What to Expect
Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions

At Boston Alternative Health, we get a lot of questions about acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Therapy. We've addressed some of the most common ones below.

I hate needles! Does acupuncture hurt?

You are not alone! This is probably the most frequently asked question. Acupuncture needles are nothing like hypodermic needles. In fact, you can fit several acupuncture needles inside a hypodermic needle. Plus, the painful part of getting a shot with a hypodermic needle is not so much the needle itself, but the injection of the contents. Most patients don't even realize when an acupuncture needle has been inserted!

What do the herbs in Chinese Herbal Therapy do?

Various plants, minerals and animal products are believed to have specific healing properties. These products are combined together to make a formula specific to each individual's disease pattern. Because the herbal formulas are ingested, the healing properties of the herbs work on a more internal level than acupuncture.

How many treatments do I need until I'm better?

The number of treatments needed varies from patient to patient. Severity of the condition, as well as whether it is chronic or acute all play a part in deciding how many treatments one will need. After careful assessment your practitioner will have a better idea of how long your treatment process will need to be.

What should I wear to an acupuncture treatment?

You are welcome to bring a change of loose-fitting clothing that you feel comfortable in, but it is not necessary. Try to avoid tight-fitting clothing and pants that don't roll past the knees.