Common Questions
Everything you need to know before your first visit.
Questions about Community Care, One-on-One Care, Specialty Care, Accompaniment, acupuncture, dry needling, massage, herbal medicine, pricing, and planning your visit.
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Getting Started
Do I need an appointment?
Walk-ins are welcome if we have space. That said, we can get busy, and we recommend booking in advance to secure your preferred time. This applies to Community Acupuncture, One-on-One Care, Specialty Care, and the orthopedic treatment table in our community room. Book online anytime or call or text us at (512) 698-5151.
What can acupuncture help with?
Acupuncture can support many concerns, including allergies, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, Bell’s palsy, chemo side effects, depression, PTSD, C-PTSD, digestive problems, eczema, fatigue, fertility, high blood pressure, hives, hot flashes, IBS, injuries, insomnia, jet lag, knee pain, migraines, neck pain, plantar fasciitis, PMS, stress, sugar cravings, surgical recovery, tendonitis, tennis elbow, TMJ, and more.
If you are not sure whether acupuncture can help your specific concern, give us a call. We are happy to talk it through.
I’m nervous about needles. Is acupuncture still for me?
Yes. This is one of the most common things we hear from new patients, and most are surprised by how gentle acupuncture feels. Acupuncture needles are nothing like the needles used for injections or blood draws. They are hair-thin and solid, not hollow. Many people fall asleep during treatment. If at any point you are uncomfortable, just let us know.
How soon will I feel results?
It varies. Some people feel a noticeable shift after their first treatment. Others need 3–4 sessions before changes become clear. Chronic conditions that have been present for years generally take longer to respond than acute concerns. Consistency matters more than any single treatment.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes. All needles are sterile, single-use, and discarded immediately after your treatment. We never reuse needles.
Understanding the Care Pathways
How is care organized at Acupuncture Together?
Our services are organized into four pathways: Community Care, One-on-One Care, Specialty Care, and Accompaniment. Each pathway offers a different format and level of support.
What is Community Care?
Community Care includes individualized Community Acupuncture in a shared room, using either a recliner or an orthopedic treatment table. It is designed for accessible, consistent care.
What is One-on-One Care?
One-on-One Care includes Private Acupuncture, Comprehensive Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, and Therapeutic Massage. These services offer additional privacy, time, and individualized attention in a private setting.
What is Specialty Care?
Specialty Care is expertise-based care for needs that benefit from advanced assessment and specialized treatment. It includes Neuromuscular Acupuncture and Comprehensive Herbal Medicine Consultation.
What is Accompaniment?
Accompaniment offers relational and embodied support through Somatic Attunement and Life Accompaniment.
How do I know which pathway is right for me?
Begin with the option that feels closest to your needs. You may also review our Care Pathways page or contact us for guidance.
Can I do both?
Yes. Many patients do. A common pattern is starting with a one-on-one session to go deeper, then using Community Acupuncture to maintain momentum between visits. Our team shares notes across the clinic so your care can stay continuous.
Will I always see the same acupuncturist?
You are welcome to book with the same provider every time. That said, schedules shift and practitioners occasionally take time off. Every acupuncturist at ATA is a board-certified, highly trained practitioner who shares your treatment notes and is committed to keeping your care moving forward.
How can you keep Community Acupuncture so affordable?
Instead of seeing a low volume of patients at high fees, we work with a higher volume of patients at accessible fees. This is a deliberate choice. We believe acupuncture works best when you can come consistently, and that only happens when cost is not a barrier.
Acupuncture & Dry Needling
You offer both acupuncture and dry needling — what’s the difference?
Yes. We offer both traditional acupuncture and dry needling techniques because each has an important role in treating pain, injury, and muscle tension.
Dry needling uses the same fine acupuncture needles and originates from orthopedic acupuncture. It focuses on trigger points and motor points within muscles to reduce pain, release chronic muscle tension, decrease inflammation, and restore healthy function to injured or restricted tissue. The needle techniques, insertion depth, and clinical goals differ from those used in a traditional whole-body acupuncture treatment rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Licensed acupuncturists receive extensive graduate-level education in acupuncture and Chinese medicine, including orthopedic acupuncture techniques. Physical therapists have developed their own model using these techniques under the name dry needling within the scope of physical therapy. Introductory dry needling certification courses for non-acupuncturists are often completed over a few weekends, typically totaling 27 to 54 hours, while licensed acupuncturists complete approximately five years of graduate education and thousands of hours of classroom and supervised clinical training before becoming licensed.
Our philosophy is simple: we do not ask whether acupuncture or dry needling is better. We ask what your body needs today, then use the right tools, at the right time, to help you heal. If you specifically want a dry needling-style treatment only, we are happy to provide that too.
What is electro-stimulation and do you offer it?
Electro-stimulation, or e-stim, involves attaching a small electrical current to acupuncture needles once they are placed. The gentle pulse amplifies the effect of the needles, making it particularly useful for chronic pain, nerve conditions, muscle rehabilitation, and stubborn tension that does not fully release with needles alone. We offer electro-stimulation as part of appropriate one-on-one treatments.
Your Treatment
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most people feel very little or no pain at all. There may be a brief sensation after needle insertion, but it usually passes quickly. Acupuncture needles are very thin and much smaller than needles used for injections.
How many treatments will I need?
Acupuncture works best in a series. Most people start with 4–6 treatments. Acute conditions often respond well to more frequent visits over a shorter period. Chronic conditions tend to benefit from regular treatments spaced further apart. Your practitioner will give you a treatment plan after your first visit.
How many needles will I have?
Usually between 10 and 30, depending on what is going on with you.
Where will the needles be placed?
That depends on why you are coming in. Most people receive needles on their arms, legs, and head. You may also have them on your neck, shoulders, abdomen, or back.
What if I have back or hip pain — can I still use a recliner?
Yes. If you are able to lie on your side, your acupuncturist can help you get comfortable with pillows and bolsters to access affected areas directly. If lying on your back is more comfortable, your acupuncturist can work through related meridians and distal points. Both approaches can be effective.
What if my pain is too acute for a recliner?
We have an orthopedic table in the community room for patients with acute neck, back, hip, or hamstring pain who cannot comfortably recline. Your acupuncturist can recommend what is best for you. The table can be booked online or by calling or texting us at (512) 698-5151.
How long does a treatment take?
Plan for 45–60 minutes for your first community visit, including intake. Return community visits are typically around 45 minutes. One-on-One and Specialty appointments vary depending on the service booked.
Our Services
What services do you offer outside Community Care?
One-on-One Care includes Private Acupuncture, Comprehensive Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, and Therapeutic Massage. Specialty Care includes Neuromuscular Acupuncture and Comprehensive Herbal Medicine Consultation. Accompaniment includes Somatic Attunement and Life Accompaniment.
Do you offer herbal medicine?
Yes. Comprehensive Herbal Medicine Consultation is available within Specialty Care for patients seeking individualized formulas and focused internal medicine support. Learn more about Comprehensive Herbal Medicine Consultation →
Do you offer massage?
Therapeutic Massage is part of One-on-One Care. Pricing and booking are coming soon. Massage supports pain relief, muscle tension, recovery, relaxation, mobility, and nervous system regulation. Learn more about Therapeutic Massage →
Can massage and acupuncture be combined?
Yes. Many patients benefit from both. Massage can release muscular tension, calm the nervous system, and support circulation. Acupuncture can regulate pain, support the nervous system, and address whole-body patterns through Traditional Chinese Medicine.
What is Somatic Attunement?
Somatic Attunement is a private, fully clothed, needle-free session focused on body awareness, nervous system regulation, emotional integration, and a deeper relationship with your internal experience. Learn more about Somatic Attunement →
What is Life Accompaniment?
Life Accompaniment offers thoughtful, relational support through transitions, grief, relationships, vocation, discernment, and deeper life questions. Learn more about Life Accompaniment →
Pregnancy, Teens & Families
Can I get acupuncture while pregnant?
Yes. Acupuncture is commonly used during pregnancy and can support morning sickness, back pain, pelvic discomfort, fatigue, stress, sleep, and preparation for labor. Let us know you are pregnant when you book so your practitioner can adjust the treatment accordingly.
Will pregnancy massage be available?
Pregnancy massage is part of our Therapeutic Massage program. Pricing, booking, and exact availability are coming soon.
Do you treat children and teens?
Yes. We care for teens and young people through our Comprehensive Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture service, and teens may also be welcome in Community Acupuncture when appropriate. Treatments are adapted to be gentle and appropriate for younger patients. A parent or guardian is required for consent at the first visit, and ongoing attendance can be discussed based on age, comfort, and clinical situation.
Pricing & Payments
Where can I find current pricing?
All current pricing, packages, memberships, and service options are listed on our Services & Pricing page.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, check, and all major credit and debit cards. Most FSA and HSA accounts cover acupuncture.
Do you accept insurance?
We do not bill insurance directly. For eligible services, we can provide a superbill that you may submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Please check your coverage before booking.
Do you offer memberships or packages?
Yes. We offer monthly memberships and treatment packages for patients who want to commit to consistent care at a better rate. Visit our Services & Pricing page for current options.
Do you offer gift cards?
Yes. Acupuncture gift cards are available and make a genuinely useful gift. Visit our Gift Cards page.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Yes. We believe cost should not prevent someone from receiving care. If you are experiencing financial hardship, learn more about our Community Care Financial Aid program.
Planning Your Visit
What should I wear?
Loose pants and a t-shirt or tank top are ideal. We often need access to your arms and legs. If you are being treated for neck, shoulder, or upper back issues, wear something that allows access to those areas. Collared shirts, turtlenecks, leggings, and skinny jeans are not recommended.
What should I know before arriving?
Please shower before your visit and arrive with dry hair. Needles often go in arms, legs, and feet, and we want the experience to be comfortable for you and everyone around you. Please arrive scent-free: no cologne, perfume, or strong-smelling products. We also recommend skipping caffeine and intense exercise right before your session.
Is there parking?
Yes. We are located in Richcreek Plaza at the corner of Burnet Road and Richcreek in North Central Austin. The shopping center has a large parking lot.
I have more questions — how do I reach you?
Call or text us at (512) 698-5151. You can also email us at info@acupuncturetogetheraustin.com.
Still have questions?
We are happy to help you decide where to begin.