You may not yet know much about acupuncture and integrative care. These are the questions new patients ask most, answered plainly. If yours is not here, ask it on the screening call.
What is acupuncture?+
Acupuncture is a complete, non‑invasive medical system that has been used for centuries and is practised today by nationally certified, state‑licensed clinicians. Fine, sterile needles are placed at specific points on the body to stimulate the nervous system, release endorphins and prompt the body’s own healing response. It is used for pain, stress, digestive, sleep, hormonal and many other conditions.
What conditions can acupuncture help with?+
Acupuncture is recognised by the National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization for a wide range of conditions. At AcuMedGroup the most common are chronic back, neck and joint pain, sciatica, migraines, anxiety and depression, insomnia, digestive problems, allergies, menstrual and menopause symptoms, fertility support, fibromyalgia, hypertension, and recovery after surgery or trauma. See conditions we treat.
Does acupuncture hurt?+
Usually not. The needles are far thinner than injection needles. You may feel a brief pinch or a dull, spreading pressure at the point. Most patients describe the session as relaxing, and many fall asleep during retention.
How safe is acupuncture?+
Very safe when performed by a licensed practitioner. Needles are sterile, single‑use and discarded after each session, so the risk of infection is minimal. It is drug‑free, and side effects are rare and mild, most often a small bruise or brief tiredness after a session.
How do I book?+
Send an appointment request through the contact page or call the clinic. Dr. Rusnak sees patients who have first spoken with a member of our clinical team, so we call you within one business day to review your concern, confirm the right treatment and book your first visit.
How many treatments will I need?+
It varies with the condition and the person. Acute problems often change within a few sessions; chronic conditions take longer. Plan on at least a month of regular treatment before judging the result. Dr. Rusnak sets out a realistic course at your first visit and adjusts it as you respond.
Will my insurance cover acupuncture?+
Coverage varies by plan. Ask your insurer whether acupuncture is covered, how many visits per year, whether a referral is needed, and what your co‑pay and deductible are. Bring your card to the screening call and we will tell you what we can verify. Veterans: see VA Community Care.
Is acupuncture covered for veterans?+
Yes, through VA Community Care. AcuMedGroup is an approved provider. Your VA provider issues a referral and authorization; authorized visits are billed to the VA, not to you. We help you with the wording of the request.
How much does acupuncture cost?+
Fees depend on the treatment performed and whether other modalities are included in the visit. We quote you on the screening call before you book, and treatment packages are available for ongoing care.
How should I prepare for a session?+
Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Eat a light meal an hour or two before, and avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol and recreational drugs for several hours afterwards. Bring your questions and a note of any medications you take.
What happens at the first visit?+
A full health history, questions about your symptoms and lifestyle, and a tongue and pulse examination. From that Dr. Rusnak forms a diagnosis and, in most cases, treats you the same day. First visits run sixty to ninety minutes. See your first visit.
Why does the acupuncturist look at my tongue and feel my pulse?+
Both are traditional diagnostic tools. The pulse is read at several positions on each wrist, each corresponding to an organ system, and the tongue’s colour, coating and shape reflect internal patterns. Together with your history they show where the body is out of balance.
Is acupuncture safe for children?+
Yes. Children often respond quickly. For a child who is anxious about needles, the same points can be stimulated by hand (acupressure or tuina) instead.
Why might herbs be recommended?+
Chinese herbal formulas strengthen, build or clear the body between sessions, for example during a cold, a fever or acute pain. Dr. Rusnak may suggest herbs alongside acupuncture, or ahead of it, to build the internal strength that lets treatment take hold.
Do you offer online booking?+
No. Every new patient speaks with our clinical team first so that the right treatment is booked from the start. Existing patients call the clinic to schedule follow‑ups.