What does acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain, but can be effective for many other issues ranging from colds to infertility and digestive issues to psychological issues. The World Health Organization recommends acupuncture for over 100 conditions. For the complete list, visit their website here.

How should I prepare for my first acupuncture treatment?

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Please consider eating a light meal beforehand, and avoid heavy meals or caffeine before your appointment.

What happens during an acupuncture treatment?

We will begin with a thorough intake by reviewing your symptoms and relevant medical history. With your consent, I may look at your tongue, take your pulse and touch your abdomen to help determine an appropriate treatment for you. You’ll lay either face up or face down on a massage table. I will then insert the needles and they will remain inserted for approximately 30 minutes. Depending on your health issue, and at no additional cost, I may perform gua sha, cupping, or moxibustion. I may also recommend herbal medicine.

How does acupuncture feel?

Acupuncture feels different for everybody! In general, there is little to no pain because the needles are very thin. Most people describe feeling relaxed and some people even fall asleep during their treatment.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on the duration and complexity of your symptom and will vary from person to person. In general, chronic conditions are treated once or twice a week for 6-12 weeks or sometimes longer. Acute conditions might be treated once or twice a week for 2-6 weeks. 

Acupuncture has a cumulative effect.  In order to achieve lasting health effects, treatment should be consistent for an indicated period of time.

What if I need to cancel an appointment?

Please contact us by phone (312-612-0939) or email (redearthacu@gmail.com) at least 24 hours before the start of your appointment. Appointments that are cancelled less than 24 hours in advance will be billed to the patient at the full rate.  

If you are 15 minutes or more late for your appointment, the provider may not be able to accommodate you, and you will be responsible for the cancellation fee at the full rate.

Do you take insurance?

Red Earth Acupuncture is an in-network provider with BCBS PPO. Please email redearthacu@gmail.com with a copy of the front and back of the insurance card and the patient’s full name and date of birth.  If you are not the primary policyholder, please provide their name, date of birth and relation to you. It may take up to 1 week to confirm benefits with our biller. Once we confirm your benefits, we will contact you to confirm your benefit coverage.  

I can also provide you with a super bill if you have a different PPO plan that covers acupuncture. You will be responsible for payment at the time of service and you will submit the superbill to your insurance for reimbursement.