Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body to balance energy, or qi (pronounced "chee"). This process stimulates the body’s natural healing abilities, improves circulation, and promotes physical and emotional well-being.

Acupuncture can help with various chronic and acute health conditions. However, it should never be considered as a replacement for Western medicine. We encourage you to discuss any health concerns you may have with your medical provider.

Conditions treated by acupuncture include, but are not limited to:

• Pain: back, spine, knee, and ankle pain, frozen shoulder, sciatica, neck pain and stiffness, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, tennis and golfer's elbow, headache and migraines, dental pain, and TMJ.
• Gastrointestinal disorders: GERD, IBS, Crohn’s and Colitis, diarrhea, constipation, nausea and vomiting.
• Systemic and autoimmune disorders: high blood pressure, diabetes, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, chronic fatigue, and multiple sclerosis.
• Respiratory problems: colds and flu, cough, allergies, asthma.
• Urogenital disorders: urinary tract problems, sexual dysfunction.
• Sleep and stress: insomnia, nervous tension, low energy.
• Mental health: depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD.
• Cancer treatment support: reatment of pain, burns, scars, nausea, and fatigue due to chemotherapy and radiation, palliative care.
• Pediatric acupuncture.

There are several approaches to acupuncture. At AcuBoston, our practitioners practice the following types of acupuncture:

• Traditional Chinese Acupuncture
• Japanese Acupuncture
• Korean Acupuncture
• Orthopedic Acupuncture

Acupuncture needles are very thin and most patients feel no pain at all. When a practitioner places a needle, you might experience a light prick as it penetrates your skin, which disappears immediately. You may also feel slight tingling, dull aches, or muscle sensations. Be sure to inform your provider whenever you feel any discomfort.

Many of our patients find acupuncture very relaxing and even fall asleep during the treatment.

Community acupuncture involves an approach where patients receive acupuncture treatments in a shared setting. Our community space features four zero-gravity reclining chairs within a tranquil, comfortable environment, where each patient receives a personalized treatment tailored to their unique needs.

This method resembles the practice of acupuncture found in many Asian countries. It also provides a more affordable option for individuals whose insurance does not cover private sessions.

Cupping is an ancient healing technique rooted in Eastern Medicine, used to reduce pain and inflammation, decrease muscle tightness, improve blood flow, release toxins from the body, and increase range of motion.

Suction cups are applied to enhance blood circulation in specific areas, alleviating muscle tension, inflammation, and pain. The vacuum effect lifts skin and muscle, fostering circulation, lymphatic drainage, and natural healing. Athletes commonly use cupping therapy for faster recovery, improved flexibility, and tissue repair. It also helps relieve stress, reduce discomfort, and boost blood flow.

While cupping therapy may leave marks on the patient’s skin, it is generally painless (aside from a stretching sensation) and does not lead to serious issues.

LED and laser therapies use light at various intensities and wavelengths to provide painless, non-invasive treatments that effectively address a variety of health concerns. This light stimulates the body’s cells, enhances blood flow, and activates the body’s natural healing abilities. It promotes tissue recovery, boosts circulation, and reduces inflammation.

LED and laser therapies are non-invasive and painless for patients. Most patients report feeling nothing at all, while some describe a slight warming sensation. These therapies also require no recovery time either.

Herbal Medicine has been an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine for over two thousand years. After a consultation, your herbalist designs a custom formula to meet your health needs. Formulas may contain 3 to 15 herbs and/or minerals, which can be brewed as teas or taken in capsule form.

Herbal formulas are effective for treating symptoms of colds and flu, respiratory conditions, digestive issues, insomnia, pain, infertility across all genders, and symptoms linked to perimenopause and menopause. Additionally, they can help ease the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, as well as mitigate the adverse effects of Western medications.

It is essential to inform your herbalist of all medications and supplements you are taking, since some herbs may adversely interact with Western medicines.

Also known as Cosmetic Acupuncture, facial rejuvenation acupuncture is a natural anti-aging treatment based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

It activates the body’s ability to naturally replenish the skin from within, resulting in:

• Reduced appearance of wrinkles
• Increased production of collagen and elastin in the skin
• Improved skin tone and complexion
• Enhanced facial muscle tone.

The treatment consists of three non-invasive techniques: facial and body acupuncture, facial cupping, and  Gua Sha, with the optional addition of microneedling to enhance results. It is painless and promotes overall wellness by addressing internal health imbalances that may affect the skin.

Facial rejuvenation acupuncture is considered a natural alternative to Botox and other injectables, producing slower, yet longer-lasting results.

AcuBoston is proud to be one of the few clinics in the Boston area offering facial rejuvenation acupuncture treatments. Since this treatment is cosmetic, it typically isn't covered by health insurance. Therefore, patients interested in this service should expect to pay the full cost out of pocket.

Your initial visit will last about 90 minutes and is split into two main parts. In the first 30 minutes, we will discuss your health concerns, explain the principles of our Eastern medicine practices, conduct a full-body diagnostic, and create a personalized treatment plan.

For the remaining hour of our time, you will experience your first acupuncture session.

A treatment plan typically includes 12 sessions but can be adjusted to be longer or shorter based on your individual needs, goals, and progress.

Acupuncture poses minimal risk when conducted by a certified practitioner. At AcuBoston, all our providers are NCCAOM ® certified and use sterile, FDA-regulated acupuncture needles

However, acupuncture isn’t suitable for everyone. If you have lymphedema, we advise consulting your healthcare provider before scheduling an appointment. We strongly encourage discussing your current treatments and medications with your acupuncturist, including the use of blood thinners.

Common side effects are typically harmless and can include soreness or slight bruising. Some patients report feeling tired after a treatment.

Acupuncture offers a wide variety of benefits, including emotional well-being, and can be beneficial for nearly anyone. We suggest consulting your healthcare provider to ensure you are a suitable candidate for acupuncture.

If you have any questions for us, there are several ways you can do so:

• Text us at (617) 860-2039
• Email hello@acuboston.com
• Ask our website chatbot

Yes, we do! To determine if your insurance benefits cover acupuncture, please complete our Insurance Verification Form, and we will reach out to you as soon as the benefits are established (usually within 1-2 business days).

If you do not have coverage for acupuncture, or if we have been unable to verify your benefits before your appointment, please see service fees for patients paying out of pocket on our Home Page.

AcuBoston’s services include:

• Acupuncture
• Cupping (usually with acupuncture)
• Herbal Medicine
• Laser and Light Treatment
• Community Acupuncture - available at our Dedham location only
• Infrared Sauna - available at our Brookline location only

First-time patients: please call us at (617) 860-2039. If you would like to confirm your benefits before scheduling your first appointment, you can complete our Insurance Verification Form, and we will arrange your appointment once we verify your insurance coverage.

Returning Patients: book your appointment by clicking here.

Most patients begin to see results after 2-3 sessions, which continue to improve as the treatment progresses.

Note: Acute conditions usually resolve faster than chronic issues. Chronic conditions may take longer to rebalance due to prolonged stress on the body, but with consistent treatments, you will notice significant improvements.

Yes, receiving acupuncture during the first, second, and third trimesters, as well as postpartum (often called the fourth trimester), is both safe and highly effective.

In the first trimester, we can help your body develop a healthier placenta, reduce morning sickness, and prevent recurrent miscarriages.

In the second trimester, we can assist with aches and pains, as well as sleep issues.

In the third trimester, we continue to support your pregnancy and help prepare your body for labor.

After delivery, we can aid with postpartum depression, breastfeeding challenges, restoring your menstrual cycle, and alleviating any aches and pains.

There are restrictions on which acupuncture points can be used during pregnancy, and as your belly grows, you will be treated while lying on your side or sitting in a recliner. For additional questions about fertility acupuncture, please email hello@acuboston.com.