Acupuncture

Acupuncture treatment

We use the traditional Chinese medicine of acupuncture to support your healing journey from every direction.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient form of traditional Chinese medicine. It has been used for over 4,000 years to promote healing naturally.

Acupuncture focuses on restoring natural energy, called Qi (pronounced “chee”), along pathways in the body called meridians.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, illness is caused by disruptions in these energy pathways. If your Qi is blocked, the flow of blood is stagnated, resulting in pain and illness. Chinese acupuncture works to balance the flow of Qi to organs, glands and body tissues.

How does acupuncture work?

Current research reveals that acupuncture works by activating the pathway between the nervous (nerve) system and endocrine (gland) system.

Acupuncture benefits

Acupuncture benefits may include:

Faster healing of muscle, bone and joint conditions
Improved athletic performance
Reduced pain and inflammation
Increased relaxation

Research has also shown that acupuncture benefits include managing the side effects – pain, immune functions, nausea, etc. – associated with conventional cancer treatments. Learn more about acupuncture as integrative cancer therapy.

During an acupuncture session, a certified acupuncturist inserts sterile, hair-thin needles into precise spots on your body. The procedure usually causes very little pain, with most people only noticing a small prick.

Acupuncture at Aurora Health Care

Aurora doctors work closely with holistic specialists like acupuncturists to enhance your healing and performance. People come to us for acupuncture because we offer:

Multiple healing methods: In addition to standard acupuncture treatments, our acupuncturists also offer specialized Chinese medicine techniques for pain reduction. These methods include cupping, Gua Sha (scraping) and Tui Na, a hands-on bodywork technique.
Licensed experts: All of our acupuncturists are certified by the state of Wisconsin and follow National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) guidelines.
Comprehensive treatment: As one of the state’s largest health care organizations, we offer everything you need in a single, integrated system. Not only do we believe it should be easy for your care team to communicate with each other – we believe in treating the whole patient. In many cases, that means incorporating traditional medicine with more holistic remedies. Learn more about other integrative care treatments like massage therapy and chiropractic care.

Planning your acupuncture treatment

The typical course of acupuncture includes 10 treatments, but you may start improving after just a couple visits. Your first visit will take about 60 to 90 minutes, with the rest of your appointments lasting 45 to 60 minutes. You don’t have to do anything special to prepare for your appointments.

Before you start your treatment, it’s important to check if acupuncture is covered by your insurance plan.

During your acupuncture session

At the start of your session, your acupuncturist will tell you the area of the body they’ll focus on and whether you need to remove any clothing. You will lie on a padded table during treatment.

During the session, your acupuncturist will insert several hair-thin needles in strategic locations. Most people feel only a mild sensation. Your acupuncturist may move the needles gently, sometimes using heat and electrical stimulation to enhance therapy.

After about 20 minutes, your acupuncturist will remove the needles and dispose of them immediately.

Many people report excellent results and many acupuncture benefits, but acupuncture doesn’t work for everyone. Make sure you communicate with your orthopedist and primary care doctor about your acupuncture treatments.

Pricing

Initial evaluation*: $35-70 based on the complexity of your condition
Acupuncture Treatment:
- $90 without electrical stimulation
- $100 with electrical stimulation

Your first appointment may include both an evaluation and treatment. Accessory techniques such as cupping, gua sha, tui na, etc. may also be recommended to help achieve your treatment goals.

Fees may vary by location and are subject to change. Your health insurance may cover acupuncture. Verify your benefits with your plan administrator.

Special pricing is available to patients being treated at Aurora Cancer Care locations. Learn more about acupuncture and massage therapy for cancer care.