Question 1

Does acupuncture hurt?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture needles are sterile, thin, solid stainless steel filiform needles that are one time use.  Some people may feel the initial insertion of the needle but afterwards it shouldn’t be sharp or shooting. The sensations often associated with needles once they are inserted can be described as an ache or heaviness at the needle insertion site - this is all normal.
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Most people encounter needles during visits to the doctor through vaccinations, injections and when drawing blood for lab tests. These needles are hollow (hypodermic) and are rather large. In contrast acupuncture needles are thinner and solid (filiform), and have been described to have more of a ‘pushing’ action rather than a ‘cutting’ one from conventional hypodermic needles. This results in less damage to the tissue of the skin and muscles, which is reflected in being less painful.

Question 2

What should I expect during my first treatment?

Accepted Answer

Prior to treatment, eat a light meal and wear comfortable and loose clothing.

We will come to your home with a massage table and all necessary tools for treatment. Please provide a comfortable space in your home for us to set up. This should be a place you can relax easily in, such as a quiet spot with a comfortable room temperature. We will go over the history/intake form that you filled out prior to the appointment and ask any additional questions ranging from sleep to digestion that may not seem to be related to your current complaint. This allows us to see the bigger picture of who you are, which helps guide diagnosis in Chinese medicine.

Needles will be retained for about 30 minutes and while you rest. During treatment, most patients fall asleep or relax in a meditative state

After treatment, try to avoid any strenuous activity and drink plenty of water. Patients can feel a little drowsy after treatment or have a little burst of energy.  Sometimes, patients can experience a ‘healing crisis’ after treatment where the pain can get a little worse before it gets better 24 hours after treatment. This does not happen often but everyone reacts differently to acupuncture so it’s important to observe how acupuncture affects you personally.

Question 3

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

Every patient’s needs are unique so we will come up with a personalized treatment plan after your initial session.  Typically, the longer you’ve had the problem, the more sessions you will need to resolve the issue.  Each treatment builds on the next so the cumulative effect of treatments also matters - a typical course of treatment is 6-10 sessions, and it may take up to 3 to 5 sessions to properly gauge if the treatments are effective for you.

Acupuncture also focuses on prevention so even if you believe you have ‘nothing wrong’, a monthly maintenance session is still beneficial to adjust any minor imbalances to keep you healthy.

Question 4

Are there any side effects from acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture is a very safe form of treatment, especially when performed by fully qualified practitioners. Some more physical side effects are from needle insertion, such as soreness or bruising in the area that was needled. Some points may bleed a little bit when the needles are removed.

Patients can feel a little drowsy after treatment or have a little burst of energy.  Sometimes, patients can experience a ‘healing crisis’ after treatment where the pain can get a little worse before it gets better 24 hours after treatment. This does not happen often but everyone reacts differently to acupuncture so it’s important to observe how acupuncture affects you personally

Question 5

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

We do not bill insurance directly. This is a conscious choice because we believe your care should be determined by what you need — not what an insurance company is willing to authorize. Insurance companies often place restrictions on the type, frequency, or duration of acupuncture treatment, which can interfere with optimal care.

That said, we’re happy to support patients seeking reimbursement. We can email you a superbill (a detailed receipt) after your appointment, which you can submit to your insurance provider. Many plans offer out-of-network acupuncture benefits, and you may be eligible for partial reimbursement depending on your coverage.
Before booking, we recommend calling your insurance company to ask:

Do I have out-of-network acupuncture benefits?
Do I need a referral or pre-authorization?
Is there a deductible I need to meet first?

Question 6

How do I find out the cost of acupuncture services?

Accepted Answer

The cost of acupuncture services at Chen Family Acupuncture is determined based on the distance traveled from Central Jersey to your location. To get the most accurate pricing tailored to your specific address, please call or text us at 908-259-4522, or email us at info@chenfamilyacu.com. Our team will provide you with detailed information and answer any questions you may have.

For our Princeton office, pricing is as follows:
$200 for a new patient consult and treatment
$150 for follow-up appointments for returning patients

Question 7

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We require a credit or debit card on file to reserve your appointment. Please note that card payments are subject to a 3% processing fee.

To avoid the fee, you’re welcome to pay by:
Cash
Check
Zelle (sent to: info@chenfamilyacu.com)
HSA/FSA cards (processing fee still applies)

Payment is due at the time of service.

Question 8

Why self-pay?

Accepted Answer

Paying directly for your care allows us to provide uncompromised, personalized treatment tailored to your needs — not constrained by insurance billing codes or visit limits. It also gives you full privacy and the flexibility to get care on your terms. We're here to help you get the results you’re looking for, with no red tape.

Frequently Asked Questions