Frequently Asked Questions
faq

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Does acupuncture hurt?

Most people are surprised by how gentle acupuncture feels! The needles are very thin — about the width of a human hair — and most insertions feel like a tiny pinch or nothing at all. Once the needles are in, many patients feel calm, heavy, or even fall asleep during their treatment.

Acupuncture is used to support a wide range of health concerns. At Encircle, we most commonly treat pain, stress, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, allergies, hormonal imbalances, digestive issues, infertility, and more. If you’re not sure if acupuncture can help with your specific concern, just ask — we’re happy to guide you.

You’ll pay $50 for your first visit, and after that, you decide how much you want to pay along the sliding scale ($25-$50) for each subsequent treatment. When you check in for an appointment, a receptionist will ask you how much you’d like to pay. The amount you pay is entirely up to you. We don’t have income guidelines or ask for any verification, and you don’t have to pay the same amount every time. Our sliding scale exists to make acupuncture affordable and give you choice and flexibility in how you pay for healthcare.

Your first visit begins with a brief intake so we can understand your symptoms and goals. You’ll then settle into a recliner in our peaceful community room. Your practitioner will place a personalized set of acupuncture points, and you’ll rest quietly for about an hour. Many patients find it deeply relaxing — and some even nap!

Acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural healing response by inserting thin, sterile needles at specific points on the body. These points help regulate circulation, reduce inflammation, calm the nervous system, and restore balance to internal systems. In other words, acupuncture helps your body do what it’s already designed to do: heal.

Distal acupuncture means we place needles away from the area of pain — often in the arms, legs, or ears — to create a healing response elsewhere in the body. It’s incredibly effective and allows you to rest comfortably during treatment without needing to undress or expose painful areas.

Acupuncture is a process, and most conditions require a series of treatments to see lasting results. At your first visit, we’ll recommend a treatment plan based on your goals and how long you’ve had your symptoms. Chronic conditions usually take longer, while acute issues may respond more quickly.

Not at all! Acupuncture works whether or not you “believe” in it. It’s based on time-tested principles and modern research shows its effectiveness for a wide range of conditions. Just come with an open mind and let your body do the rest.

We recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing that allows access to your arms and lower legs. You’ll stay fully clothed and cozy under a blanket during your treatment.

Absolutely. Acupuncture has a very low risk of side effects, and is completely safe during all stages of pregnancy.

No. One of the ways we keep our prices low is by circumventing the expensive and time-consuming process of insurance billing. We’d rather save money on the overhead of insurance billing and pass along those savings to you. If your health insurance pays for acupuncture, we’re happy to provide you with paperwork to submit for reimbursement.

Yes! You can use your HSA or FSA debit card to pay for treatments.

Yes — acupuncture is extremely safe when performed by trained, licensed professionals (like all of our providers). We use only single-use, sterile needles and follow strict hygiene protocols. Side effects are rare and typically mild, such as light bruising or temporary soreness.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

We specialize in holistic, time-proven, effective treatments to address today’s health concerns. Everything we offer is personalized, gentle, and rooted in our commitment to making you feel better—at a price you can afford.