Frequently Asked Questions

Acupuncture has been a community-based medicine for most of its long history. In Asia, acupuncture is traditionally practiced in a group rather than in an individual setting. Community acupuncture clinics represent a return to this tradition. Community style acupuncture focuses on “distal” points (points below the knees and elbows) so that patients can remain fully clothed during treatment. Most patients are treated in comfortable recliners. At Denver Community Acupuncture, we also provide three screened-in massage tables, so that we can treat directly on the back or abdominal area as well. In this setting, many people can receive treatment at the same time. Our patients find this setting extremely comforting and we feel that the collective energy of many treatments happening at one time actually makes each individual treatment more powerful. Community acupuncture is very affordable! Denver Community Acupuncture charges on a sliding scale and you choose what you feel comfortable paying.

What should I expect during my first visit?

All new patients must complete all electronic forms online prior to your visit. It’s best to arrive at least 7 minutes before your appointment so we can ensure all forms have been properly filled out. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing that can be rolled up above the knees and elbows. Try to have a light snack before acupuncture. Having treatment on an empty stomach may lead to dizziness and nausea. It is not recommended to eat heavy, greasy foods before or after acupuncture. Make sure to drink plenty of water before and after your treatment as well. Your first visit will include a health consultation and acupuncture treatment and will take approximately 60 minutes. Follow up appointments typically last 45 minutes.

What does acupuncture feel like?

Acupuncture should not hurt, but you should feel it. Most people enjoy treatment and find it very comfortable, restful, and relaxing. Sometimes the needle insertion feels like a quick pinch that rapidly subsides. Some people report a mild tingling, heaviness, warmth, or a dull ache at the acupuncture point, which is a sensation of qi moving (or nerve activation). Generally sessions last about an hour, in which the patient rests or even falls asleep. After your treatment, you can expect to feel less pain, more energy, and a heightened sense of well-being. Side effects are rare but may include the following symptoms: light-headedness, dizziness, sleepiness, euphoria, nausea, slight bruising and residual muscle aching. Any of these should last only a very short time.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments a patient needs depends upon the severity and duration of the symptoms. New and acute conditions like a recent injuries generally take 4-6 visits to resolve. For chronic or more complex symptoms lasting over 6 months, a longer course of treatment is required. For life long illnesses, it is not uncommon for healing to occur over several months to years. It is important to remember that everyone is an individual and heals at different rates. Your treatment plan will be determined and discussed with your practitioner during your first visit. Expect it to evolve over the course of your treatment.

What is your cancellation policy?

Your appointment time is reserved just for you. A late cancellation or missed visit leaves an opening that could have been filled by another patient. As such, we require 24 hours notice for any cancellations or changes to your appointment. Patient’s can cancel online anytime up to 24 hrs before their appointment. Patients who provide less than 24 hours notice, or miss their appointment, will be charged a late cancellation/no show fee. We require all patients to store an encrypted credit card number in JaneApp for these circumstances.

How do I schedule follow up appointments?

We recommend making follow up appointments online through Jane App. You should have created an account when you filled out your intake form. Scheduling online allows you to make, change or cancel an appointment any time of day. You can cancel an appointment as long as it is more than 24 hrs from the time of your scheduled appointment. We do request that patients call when making a cupping appointment.

Can I get acupuncture if I am sick with the cold or flu?

While the coronavirus and other respiratory viruses continues to wax and wane in our community, we request that patients refrain from entering the clinic if they have the following symptoms. Additionally, we ask that you wait a couple days after recovery to return to the community room.

Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea

Consider scheduling an Online Cold and Flu Consult. We will send you an online questionnaire and prescribe an effective Chinese Herbal formula tailored to your symptoms.

Does health insurance cover acupuncture?

Many health plans include acupuncture as a benefit. If you would like more information whether or not your insurance covers acupuncture, we recommend you call the number on your insurance card and ask. In order to keep our rates as low as possible, we do not bill insurance. If you plan to seek reimbursement from your insurance company, please pay the full amount and we will provide a super bill for you to submit to your insurance company which will include information on how to submit a claim to your insurance

What should I look for in a qualified acupuncturist?

Today, acupuncturists are trained in accredited graduate programs and are licensed by most states. Some physicians, chiropractors and physical therapists offer treatments known as “medical acupuncture” or “dry needling”, a modality based on a much shorter course of study. While an accredited, masters-level program in acupuncture includes more than 3,000 hours of study, programs for physicians or chiropractors offer only about 200 hours in needling techniques. Acupuncturists should be certified by the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, (NCCAOM), a national organization established to regulate the practice of acupuncture. After passing national examinations, these acupuncturists are designated as board certified in acupuncture or diplomates of the NCCAOM (Dipl. Ac.). The state of Colorado does not require an Acupuncturist to also be licensed in Chinese herbal medicine, so it is important to inquire about your practitioner’s credentials. Acupuncturists who graduate from accredited programs have completed an extensive course of study in Oriental Medicine as well as in Western biomedical approaches to illness. We strongly recommend looking for a practitioner with formal training, national certification, and an active license to practice Oriental Medicine (acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine).