Frequently Asked Questions

This is my first time getting acupuncture. How should I prepare for my appointment?

Comfortable environment with candles, light, and succulents.

Here are a few things that we recommend you do before your appointment to make it a comfortable experience:

  • Eat a light meal before your appointment to avoid feeling lightheaded after the treatment.

  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to make it easier to place needles in the appropriate places.

  • Avoid stimulants, such as coffee, before your appointment.

After your treatment, we recommend that you relax and avoid stressful situations. Your body may feel tired after the treatment.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Most of our patients report that acupuncture needles do not hurt. In fact, most people do not feel anything when the needles are inserted, or they feel a slight pinch. Please keep in mind that the needles are very, very thin.

What to expect during treatment?

During your initial consultation, we will carefully review your health history and discuss your goals. Our comprehensive assessment includes an examination of your pulse and an inspection of your tongue. These ancient diagnostic techniques offer valuable clues about the state of your body's internal balance and potential areas of imbalance.

With insights from your health history, goals, and diagnostic assessment, Dr. Kim will design a customized treatment plan for you. Whether it involves acupuncture alone or as a complementary therapy alongside acupuncture, our goal is to empower you on your health journey.

How often should I come in for treatment?

The frequency of your treatment will depend on your medical condition. During your initial consultation with Dr. Kim, a specific treatment plan will be tailored for you.

Many medical conditions will improve quicker with frequent and continuous treatment. Depending on your condition, it may be recommended that you come in once per week or even two to three times per week. Once your condition stabilizes, the frequency of your treatment will be re-evaluated.

What is Moxa (or Moxibustion) treatment?

Moxa is a treatment involving the burning of herbs, typically mugwort leaves, to produce therapeutic results. With the Moxa treatment, you should feel a pleasant heating sensation penetrating deep into the skin. The synergy of acupuncture with Moxa aids in expelling cold and dampness from the body to relieve pain and improve circulation. The benefits of Moxa range widely from regulating the digestive system to relieve constipation and chronic diarrhea to easing anxiety disorders and improving female health issues, such as menstrual irregularity and cramps. At SUNNY Acupuncture & Herb, we use smokeless Moxa to minimize the smell of burning herbs.

What is your COVID-19 policy?

Your health and safety are our utmost priority.

  • Masks are no longer required but will be provided if requested.

  • To limit patient interaction, we ask that you arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before your appointment. Appointment times for patients have been spaced out to ensure little to no interaction with other patients. During this time, patient rooms will be disinfected and paper coverings for the treatment area (i.e. table, face cradle, pillow, etc) will be replaced after each patient.

  • The waiting room will be disinfected multiple times throughout the day.

  • HEPA air filters will be placed in each patient treatment room as well as the waiting area.

Prior to your appointment, if you have any symptoms of COVID-19, please call to reschedule. Symptoms include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Learn more about our COVID-19 safety protocol here.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes, we accept Blue Cross Blue Shield. If we are unable to file a claim on your behalf, we will provide you with a superbill upon your request for you to file with your insurance company. We do NOT accept Medicare or Medicaid.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept cash, checks, and credit cards. Health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA) are also accepted.

We believe your health is of utmost importance and will do our best to accommodate your financial situation if the price is a burden. Please contact us to discuss financial assistance and financing options.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel your appointment, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance. Thank you for understanding as this time has been reserved for your personalized treatment. Failure to comply will result in a 50% charge for your appointment. No shows will result in a 100% charge for your treatment. For late appointments, you may only receive the scheduled amount of time left in your booking.

If you test positive for COVID-19 or have any symptoms, please notify us asap by phone or email to waive the cancellation fee. Documented emergencies will also be exempt from this policy on a case-by-case basis.

If you have more questions, feel free to contact us.