Acupuncture points are located all across the body. Sometimes the appropriate points are far from the area of your pain. After the initial interview, I will tell you the general treatment plan. If appropriate, a gown, towel, or sheet will be provided to preserve your modesty. After you lie down on an acupuncture bed, the treatment will begin.

• Needle Insertion. Acupuncture needles are very thin, so insertion usually causes very little, if any pain. Between three and ten needles are used in a typical treatment.

• Needle manipulation. I may gently move or twirl the needles after they've been placed. This will be painless, and it helps open channels for your Chi to flow. Something else I might do is apply heat or mild electrical pulses to the needles.

• Needle removal. In most cases, the needles will remain in place for 15 to 20 minutes while you lie down and relax. There is usually no discomfort when the needles are removed.

Some people feel relaxed while others feel energized after an acupuncture treatment. But not everyone responds immediately to acupuncture. If your symptoms don't begin to improve, wait a little longer. The time it takes for the effects of acupuncture varies by person.

A growing number of insurance companies will reimburse for acupuncture treatments. Consult your insurer for the terms of coverage on your policy. However, a full payment is due at the time of each treatment. A receipt will be given after each treatment for patients to submit an insurance reimbursement.

Here at Island Acupuncture, we try to keep things simple and easy. To do that, we only accept cash, card, or check.

Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment. Missed appointments count as cancellations. For this reason, we suggest that all patients arrive 5 minutes prior to the scheduled appointment time.