What people ask first

Most people feel a brief pinch, a dull ache or a warm, heavy feeling, and many feel very little. The needles are much thinner than the ones used for injections. Tell Elnora if anything is too much and she will adjust or stop.

Yes. Every needle is sterile, comes in a sealed pack, is used once and goes straight into a sharps container.

It varies from person to person. At your first visit Elnora suggests a plan as a starting point, never a promise, and you review it together as you go. Some people come once for something specific, and others come now and then.

We don't bill health plans. Some plans reimburse acupuncture from an itemized receipt, called a superbill, which we give you after each visit. Your plan decides what it pays, so it is worth a call to ask.

Often, yes. Ask your plan administrator whether acupuncture qualifies and what paperwork they want.

Wear something loose that rolls up at the sleeve and the pant leg. Have a light meal beforehand so you are not hungry, and skip a large one.

Tell us when you book if you are or might be pregnant. Some points are avoided and some treatments are changed or skipped, and Elnora explains the risks before anything starts. Your midwife or doctor should know you are coming.

No. Keep taking your medicine as prescribed, and tell your prescriber you are trying acupuncture. Elnora will ask about everything you take, including anything you buy over the counter.

It doesn't replace your doctor's care. See a doctor first for sudden, severe pain, chest pain, new weakness or numbness, a high fever, or loss of bladder or bowel control. In an emergency, call 911.

Yes, for the conversation at the start, and many people do. During treatment you rest, and a friend or family member waits in the front room.

Please tell us a day ahead so someone else can have the time. Call or text, and we will find another day with you.

Say so when you book. Elnora shows you a needle first, goes slowly and starts with fewer points, and you can stop at any time.