Yes, acupuncture is a very safe modality! Before even inserting needles, I wash my hands, and I use lots of hand sanitizer to make sure my hands are clean at all times.

During an acupuncture session, I use sterile, single-use, medical grade stainless steel needles that are as small as a single hair on your head. The needles vary in length depending on the area of the body I am working with.

Since I am inserting needles into the body, there is always a mild risk of slight bleeding and bruising, which is usually mitigated by applying pressure with a clean cotton ball. I always keep in mind the body’s anatomy and vital structures when treating and adjust needle insertion depth and angle to prioritize safety. In addition, the treatment room, supplies, and table are fully sanitized before, in between, and after seeing clients to make sure all surfaces and tools are clean as well.

It is common for folks to experience a wide variety of sensations during acupuncture treatment. Some folks feel a slight poke at the insertion of the needle, while others don’t feel anything at all.

Other sensations to expect can include a sore or heavy-aching feeling at the insertion site, a non-painful tingly sensation, or a briefly sharp sensation. Let me know if anything is ever uncomfortable and we can always adjust!

Your first visit includes a comprehensive health consultation. We'll discuss your medical history, menstrual or pregnancy history, lifestyle, sleep, areas of pain and tension, digestion, stress levels, and health goals to create a treatment plan that's personalized specifically for you.

During each treatment, very thin, sterile needles are gently placed at carefully selected acupuncture points. Most patients experience little to no discomfort, and find treatments deeply relaxing. Many people even fall asleep during their session.

The number of treatments depends on your health goals and the condition being addressed. Everyone is different, and your treatment plan will always be individualized based on your needs.

As a general guide:

For fertility: Weekly treatments for 3–4 months are often recommended before and during conception or fertility procedures.

During pregnancy: Treatments may be scheduled every 1–4 weeks for specific concerns, depending on their effects on your daily life.

Postpartum: Weekly or biweekly sessions are often helpful during the early stages of recovery, with treatments becoming less frequent as healing progresses. For difficulties getting out of the house in these tender newborn times, I offer home visits for parent and baby.

Acupuncture can support conception in several ways:

• Support healthy menstrual cycles

• Promote circulation to the reproductive organs

• Encourage hormonal balance

• Reduce stress and anxiety during the fertility journey

• Support overall reproductive wellness before conception

• Complement fertility treatments, including IVF and IUI

Many patients seek acupuncture during pregnancy to help with:

• Morning sickness and nausea

• Fatigue

• Neck, back, hip, and pelvic pain

• Sciatica

• Headaches

• Heartburn

• Sleep difficulties

• Swelling

• Stress and anxiety

As you approach your due date, labor preparation acupuncture is also highly recommended beginning at 34-36 weeks, to support your body's natural labor process.

Like during your pregnancy, acupuncture, bodywork, and herbal medicine can be an important part of your self-care.

Postpartum treatment may help support:

• Recovery after vaginal or cesarean birth

• Fatigue and low energy

• Muscle tension from feeding and carrying your baby

• Sleep quality

• Stress management

• Emotional well-being

• Chestfeeding/Breastfeeding

I am fortunate to currently be in-network with most major health insurance companies, including:

• Regence/BCBS

• Moda

• Aetna

• Cigna

• Providence

• Pacific Source

• United Healthcare

• Oregon Health Plan - OpenCard & Yamhill

I am unfortunately not able to take CareOregon at this time in my private practice. If you wish to work with me and have CareOregon coverage, you can also find me at Lilac Family Care.

Fortunately, in the current healthcare landscape, insurance companies offer to cover acupuncture codes. Unfortunately, they often will not cover adjunctive techniques such as massage, cupping, gua sha, and other non-acupuncture modalities within an acupuncturist’s scope of practice.

In order to make a living wage, I charge a $40 non-covered services (NCS) fee to make up the difference, which you can opt into if you would like treatments to include anything other than acupuncture that insurance might not cover.