Frequently Asked Questions

Acupuncture uses extremely thin, sterile needles placed at specific points on the body to stimulate physiological responses. It has been practiced for thousands of years and is now used alongside conventional medicine around the world.

Acupuncture is commonly used for pain, headaches and migraines, stress, sleep, digestive concerns and reproductive health. See What We Treat for the conditions we see most often.

From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, the body is organized into channels that connect different areas and systems. A simple way to picture them is like roadways, with acupuncture points acting like stops along the route that help direct resources where they’re needed.

From a modern physiological perspective, acupuncture stimulates nerves and tissues at and around the needle site. Research suggests this can influence the nervous system, increase local blood flow and activate the body’s own pain-regulating chemicals, including endorphins. Acupuncture may also influence neurotransmitter pathways involved in pain, stress and mood.

A simple way to think about it is as a reset signal. Acupuncture gives the nervous system input that may help the body return to a more regulated state, or homeostasis.

The needles are hair-thin and much finer than needles used for injections. Most people feel little to nothing going in, followed sometimes by tingling, warmth, heaviness or a dull sensation. Many patients relax deeply or fall asleep during treatment.

Depending on your needs, treatment may also include manual therapy, infrared heat, cupping, gua sha, electroacupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and recommendations for stretching, therapeutic exercises, sleep or nutrition.

We’ll start with a thorough conversation about your health and history, followed by a short assessment that may include pulse and tongue evaluation. Your first visit also includes treatment and a plan for next steps. Please allow about 90 minutes.

Read the new patient guide

It depends on the condition, how long you’ve had it and how you respond to treatment. Most patients begin with weekly visits for two to three weeks. For severe or acute conditions, twice-weekly treatment may be recommended initially. As symptoms improve, visits are spaced farther apart to see how well the results hold.

Think of it like a tune-up: the goal is to find the longest interval that keeps symptoms from returning.

Wear whatever is comfortable. Depending on the area being treated, you may be asked to change or adjust clothing, and appropriate draping will be used throughout treatment.

Please don’t arrive on an empty stomach. Eating beforehand can help reduce the chance of feeling lightheaded or dizzy, especially during your first treatment. Staying well hydrated before and after your visit is also recommended.

Usually, yes, but it is often best to do physical therapy, heavy exercise or lifting before your acupuncture appointment when possible. After treatment, see how you feel before doing anything strenuous. Light activity is generally fine, but some people feel very relaxed or tired afterward.

In most cases, yes. Please provide an up-to-date list of medications and supplements so treatment can be planned appropriately.

Yes. Acupuncture can be used throughout pregnancy and may be helpful for concerns such as nausea, heartburn, pain, sleep, stress and other pregnancy-related symptoms. Treatment is always adapted to your stage of pregnancy and individual needs.

Yes. Glacier Acupuncture works with Veterans through VA Community Care. An active referral is needed to begin the process, and treatment starts once the VA authorization is in place. See the Veterans page for details.

Yes. Glacier Acupuncture accepts VA Community Care through TriWest. We are currently out of network with commercial insurance plans while credentialing is underway with Moda Health and Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield. See Fees, Insurance and Policies for current details and information about your coverage.