Initial sessions are 75 minutes long, and consist of: 

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• Thorough intake of your health history - including a discussion of your main complaint and all relevant signs and symptoms, general diet and lifestyle habits, family health history, and medications.

• Pulse and tongue diagnosis - practitioners of ancient China used palpation of the radial artery to diagnose patients, a practice which has continued to this day due to its clinical effectiveness.  Tongue diagnosis includes an assessment of shape, color, moisture, and texture, and can be an indicator of internal disharmonies.

• Treatment - you will be treated on your first visit, most likely with acupuncture, but other modalities may be used such as moxibustion, gua sha friction massage, Craniosacral manipulation, Tui Na style of Chinese bodywork, and/or Reiki energy therapy.

Follow up sessions are 60 minutes long and consist of:

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• Evaluation - the previous treatment and its effects will be discussed to see how far you have progressed in the healing process.

• Pulse and tongue diagnosis - these indicators change often, and can be used over and over again to monitor your progression within the healing process.

• Treatment - with acupuncture and other methods.

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In some cases, there will be self-work assigned for you to engage in between treatments.  This can include dietary suggestions, breathing exercises, and/or lifestyle changes.  This is a way for patients to take an active role in their own healing process, and continue the effects of treatment until the next appointment. 

Absolutely.  Acupuncturists are trained and certified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in clean needle technique, a practice that ensures the safety of both patient and practitioner.  Only sterile, single-use needles are used and disposed of immediately after removing from the patient.  The needles are hair-thin, and no longer than an inch, so there is no risk of bodily injury.

Chinese Medicine is a 2,500 year old system deeply rooted in the healing powers of the natural world, which has an efficacy that has stood the test of time.  It is a safe and drug free way to treat many conditions, and utilizes such techniques as acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, gua sha, bodywork, and dietary therapy, tailored to each patient based the nature of the concern.  Chinese medicine, specifically acupuncture and herbal therapy, has been used for thousands of years to treat common issues such as chronic pain, acute injuries, repetitive strain, digestive disorders, headaches, women's issues, allergies, insomnia, respiratory problems, immune support, poor circulation, and emotional imbalance. 

Most people don't feel any discomfort during the needling process.  If a sensation is felt at the time the needle is inserted, it may feel like a soreness or slight pain; some patients describe it as an "ant sting."  While the needles remain inserted, for approximately 10-20 minutes, you may feel some heaviness, radiating, tingling, or an achy sensation either around the needle or traveling up or down the affected meridian, or energy pathway.  Relaxation and a sense of well-being often occur during and after treatment.  Many patients fall asleep while the needles are inserted because of this sense of relaxation and balance.

Microneedling is a natural skin rejuvenation treatment that uses a specialized device to create micro-channels on the surface of the skin. These tiny, controlled micro-injuries stimulate your body’s own collagen and elastin production—two essential proteins for firm, smooth, youthful-looking skin. The process enhances cell turnover, refines texture, reduces lines and scarring, and restores a radiant, refreshed complexion. It’s a powerful way to support skin health without heat, chemicals, or extended downtime.

Acupuncture is covered under some insurance plans.  I can verify your acupuncture benefits before your first visit. To check your coverage, please email your full name, date of birth, and, if possible, clear photos of the front and back of your insurance card to samantha@woodstockacupuncture.com. Once I receive that information, I'll review your benefits and let you know what coverage is available under your plan.

A minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Late cancellations and missed appointments will incur a $75 fee.