Frequently Asked Questions
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are very thin (about the size of a strand of hair) and most patients don’t feel any pain or discomfort during treatment. You might feel a slight pinch when the needle is inserted, but that usually subsides almost immediately. It is normal and beneficial to feel a “de qi” sensation, which is usually described as the feeling of heaviness, pressure, or warmth, at the acupuncture point where the needle is inserted. Most patients feel relaxed or even sleepy during their appointment, but if at any point you are feeling nervous or uncomfortable with the needles your treatment can be adapted to your personal needs.
Is acupuncture safe? Is it safe during pregnancy?
Yes, acupuncture is extremely safe. Licensed practitioners undergo rigorous clinical training and adhere to strict guidelines to ensure maximum safety for both patients and practitioners. Major side effects are exceptionally rare, and most patients experience no side effects, although mild bruising at the needle site is possible (but also very rare).
Acupuncture is safe during pregnancy. Numerous research studies and medical organizations support its safety profile, which you can read more about on the Research & Data page.
How long are appointments?
With the exception of the new patient consultation, appointments are one hour long. Each session begins with approximately 10-15 minutes of clinical discussion and progress assessment, followed by a 30-45 minute acupuncture treatment. New patient appointments are 90 minutes to allow for a comprehensive initial intake and personalized treatment planning.
Should I eat before my appointment?
Yes! You are highly encourage to have a snack before your acupuncture appointment. Something small like a protein bar, cheese stick, or nuts are a great option.
What should I wear?
Wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is always advised. Depending on your treatment we may ask you to wear a gown so that we can work on a particular area of the body. Shoes and socks will always come off, undergarments will always stay on.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments you'll need depends on the nature of your condition and your overall health goals. After your initial consultation, you’ll receive a personalized treatment plan outlining a recommended timeline and any additional therapies that may be beneficial. Some concerns resolve within just a few sessions, while more complex or chronic conditions may require a longer course of care. For reproductive health support, an average of 8-12 treatments is often recommended to see meaningful progress.
I can’t walk up stairs. Is your office accessible for me?
Yes. While our clinic is on the second floor of the Devonshire Medical Building, there is direct ramp access from Devonshire Drive that leads straight to our front door - no stairs required. If you plan to use the ramp, we recommend parking along Devonshire Drive (free street parking) rather than in the main Scripps medical campus lot.
Do you take insurance?
Not at this time, although we are currently working with several insurance companies to become providers. This process can be lengthy, so we encourage you to sign up for our updates to stay informed about any changes to our insurance acceptance. Of course, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any specific questions.
How much does acupuncture cost?
You’ll find our full pricing on the Appointments page. Initial visits are slightly higher in cost, as they include a comprehensive new patient consultation and a longer treatment time. For ongoing care, we offer treatment packages designed to support long-term results while making regular visits more cost-effective.
If time or budget is a concern, we also offer shorter telehealth herbal consultations, which are a flexible way to support your wellness from home.
What payment options are accepted?
We accept cash, credit card, and Apple pay.
What conditions can acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture is particularly effective for managing reproductive health issues, including:
Menstrual pain, PMS, and irregular cycles
Endometriosis and PCOS
Fertility and ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) support
Chronic pelvic pain
Symptoms of menopause and perimenopause, such as hot flashes and mood changes
Pregnancy-related discomfort (morning sickness, migraines, back pain, etc.)
Stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances
Hormone disregulation (hypothyroidism, insulin resistance, etc.)
In addition, acupuncture can address concerns like allergies, digestive issues, headaches, back and neck pain, fatigue, and more. Many patients use acupuncture as a complement to other medical treatments, specifically in relation to fertility treatments. Several studies have shown the improved live birth outcomes of using acupuncture alongside these treatments.
How does acupuncture work?
To learn more about how acupuncture works, visit our What is TCM? page for a comprehensive overview of its underlying mechanisms. You can also explore our blog for in-depth posts on how acupuncture supports specific conditions.
Do you prescribe herbal medicine? How do you know the herbal formulas are safe?
Yes, we prescribe herbal remedies that are formulated to your specific needs only after completing a new patient consultation or herbal consultation. We work exclusively with suppliers that adhere to the most stringent of safety guidelines. All formulas offered at Seed Acupuncture are manufactured in California, surpassing rigorous current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). All phases of the production process, from procurement and testing of raw ingredients, to manufacturing and packaging of products, are done in FDA-registered facilities in California to ensure potency and purity. Independent, third party heavy metal testing is conducted for each product and Certificates of Analysis are available upon request.
How can I contact you?
We are available via call, text, or email.