Frequently asked
Honest Answers to Common Questions
Practical answers about acupuncture, your first visit, insurance and pricing, fertility care, and what to expect at our Silver Lake, Los Angeles practice. If you don’t find your question here, call — we’re happy to answer it directly.
DAOM
Doctor of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine
L.Ac.
Licensed Acupuncturist
FABORM
Fellow, Reproductive Medicine
20+ yrs
In practice since 2005
5.0 ★
Google reviews
Your first visit
What to expect, how to prepare, and what happens after.
Up to 90 minutes. The first 30–40 minutes are a thorough intake — medical history, current concerns, labs, cycle data if relevant, sleep, digestion, stress, and the goals you walked in with. The remaining time is your first treatment.
Loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your arms and legs. Many treatments work points below the elbow and below the knee. You’ll typically stay clothed; a treatment gown is provided when needed.
Eat something light an hour or two before — not on an empty stomach. Avoid heavy meals immediately before. Bring any recent labs, imaging, cycle tracking, or medication lists if relevant. Hydrate.
Yes — we always combine intake with a treatment. By the time we put needles in, we know your case, your goals, and the points we want to work.
Most patients describe a sense of deep relaxation and lightness. Some feel energized, some feel sleepy. Mild soreness at points is uncommon but possible. Stay hydrated and avoid intense workouts that day.
Insurance, pricing & policies
Straightforward answers on cost, coverage, and how payment works.
We are out-of-network with most insurers. We provide a detailed superbill at the end of each visit that you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement. We do not bill insurance directly.
Yes — acupuncture is a qualifying medical expense for both. Bring your card and we’ll run it like any other payment method.
Initial consultations of up to 90 minutes and follow-up visits are quoted at the time of booking. Pricing varies by service (acupuncture, herbal medicine, triLift cosmetic). Call (310) 601-7482 for current rates.
Yes, for triLift cosmetic (4 and 6-session courses) and for fertility patients planning multi-month support. Standard acupuncture is paid per visit so you stay in control of your schedule.
24-hour notice is required for cancellations and reschedules. Less than 24 hours’ notice is charged at the full visit rate. We understand emergencies happen — call as soon as you know.
Fertility & reproductive care
Common questions from patients pursuing natural conception or IVF/IUI.
Ideally three months before trying to conceive or starting an IVF cycle — long enough to influence the 90-day egg maturation window. That said, we can support you at any phase, including the day of embryo transfer.
Most do, especially with FABORM-credentialed practitioners. We coordinate directly on timing of medications, transfer dates, and herbal medicine — making sure nothing interferes with your protocol.
FABORM (Fellow of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine) signifies advanced post-graduate study in reproductive endocrinology and integrative fertility care. Not all acupuncturists are trained in reproductive medicine — this is the credential for it.
Yes — with great care. Recurrent loss is one of the most painful chapters of the journey. Care here combines clinical strategy with steady, ongoing partnership.
Yes, when performed by a practitioner trained in reproductive medicine. Points are selected carefully through each trimester to support pregnancy rather than disrupt it.
Pain & conditions
On chronic pain, sports injuries, and what acupuncture can address.
It’s recognized by the WHO and NIH as effective for a wide range of pain syndromes — back, neck, sciatica, migraines, joint and sports injuries. Most patients feel a meaningful shift within 4–6 sessions.
Acupuncture needles are extremely fine — about the width of a human hair — and nothing like the needles used for injections. Most patients feel a slight dull ache or "heavy" sensation (De Qi), which is a sign the body is responding.
Acute issues can resolve in a handful of sessions. Chronic patterns typically benefit from 8–12 weekly visits before reassessing. We’ll give you a realistic timeline at the first visit.
Yes. Acupuncture is complementary and works safely alongside conventional treatment. Many patients gradually reduce reliance on pain medication as their condition improves — always in coordination with their primary doctor.
See our conditions page for a working list of what we treat. If your condition isn’t listed, call — the underlying mechanisms affect many systems and an initial consultation will tell us whether acupuncture is the right fit.
Treatment methods
On the modalities used in the practice.
Acupuncture is one modality within Chinese medicine — the foundation, in our practice. Chinese medicine also includes herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, Tui-Na bodywork, and dietary therapy. Most plans combine modalities.
Sometimes — when your case calls for it. Formulas are custom-compounded from patent remedies and raw herb powders, screened for interactions with your current medications. They’re paid out of pocket and not bundled with the visit fee.
Cupping is a vacuum-suction therapy that releases deep tissue and brings inflammatory markers to the surface. Yes, you may have round marks where cups were placed — they fade within 3–7 days and aren’t painful.
Yes — mugwort burned at a careful distance above the skin to warm acupuncture points. Used for "cold" patterns, joint pain that worsens with cold, and certain fertility protocols. Smokeless options are available.
triLift is a specific device combining muscle stimulation with radio frequency. We pair it with cosmetic acupuncture for tone, lift, and circulation — a "triple-action" approach without injectables or surgery.
Logistics & the office
Practical info about visiting Silver Lake.
4443 Sunset Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027 — in Silver Lake, on Sunset Drive between the reservoir and the boulevard. Easy access from Los Feliz, Echo Park, Atwater Village, and East Hollywood.
Yes — street parking is generally available on Sunset Drive and the side streets. Two-hour limits during business hours; read posted signs. We’ll give you specific guidance when you book.
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, and Tuesday, 8 AM to 1 PM. Closed Thursdays and weekends. Same-week appointments often available — call to check.
Yes — the online scheduler shows real-time availability and accepts deposits for new patients. Click to book or call (310) 601-7482.
For some nutritional and herbal consultations, yes. Acupuncture itself requires in-person care. Initial intake can be done in person or by phone before the first treatment.
Still have questions?
The fastest answer is a phone call.
Mon, Wed and Fri 8 AM \u2013 5 PM, Tue 8 AM \u2013 1 PM. We\u2019re happy to walk through anything before you book.
Ready to begin?
Care that meets you where you are.
New patient visits are up to 90 minutes, a thorough intake followed by your first treatment.