Frequently Asked Questions

Does acupuncture hurt?
Most people find acupuncture very comfortable and relaxing.  The needles are very thin and usually provide little to no sensation upon insertion.

Are the needles sterile?
NECA only uses disposable, sterile, stainless steel acupuncture needles.

What should I wear to treatment?
Loose comfortable clothing.  Easy to access to the arms and legs is essential.  Please avoid wearing any strong smelling cologne or perfume or other body products.  (Many patients suffer from sensitivity to these smells)

How long is my visit?
Most visits last approximately one hour.  Your initial office visit may be 1.5 hours.

What is “community style” acupuncture?
Community style acupuncture (CSA) refers to the actual layout and design of the treatment facility and not to a specific style of acupuncture.  CSA clinics such as New England Community Acupuncture believe affordable access to treatment allows for the most benefit from treatment.  The 2000 plus years of clinical history of acupuncture sites numerous examples of simple, frequent treatments to maximize the patient’s success in treatment. 

Why are NECA’s rates for treatment less expensive than most other clinics?
NECA is a unique clinic design that allows the acupuncturists greater flexibility in treatment options.  This gives NECA the ability to see a larger number of weekly patients, which translates to less expense for each patient.

What conditions can you treat?
Chinese medicine treats a very wide variety of conditions.  Patients come to NECA for treatment of pain conditions, digestion disorders, women’s health, emotional issues, and many other disorders.  Please see the about us page for a partial list of disorders.

How many treatments will I need?
At your initial office visit we perform a thourough health history of your case.  After this evaluation a treatment plan is discussed.  Many patients begin their course of treatment with multiple sessions per week.  Most conditions begin to respond in the first few sessions but stability in chronic health conditions is only achieved over time.  With the numerous variables of each individual and each health condition it is not possible to give a specific number of treatments needed.  (* NOTE: patients are NOT required to make any long term commitment to treatment.  Each patient pays for treatment on a per session basis is does NOT need to provide a deposit on future treatments)

What is Chinese herbal medicine?
Chinese herbal medicine is a major aspect of the tradition of Chinese medicine.  Through analysis and diagnosis NECA can fill a custom made herbal formula to treat your specific health concern.  An herbal formula consists of multiple different herbs combined to treat a wide variety of conditions.
NECA has a fully stocked in house herbal pharmacy and prescriptions are often ready when you leave your appointment.  Patients can choose to use herbal medicine in addition to acupuncture or may choose to use only acupuncture or herbal medicine alone.
The herbal formula prescriptions are administered in a powdered form which is taken with water.  (*specific instructions are given to patients receiving prescriptions)