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| Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine Involving sterile, thin metal needles which are inserted into pressure points on the skin. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports that acupuncture is safe. Out of millions who receive treatment annually, the agency reports receiving only a few complaints per year about complications from acupuncture. |
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| Typical costs: |
- Fees for an initial visit range from $75 to $95 for an acupuncture session and medical consultation. Routine visits cost $50 to $70.
- Costs are similar nationwide, and should not differ greatly between service offered by clinics or private practitioners, who may also be chiropractors.
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| What should be included: |
- During the first session, a practitioner will inquire about your health and medical history, and examine your pulse and tongue. Practitioners will want to know what ailments you hope to treat and what medications you are taking. The first session will last at least an hour, with follow-up visits ranging from 30 to 40 minutes.
- Most patients report acupuncture is painless or hurts less than having hair pulled, according to the Los Angeles Chinese Learning Center. Commonly felt sensations include an electric-like pulse, slight ache or numbness.
- Discounts:
- The National Institutes of Health reports that acupuncture is one of the most common forms of alternative medicine covered by insurance. Acufinder.com provides a list of questions to ask insurance companies before seeking treatment.
- Some acupuncture clinics offer discounts to patients who prepay for multiple visits. For example, the Meta Morph clinic on New York's Long Island charges $80 for routine visits, but drops the cost 25 percent if patients by 10 sessions for $600.
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| Additional costs: |
- Many practitioners recommend patients take specialized Chinese herbs, such as ginseng and gui pi wan, that are designed to supplement the acupuncture by treating chronic ailments like anxiety or insomnia. Acufinder lists benefits and side effects of Chinese herbs.
- Acupuncture & Holistic Arts Center of Miami sells discount herbs online for at least 10 percent off the retail price.
- Gratuity: Some acupuncturists expect tips of 15 to 20 percent, but not all clinics or private practitioners accept gratuity.
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| Shopping for acupuncture: |
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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Article updated October 2007 |
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