blissed out due to the release of happy hormones.

You should feel noticeable relief from physical pain and tension, and increased physical and emotional well-being. After intense treatments like cupping or gua sha, you may feel sore for a few days after.

How does acupuncture work?

From a Western perspective, acupuncture reduces pain and inflammation by increasing the circulation of blood and lymph, and releasing opioid-like peptides (your body’s natural pain-killers!). It quickly enhances our mental health and well-being by releasing endorphins and “happy hormones” from the brain, such as serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin.

It also balances our nervous system by bringing the body from a sympathetic (“fight or flight”) to a parasympathetic (“rest or digest”) state. This lowers cortisol, leading to a reduction in stress and burnout, while improving sleep, digestion, and chronic pain almost immediately. It acts on the body’s interwoven fascial system causing a unique cascade of neural synapses that allow optimal conditions for the body to heal.

From an Eastern perspective, we are balancing four vital substances that we call Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang. We believe that where there is Qi and Blood stagnation, there is pain; and where there is free flow of Qi and Blood, there is harmony and balance in the body. Yin and Yang work together so that all of our organs and systems are healthy and vibrant.

We also work with a nuanced meridian system, or specific pathways and channels of Qi and Blood, which greatly overlaps with the biomedical fascial system. We increase Qi and Blood where it is weakened, and disperse or move Qi and Blood where it is stagnant or blocked.

Does acupuncture hurt?

You will feel some minor sensations during acupuncture, and that is how we know it’s working! Sensations include: heaviness, tingling, circulation, warmth, coolness, or sedation. Many people feel energetic or emotional releases as the nervous system starts to calm down and let go, and they drift into a deep peaceful, meditative state. Some even fall asleep.

You may feel like you are both sinking and floating at the same time — more aware of your body while also deeply at peace. If you are coming in for orthopedics or pain issues, we may offer Trigger Point needling (with your consent of course) with or without electrical stimulation, which may feel more active and intense than a typical treatment.

Please note that we carry all needle sizes — huge orthopedic needles for the sports medicine lovers who want to jump off the table, as well as tiny hair-thin needles you will hardly feel, and everything in between.

We are well-versed in treating highly sensitive people (and even people with needle phobias). We can offer you extra tiny needles, fewer needles, shorter retention time, or needle-free treatments when necessary. Needle-free options include acupressure, adhesive magnets, essential oils, shonishin (pediatric tools), or “pointer plus” (e-stim without needles).

What is the recommended aftercare?

After your acupuncture session, we recommend drinking plenty of fluids and staying hydrated, rested, and well-fed. We recommend eating hearty, warm, cooked foods for extra nourishment. You can resume all normal activity immediately following, although you may want extra down time.

If you receive cupping, we recommend that you keep the area covered from sun, heat, cold, wind, and excessive sweating (including saunas, steam rooms, intense exercise, and cold plunging) for 48 hours or until the marks start to heal. If you receive microneedling, we advise staying out of the sun and avoiding makeup or sweating for 48-72 hours.

Can I get treatment if I am pregnant?

Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it. We are well-versed in all perinatal care, including conception support, pregnancy, and postpartum.

Weekly acupuncture is especially recommended during the 1st trimester to support healthy fetal development and minimize 1st trimester symptoms, and then during the 3rd trimester to prepare the body for a smooth, healthy birth, although you can come in at any time.

Do you also work with men or people with sperm?

Even though acupuncture is commonly associated with the fertility and hormones of people who menstruate, people with sperm deserve treatment too! We love to work with men and folks with sperm of all genders, and are equally trained in “male” reproductive health.