Frequently Asked Questions
Fees and Policies
Cash, check, and credit cards accepted. We do not currently accept insurance coverage. There is a service charge on all cards. 4% on all card transactions and 2% on Venmo and Paypal purchases. All packages expire 3 years after the date of purchase.
24 hour cancellation policy
Please allow ample time for us to reschedule your appointment. Due to the length of treatments and time reserved for you, we ask that if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, that you do so at least 24 hours in advance. For missed appointments or ones that are not cancelled 24 hours prior to your scheduled time, the fee is the cost of the appointment.
Payment for the missed appointment is required before your next treatment will be rendered. Repeat no shows, late cancellations, and/or tardiness will be referred out. Please note that there are no returns - ALL SALES OF PRODUCTS AND SESSIONS ARE FINAL.
Your visit
An initial acupuncture session consists of a health history, diagnosis, treatment plan and treatment. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and will be given feedback and recommendations on how to make the most out of your treatments. your practitioner will ask many detailed questions about your primary area of concern, as well as a thorough medical history, a brief physical examination, feeling the pulses, looking at the tongue, and possibly palpating areas of the body. After this initial intake is complete, the practitioner will make a Oriental medical diagnosis. Based on this diagnosis, your practitioner will then choose the appropriate medical modalities to treat your condition. Your initial visit will last 75-90 minutes and follow-up appointments are 60 minutes.
During each acupuncture treatment session, you may receive cupping, moxa, E-STIM, gua sha, bodywork, herbal prescription, nutrition and lifestyle recommendations, Qi Gong and sound therapy in addition to your acupuncture treatment.
We will decide what treatments are best for you once we have taken a detailed history and gained an understanding of your needs.
When to arrive?
Please arrive 15 minutes early to have your paperwork filled out when possible. Having your personal calendar with you enables you to schedule future appointments. Scheduling treatments in advance ensures that you receive the times and days that work best for you.
You may download, print, and complete the forms prior to arriving:
Before your visit
Make sure you have had a light meal or snack before you arrive. Acupuncture is not recommended during a fast. Eliminating caffeine two hours before and after a treatment will optimize its effects. Avoid alcohol or other intoxicants the day of the appointment.
Try not to schedule any high-impact activities after your treatment.
How to prepare
If pain is a concern for you, think about words to describe the specific sensations, when they occur, how often, with what intensity, and exactly where are they located. Words often used to describe different types of pain include burning, dull or achy, stabbing, sharp, radiating, numb, tingling, pins and needles, heavy, steady, throbbing, or intermittent. Also consider whether anything makes the pain better or worse, such as heat or cold, time of day, weather, or particular foods.
What to wear?
If possible, wear or bring loose-fitting clothes that can be rolled up to your elbows and knees. The most commonly used acupuncture points are located between the elbows and hands and the knees to the feet. Usually no undressing is required as most needling can be done with a simple adjustment of loose fitting clothing. Gowns are available for patients wearing restrictive clothing.
How it feels after the treatment?
Patients generally report feeling relaxed and calm following their treatments. If any excessive sleepiness is felt, you should sit in the waiting room for a few minutes before driving. Drink plenty of fluids, avoid strenuous work or exercise. Proper care and consideration of your body and mind following a treatment will increase the positive effects of the treatment.
Are There Any Reasons Why I Should Not Be Treated with Acupuncture?
While there are no contraindications to receiving acupuncture or other TCM treatment modalities, there may be certain conditions or circumstances that may prevent you from receiving a treatment today. Some conditions may mean that certain acupuncture points or treatments are cautioned or contraindicated, and your treatment plan will be adjusted accordingly. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911.
Feel free to email camille@honeycombacupuncture.com
phone: (707) 318-0423
to schedule an appointment or to ask any questions.
Why Acupuncture?
Acupuncture works holistically to integrate your mind and body. It manages your health issues naturally, helps you maintaining health and prevent illness. According to a survey conducted by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, one in ten adults use acupuncture to treat their medical conditions.
Acupuncture:
is proven to be safe and effective
has shown to work for a wide range of medical conditions
treats the whole person: mind, body and spirit for complete health
has no side effects
is a time-tested natural form of medicine used for over 3000 years
How does acupuncture work?
According to Chinese medical theory, disease arises when there is an imbalance in the flow of Qi, or life energy, along any of the fourteen major channels in the body. These channels are linked to specific internal organ systems, such as the Heart, Liver, Lung, Kidney, etc. With the insertion of fine, sterile, single-use needles at specific points along the affected channels, Qi is then redirected and balanced, thereby improving health. An individual with abundant and free flowing Qi possesses health. Various factors, trauma, poor diet, emotions, substance abuse, overmedication, lack of rest, and stress, can disrupt the free flow of Qi. Acupuncture restores the body back to equilibrium.
Does acupuncture hurt?
No, acupuncture should not hurt. Acupuncture works along channel pathways or meridians. Thin sterile stainless steel needles are gently inserted into acupuncture points around the body. Feeling the stir of Qi is desirable and may resemble deep pressure, a pinch, a change in temperature, tingling, distention, or numbness. This is called “de Qi” and is a desired response; it means your body is responding to the treatment and energy is moving. It should NOT be painful. If you do experience any pain or discomfort, advise your practitioner immediately, as your needles may need to be adjusted or removed.
Is it safe?
When administered by a licensed acupuncturist, acupuncture is a very safe form of therapy. Needles are single use, sterile, and immediately disposed of after removal.
If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, please notify your acupuncturist immediately. Most acupuncture points are safe to use during pregnancy, but there are a few points that are avoided as a precaution.
Are There Any Side Effects to Acupuncture?
After an acupuncture treatment you will be advised to rest and drink extra water. Most people feel very relaxed and energized after an session. On occasion you may experience a small bruise where a needle was inserted. This may present as an itching sensation after the needle is removed, and can be helped by applying arnica, pressure or ice for a few minutes after the treatment. If you experience any pain, large bruises, swelling, difficulty breathing, or dizziness after an acupuncture treatment, advise your practitioner or doctor immediately.
How many treatments are needed?
The number of treatments recommended depends on several factors: the nature of the condition, the duration, frequency, and severity, the overall health of the patient, as well as how compliant the patient is with the recommendations following a treatment. Chronic cases may require twice weekly visits for several weeks, and then taper off as the patient makes progress. For most people, acupuncture is often a last resort when all other therapies have failed. With this in mind, it is strongly recommended that you come in for a minimum of six sessions to fully experience the benefits of acupuncture and repeat sessions every few months to maintain your progress.
Everyone responds differently to Chinese Medicine, but you can expect to see significant improvements within the first few sessions. You may even see dramatic changes after the first treatment.
Scalar Wave Laser Therapy
The Scalar Laser is a cold laser or low-level laser system refers to very low powered lasers which have been designed to gently rejuvenate cells.
Low-level lasers are completely safe and work on a regenerative basis. Cold lasers rejuvenate cells by gently donating energy in the form of photons, which then increases the energy molecule of the cell, called ATP, which in turn stimulates cells to grow more efficiently. As the cells are charged, any toxins in the tissue begin to be released. When the body has an injury, cells are damaged and fail to function within normal parameters. Low level lasers penetrate deeply into the skin and work by restoring normal cellular function.
This technology improves circulation, activates tissue healing, metabolism, oxygenation, DNA repair, and increasing cellular energy - restoring health and balance to the treated area. The Scalar Wave Laser System is indicated for fertility assistance, temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain, muscle spasm, arthritis, relieving stiffness, and increasing local blood circulation.
Will my practitioner prescribe herbs?
Oriental herbs are often prescribed in conjunction with acupuncture treatment. If your practitioner prescribes an herbal formula for you, she will ask if you would like to take it in bulk form (raw) or pill form. Taking raw herbs involves simmering the raw herbs in water for a specified amount of time and then drinking the tea that results. This is the strongest form of herbal medicine. Pill medicines are often more convenient, though weaker in their effect. Regardless which form you choose to take, your practitioner will thoroughly explain any herbal formula you may receive.
Powdered formulas can bought directly from Honeycomb Acupuncture. All raw herbal formulas will be called in and picked up at your convenience from Spring Wind or Draline Tong Herbs:
Are Herbal Prescriptions Safe? Can I Take Them with Other Medications?
Chinese herbal formulas are specially formulated combinations of traditional herbs that are intended to compliment acupuncture treatments for most conditions. Chinese herbs can be plants, minerals, sea products, and animal products. At Honeycomb Acupuncture, our herbs are sourced through an international vendor who provides organically grown herbs that are processed using GMP standards. Your practitioner will explain any anticipated interactions with your medications.
Please note: You should never discontinue doctor-prescribed medications without consulting your doctor.
Please be sure to advise your practitioner if you are vegan or vegetarian, and if you have any food/medication/environmental allergies or sensitivities.