Getting Started |
Community vs. One-on-One |
Acupuncture & Dry Needling |
Your Treatment |
Pregnancy, Teens & Families |
Pricing & Payments |
Planning Your Visit
Getting Started
Do I need an appointment?
Walk-ins are welcome — if we have space, you can come right in. That said, we can get busy, and we recommend booking at least a week in advance to secure your preferred time. This applies to community acupuncture, one-on-one sessions, and the orthopedic table in our community room. Book online anytime or call or text us at (512) 698-5151.
What can acupuncture help with?
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 addiction · Surgical recovery · Tendonitis · Tennis elbow · TMJ · And more.
If you’re not sure whether acupuncture can help your specific concern, give us a call. We’re happy to talk it through.
I’m nervous about needles. Is acupuncture still for me?
This is one of the most common things we hear from new patients — and most of them are surprised by how gentle it is. Acupuncture needles are nothing like the needles used for injections or blood draws. They’re hair-thin and solid, not hollow. Many people fall asleep on the table. The best thing you can do is come in and try one treatment. If at any point you’re 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 ones. Consistency matters more than any single treatment — that’s part of why our model is built around making it easy to come regularly.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes. All needles are sterile, single-use, and discarded immediately after your treatment. We never reuse needles. Acupuncture works by supporting the body’s own healing processes — it adds nothing and removes nothing.
Community vs. One-on-One
What’s the difference between community acupuncture and one-on-one?
Community acupuncture takes place in a shared room with up to 8 other patients resting quietly in recliners or on an orthopedic table. You stay fully clothed throughout your treatment. Your acupuncturist meets you at your chair, asks focused questions, places the needles, and lets you rest for 30–45 minutes. It’s designed for consistency and accessibility.
One-on-one sessions are private. You get a full intake consultation, more time with your acupuncturist, and access to additional modalities like cupping, gua sha, electro stimulation, and bodywork. It’s the right choice when you need more depth, privacy, or a comprehensive evaluation.
Both are real acupuncture. Both work.
How do I know which one is right for me?
If you’re new to acupuncture and want to start simple and affordable, community is the place to begin. If you have a complex or chronic condition, prefer privacy, or want a thorough initial evaluation, start with one-on-one. Not sure? Call us and we’ll help you decide.
Can I do both?
Yes — and many patients do. A common pattern is starting with a one-on-one session to go deep, then using community treatments to maintain momentum between visits. Our team shares notes across the clinic so your care is continuous regardless of which format you choose.
Will I always see the same acupuncturist?
You’re welcome to book with the same provider every time. That said, schedules shift and practitioners occasionally take time off — so there may be times when you see a different member of our team. Every acupuncturist at ATA is a board-certified, highly trained practitioner who shares your treatment notes and is fully committed to keeping your care moving forward. Whoever you see, you’re in good hands.
How can you keep community acupuncture so affordable?
Instead of seeing a low volume of patients at high fees, we work with a high volume of patients at accessible fees. Simple economics — and a deliberate choice. We believe acupuncture works best when you can come consistently, and that only happens when cost isn’t a barrier.
Acupuncture & Dry Needling
You offer both acupuncture and dry needling — what’s the difference?
Yes, we offer both — and the difference matters more than most people realize.
Dry needling is acupuncture. Specifically, it’s orthopedic acupuncture — a specialized approach that uses acupuncture needles to target motor points and trigger points to relax tight muscle bands, reduce inflammation, and restore function in injured or chronically restricted tissue. The needle technique, insertion depth, and clinical goals are distinct from general acupuncture. All licensed acupuncturists are trained in orthopedic acupuncture — some choose to specialize in it further and make it a primary focus of their practice.
Physical therapists have developed their own model from this technique, rebranding it as “dry needling” to fit within their licensing scope. The method originates directly from acupuncture.
What differs is the training behind it. Licensed acupuncturists complete a minimum of five years of clinical education before earning their license. Introductory dry needling certifications for non-acupuncturists typically range from 27 to 54 hours — often completed over a few weekends.
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’re placed. The gentle pulse amplifies the effect of the needles, making it particularly effective for chronic pain, nerve conditions, muscle rehabilitation, and stubborn tension that doesn’t fully release with needles alone. We offer electro stimulation as part of our one-on-one sessions.
Your Treatment
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most people feel very little or no pain at all. There is sometimes a brief uncomfortable sensation in the first few seconds after needle insertion — it passes quickly. The needles are very thin, much smaller than what’s used for injections. They slip between cells rather than cutting through tissue, which is why acupuncture rarely causes bruising or lasting discomfort.
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 acupuncturist will give you a treatment plan after your first visit.
How many needles will I have?
Usually between 10 and 30, depending on what’s going on with you.
Where will the needles be placed?
That depends on why you’re 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’re able to lie on your side, your acupuncturist will help you get comfortable with pillows and bolsters to access the affected areas directly. If lying on your back is more comfortable, your acupuncturist will work through the meridians associated with those areas. Both approaches are 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 can’t comfortably recline. Your acupuncturist will recommend what’s 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 visit, including intake. Return visits are typically 45 minutes. The needle retention time itself is usually 30–45 minutes.
Do you offer herbal medicine?
Yes, herbal consultations are available as part of one-on-one sessions. Chinese herbal medicine can complement your acupuncture treatments significantly, particularly for internal conditions, hormonal health, and chronic illness. Ask your acupuncturist if herbs might support your care.
Pregnancy, Teens & Families
Can I get acupuncture while pregnant?
Yes — acupuncture is safe during pregnancy and can be very effective for morning sickness, back pain, pelvic discomfort, fatigue, and preparing the body for labor. Let us know you’re pregnant when you book so your acupuncturist can adjust the treatment accordingly. We treat patients throughout all trimesters.
Do you treat children and teens?
Yes. We offer teen acupuncture for patients under 18. Treatments are adapted to be gentler and appropriate for younger patients. A parent or guardian must be present for all minor patients.
Pricing & Payments
What forms of payment do you accept?
Cash, check, and all major credit and debit cards. Most FSA and HSA accounts cover acupuncture. We do not accept insurance.
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 Pricing page for current options.
Do you offer gift cards?
Yes. Acupuncture gift cards are available and make a genuinely useful gift. You can purchase one on our Gift Cards page.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Yes. We believe cost should never be a barrier to 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. We need access to your arms and legs. If you’re 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 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, as both make it harder to relax and receive treatment.
Is there parking?
Yes. We’re 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. We are happy to answer any questions before your first visit.
Email info[AT]acupuncturetogetheraustin[DOT]com
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