Mission Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine

What to Expect

To Improve the Quality of Your Care:

At Restoration Acupuncture + Wellness, we employ holistic methods; methods that consider your whole being. In order to provide you with the best treatments for you, and to ensure your safety, we ask that you:

Complete all New Patient Intake Forms
Inform us of all medications, supplements, herbs, drugs, or special foods you may be taking
Inform us of all other treatments you are currently receiving
Inform us if anything has changed or if any new conditions have appeared since your last visit
Inform us if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant

Insurance Coverage:

Insurance plans vary in coverage and unfortunately many plans exclude acupuncture. Acupuncture treatment is not necessarily covered, even when Allison Hebert, L.Ac. is listed as an in-network provider. You may call your insurance company to verify, or call our office and we can verify it for you.

Please provide the following information by phone or email:

Full name
Date of birth
Insurance company name and provider phone number
Insurance member ID

If your insurance does cover acupuncture, we will file the claims directly and you are only responsible for the copay/co-insurance after the deductible is met.

Do acupuncture needles hurt?

Acupuncture needles are usually not much larger than a strand of hair and most people do not even feel the insertion of the needle. Once it reaches its desired depth an achy, heavy, warm or tingly sensation might be felt. This is good! The needles are working on balancing the body.

What should I expect on my first visit?

Prior to your first visit, please complete and submit the new patient forms in the patient portal or arrive 20 minutes early, as this will give us more time together. Your first visit will last approximately 90 minutes. During the session we will go over your history, diet & lifestyle and primary health concern in depth. Your tongue and pulse will be examined to arrive at a Chinese medical diagnosis. Appropriate acupuncture points are selected based on your symptoms, diagnosis and underlying conditions. Needles are inserted with the patient laying face up but sometimes we may need access to your back and ask you to lay face down. The needles are retained anywhere from 25-30 minutes. After the treatment, we may recommend a Chinese herbal formula, supplements, and modifications to your diet & lifestyle.

What should I do before my session?

Please disclose all medications and supplements in new patient paperwork.
Wear loose and comfortable clothing. Your pants and sleeves may need to be rolled up to the knees and elbows.
Avoid coffee and other stimulants several hours before the treatment and come hydrated.
Have a meal or snack 2-3 hours before your appointment. Undergoing acupuncture on an empty stomach may cause you to feel light-headed or dizzy.
Don’t rush! Come early and plan to stay for your full session.

What should I do after my session?

Some report feeling light-headed which can be normal due to renewed and increase of energy flow. These effects are short-lasting.
Avoid coffee and other stimulants several hours after the treatment and stay hydrated.
Opt for warm cooked foods made with natural and nourishing ingredients. Do not consume excess sugar, overly processed and greasy foods.
Take it easy! Refrain from strenuous physical and mental activity remainder of the day.

How many sessions will I need?

Number of treatments required is contingent on each individual’s constitution, condition and response to acupuncture. Typically, chronic situations require a longer course of treatment than acute problems. It is important for patients to follow the recommended plan and be mindful of diet and lifestyle, since these factors play a significant role in recovery time.

Can I receive Acupuncture if I am pregnant?

Absolutely. Pregnant women may find relief from morning sickness, anxiety and stress, sleep issues, heartburn, constipation, backache and headaches. Acupuncture after birth can help restore hormonal balance, pelvic and low back pain, fatigue and depression.