Everything a first-time patient wants to know.
Plain-language, evidence-respecting guides to acupuncture. Written to help you decide if it's right for you, what to expect, and how to find a good practitioner — without the hype or the skepticism.
The basics
What is acupuncture?
A clear-eyed introduction — what it is, where it came from, and what it can (and can't) do today.
How acupuncture works
Two valid answers — the traditional theory and what modern research has actually established.
What to expect at your first visit
A step-by-step walkthrough — intake, treatment, what to wear, what to do after.
Answers to what you're actually wondering
Does it hurt?
The most-searched acupuncture question. Short answer: for most people, no, not really.
What does it cost?
Pricing by setting, Medicare coverage, FSA/HSA eligibility, out-of-network reimbursement.
Different styles of acupuncture
TCM, Japanese, Korean, electroacupuncture, NADA, dry needling — a field guide.
Evidence & choosing well
The state of the evidence
An honest condition-by-condition summary, drawn from Cochrane, NIH NCCIH, and major clinical guidelines.
How to choose a practitioner
Non-negotiables, strong signals, yellow flags, and questions to ask before you book.
Red flags to watch out for
When to pause, when to walk away, and how to report concerns about a practitioner.
Ready to find care?
Search verified, licensed acupuncturists by city or condition.