Frequently asked questions

Niwot Natural Medicine isn’t affiliated with any insurance companies. Payment at the time of service is required.

Acupuncture is an allowable expense under Health Savings Accounts, so if you have an HSA you may use it for your treatment. Check with your HSA about whether herbal medicine prescribed by a health professional is allowable.

And there’s more good news: acupuncture costs are tax-deductible medical expenses! Keep your receipts, or request an invoice at the end of the year. For more information, see IRS Publication 502.

Cash, check and all major credit cards.

No, injections are walk-in during business hours. See the injection menu.

Arrive well-hydrated and fed. To get the most out of your treatment, avoid hunger, dehydration, exhaustion or intoxication. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Please avoid brushing your tongue, as we use the tongue coating for diagnosis.

Unlike the hollow hypodermic needles used for shots, acupuncture needles are solid yet flexible, and about as thick as a horsehair. You may feel little to no sensation when they’re inserted. Some people describe mild tingling, heaviness, pulling or warmth while the needles are in place. Acupuncture is relaxing, and believe it or not, many patients fall asleep during treatment.

Each treatment starts with a thorough intake about your medical history and current symptoms. Examining your tongue, checking your pulse and palpating acupuncture points help us determine the pattern at hand. Each visit is personalized and changes as treatment progresses.

A typical treatment uses 8–16 points chosen for your constitution and symptoms, mostly on the limbs, back and abdomen. Other therapies may be added as needed, including bodywork, cupping, electrical stimulation or heat.

Relax! You’ll likely feel a blend of relaxation and rejuvenation, as if you just woke from a refreshing nap or finished a good hike. Let your body integrate the treatment by slowing down and staying hydrated. If possible, avoid vigorous exercise for at least two hours afterwards.

It’s different for each patient, depending on the duration, severity and nature of your condition. Acute conditions typically resolve more quickly than chronic ones: you may need only 3–4 treatments for an acute complaint, while 6–12 may be needed for longstanding issues.

After your initial appointment we’ll create a treatment plan for your needs, then assess your progress after the first couple of treatments and adjust. To help reduce the number of treatments and your time and financial investment, we may suggest dietary changes, Chinese herbal medicines, self-care techniques or specific exercises.

Yes! Acupuncture promotes healthy circulation of blood and Qi. From a biochemical perspective, acupuncture stimulates peripheral nerves, prompting the brain to release endorphins, which block pain pathways. An old Chinese proverb says: “Where there is pain, there is no free flow. Where there is free flow, there is no pain.”

The Department of Veterans Affairs, the World Health Organization, and a growing number of health insurers recognize acupuncture as an effective intervention for musculoskeletal pain. As a drug-free intervention, it’s an alternative for pain management without the potentially serious side effects of prescription drugs and surgery.

Yes! The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine for a range of common disorders, including gastrointestinal, urogenital, gynecological and respiratory disorders; disorders of the bones, muscles, joints and nervous system; circulatory disorders; and emotional and psychological disorders including depression, anxiety and addictions.

Acupuncture is also often an effective therapy for chronic, painful or debilitating disorders with no clear explanation. More about acupuncture