A GUIDE TO YOUR CARE
Acupuncture
An introduction to acupuncture, your first visit, and the questions you may have.
Santa Clara, California
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine that uses very thin, sterile needles placed at specific points on the body.
Treatment is individualized based on your symptoms, health history, and how your body is responding. At our clinic, acupuncture is commonly used for pain, muscle tension, sports and activity-related injuries, limited mobility, and other health concerns.
How acupuncture may help
At our clinic, acupuncture treatment most often focuses on:
Pain & discomfort
Neck, shoulder, back, knee, joint, and other musculoskeletal pain.
Sports & activity-related injuries
Strains, overuse discomfort, and problems related to exercise or everyday activity.
Muscle tension & stiffness
Tight or restricted areas that make movement uncomfortable.
Recovery & mobility
Supporting recovery and helping you move more comfortably.
Stress & tension
Treatment may also help promote relaxation and reduce physical tension.
How does acupuncture work?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture points are selected according to patterns in the body and the location and nature of your symptoms.
From a modern biomedical perspective, research suggests that acupuncture may influence the nervous system, pain-processing pathways, local tissue responses, and the release of naturally occurring pain-modulating chemicals. The exact mechanisms are still being studied.
In practice, treatment is adjusted according to your condition and how you respond from visit to visit.
Concerns we commonly see
Patients come to our clinic with many different concerns. Some of the more common ones include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Shoulder pain
- Low back pain
- Sciatica
- Knee pain
- Muscle tension and soreness
- Sports and activity-related injuries
- Overuse and repetitive strain
- Limited mobility and stiffness
- Headaches and tension
Treatment is individualized rather than based on the symptom name alone.
Your first visit
We’ll begin by talking about what’s bothering you, your general health, and anything important that may affect treatment.
We may also look at the area of discomfort, your movement, or other relevant findings before beginning treatment.
Your acupuncture treatment will then be tailored to your condition and what we find during the visit. Afterward, we’ll discuss how you responded and whether follow-up care may be helpful.
What to wear
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing whenever possible. Clothing that can easily move above the elbows or knees is helpful, and the treatment area should be reasonably accessible.
If an area is difficult to access, we’ll let you know what is needed while maintaining your comfort and privacy.
Planning your treatment schedule
There is no single treatment schedule that fits everyone.
How often you may benefit from treatment depends on what is bothering you, how long it has been present, how it affects your daily activities, and how your body responds to acupuncture.
Some people notice meaningful improvement within one or a few visits. Others may benefit from a period of more consistent treatment.
We’ll see how you respond and discuss follow-up care. If ongoing treatment may be helpful, we’ll recommend a treatment plan based on your needs.
08 · FAQ
A few common questions
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are very thin. Many people feel little or no discomfort when they are inserted. You may occasionally notice a brief pinch, heaviness, tingling, warmth, or a dull sensation around a needle.
Are the needles sterile?
Yes. We use sterile, single-use disposable acupuncture needles.
How long is a visit?
Visit length can vary depending on the treatment and your needs. We’ll allow time to discuss how you’re doing and complete your treatment without rushing.
What might I feel after acupuncture?
Many people feel relaxed after treatment. You may also notice temporary soreness, tenderness, fatigue, or occasional minor bruising around a needled area. These effects are generally mild and temporary.
Can I exercise after acupuncture?
Normal daily activity is usually fine. If you are being treated for an injury or significant pain, we may suggest modifying strenuous activity depending on your condition.
How many treatments will I need?
It varies. Some people respond within one or a few visits, while others benefit from more consistent care. We’ll base any follow-up recommendation on your condition and how you respond.
Can I use insurance for acupuncture?
Chuntian Acupuncture is an out-of-network provider. Some PPO plans include out-of-network acupuncture benefits. Coverage varies by plan. Please contact us if you would like help checking your benefits.
Can I use HSA or FSA for acupuncture?
HSA and FSA funds may be used for eligible acupuncture services. Eligibility and account rules may vary, so please check your individual plan if needed.
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