Common Questions
What Can I Expect From My Treatment at River Valley Acupuncture?
Every treatment at River Valley Acupuncture is individualized. Your visit will begin with a consultation with your acupuncturist, including questions about your main complaint and your general health. This will help to determine which acupuncture points or other treatments will be most useful for your condition.
Acupuncture needles are made of very fine stainless steel, which allows for minimal or no pain upon insertion. You may feel sensations around the acupuncture needles, such as itching, tingling, heaviness, or warmth. This is the result of the movement of energy in your body.
River Valley Acupuncture provides private treatment rooms with the option of calming music, to aid tranquility. Wearing loose clothing will allow for access to the acupuncture points, as well as promote an environment of relaxation.
Please allow 1.5 hours for your first visit. Follow-up acupuncture visits are usually 1 hour long. Herbal consults and pediatric treatments are shorter.
You may feel relaxed or energized after the treatment. You are encouraged not to eat heavy meals or perform strenuous exercise immediately before or after your treatment.
What if I Am Afraid of Needles?
Acupuncture needles are much thinner than the hypodermic needles at your doctor's office. Many people find that their initial anxiety fades and they are able to relax once the needles are inserted. If you prefer a treatment without needles, we can suggest Acupressure, Chinese Herbal Medicine, or one of our other services.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The number of treatments necessary depends on the individual and the condition being treated. Although you may experience some effects immediately, such as relaxation and temporary pain relief, it may take 3-5 treatments to see initial benefits. Substantial improvement can require 10 or more treatments.
Most patients initially will need to come for treatments once a week. As the condition improves, visits can lengthen to every other week or even once a month. Consistency is key in achieving maximum benefits.
What Kind of Training Do Acupuncturists Receive?
It is essential to distinguish between a Licensed Acupuncturist, and other practitioners who offer acupuncture. Licensed Acupuncturists undergo rigorous and systematized training and testing. Currently, to become a Licensed Acupuncturist in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires a 3-year Master's Degree, a clinical internship, and a national examination.
Are All Acupuncturists the Same?
While all acupuncture can trace its roots back to China, many forms of acupuncture have evolved over the years. Each practitioner will have a unique style and point of view. It is important to find the acupuncturist who is right for you.
Are Chinese Herbs Safe?
Only a Licensed Acupuncturist with herbal training should prescribe Chinese Herbal Medicine. Our extensive training enables us to select suitable herbal formulas and to monitor our patients' progress. Most patients experience no side effects. If there is a question of whether herbs are appropriate for a specific individual, or if there is a potential for interaction with Western medication, we will proceed with caution.
At River Valley Acupuncture, we only use herbs from suppliers who have committed to closely screening the quality of their products.
What Are the Costs?
Fee Schedule (Does not include the price of herbs):
Initial Visit $85
Initial Visit, Pediatric (under 13 years old) $60
Follow-Up Visit $60
Follow-Up Visit, Pediatric $35
Follow-Up Visit, Herbal Medicine Only $50
Seniors, students, and veterans receive $5 off the adult price of each visit with ID. Discounts are also available with our package deals and referral programs.
Some Massachusetts' health insurance companies now cover acupuncture. We encourage you to contact your insurance company to find out their policy. Worker's compensation and automobile insurance may also cover the cost of some treatments. We require that all visits be paid for at the time of service. We will gladly provide you with detailed receipts or other information so that you can be reimbursed.
If you participate in a Flexible Spending Program (FSP), you can use your FSP to pay for acupuncture treatments. Many of our patients take advantage of these programs to further subsidize costs.
How Do I Schedule a Treatment?
Treatments are available by appointment. Please contact our office at (508) 892-8300, ext. 3 to find a time that is convenient for you.
You may find it helpful to fill out our New Patient Health History Form or Pediatric Health History Form in advance to bring to your appointment.
If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please give us at least 24 hours notice.
Where Can I Learn More About Acupuncture?
- Acupuncture Today
Get basic information on the ABCs of Acupuncture and read up-to-date acupuncture news. Search for specific health conditions, and Ask an Acupuncturist. - Mayo Clinic
A good overview of acupuncture from the staff at the Mayo Clinic. - National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
A division of the National Institute of Health (NIH), this site provides answers to Frequently Asked Questions about acupuncture.
