Check the complete list to see if your condition can be effectively treated with acupuncture.

Acupuncture Questions and Answers

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a  key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine which dates back more than 2000 years. It is an effective technique in the treatment of health problems by balancing the flow of energy or life force - also known as Qi - through pathways (meridians) in your body. Where there is too much or too little Qi in the meridian, or when Qi becomes stagnate, bodily functions are impeded. Over time, symptoms and diseases begin to manifest.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely thin, disposable and sterile needles at strategic points to unblock or rebalance the energy flow and restore the normal function of the body.

What does acupuncture treat?

According to the World Health Organization, more than 50 types of diseases and disorders can be effectively treated with acupuncture. The most common ones include: low back pain, knee pain, sciatica, facial pain, neck pain, dental pain,  headache, tennis elbow, allergic rhinitis (including hay fever), digestive issues, depression, nausea and vomiting, morning sickness, hypertension, dysmenorrhea (painful period), and adverse reactions to radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

Does acupuncture hurt?

The sensation produced by an acupuncture needle is much milder than a shot or having blood drawn due to the much thinner needles used. Some people feel the needle going in, but not everyone does all the time. To some, it is similar to the sensation of noticing a mosquito bite. Once the needles are in, sensations may include a mild feeling of energy movement, a slight tingly feeling, or merely an increase sense of relaxation. It is not uncommon for the patients to feel so relaxed that they fall asleep during the treatment!

How safe is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is an all-natural, drug-free therapy with no negative side effects. Occasionally minor bruising may occur at the site of the needle insertion which usually goes away within a few days. There is little danger of infection from the needles because they are sterile, used only once and then discarded. The patient often leaves with a feeling of well being and relaxation after the treatment.

What will my acupuncturist do?

During the initial exam a full health history will be taken. Questions will be asked regarding symptoms, health and lifestyle. To create a complete, accurate and comprehensive diagnosis of your health condition, we will also examine:

  • The parts of your body that are painful
  • The shape, coating, and color of your tongue - all the major meridians go through our tongue and a person's health conditions can be observed through these qualities of the tongue.
  • The strength, rhythm and quality of the pulse in your wrists

How long does the treatment take? How many visits will it take?

The initial visit may take up to 90 minutes while subsequent visits will take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour depending on your health conditions.

For most chronic pain conditions, we recommend 4 to 8 visits depending on the health condition of the patients. Acute pain conditions generally need fewer visits. Most patients will feel reduction in pain level after the initial treatment.

Pre- and post- menopausal symptoms can be relieved with 2 to 3 visits, with most patients become totally symptom free in 4 to 6 visits.

Symptoms caused by stress, anxiety and mild depression can be reduced in 2 to 4 visits and with conditions under control in any where from 6 to 12 visits. We work with our patients on life style and diet modifications to help improve their conditions as well as stay healthy after the course of treatment ends.

Allergy symptoms can be relieved in 1 to 2 visits with 6 to 8 visits recommended.

Skin issues such as eczema, urticaria take 4 to 6 visits to get better and the time to become symptom free vary substantially depending on the length of the condition, life style and daily diet of the patient.

Other conditions that we have treated successfully include migraines, insomnia, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, infertility, digestive issues, hair loss, weight loss, Bell's Palsy, tinnitus, Raynaud's Syndrome etc. Please call to discuss your specific condition to get a better assessment of  the number of visits needed.

How much does it cost?

Rates vary and depend upon what procedures are performed. It is best to consult with our office about the costs

for your specific treatment.

How are acupuncturists educated?

In the US, licensed acupuncturists undertake three to four years of extensive and comprehensive graduate level training at nationally certified colleges. All licensed acupuncturists must pass  national certification exams and meet strict guidelines to practice in every state. Points to Keep in mind when selecting an acupuncturist:

                                                                     Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac. )                         Certified Acupuncturist

Education                                 Graduates from 3-4 year full time acupuncture        MD, chiropractor, naturopath, or

                                                    program; passes national certification exams          osteopath who uses acupuncture as
                                                                                                                                               adjunctive therapy

Acupuncture                                1500-2000                                                                                  300 or less

Training (hrs)

Acupuncture should only be administered by a practitioner who has specific education in this field due to risk of improper needling, inadequate understanding of Oriental medical diagnostic procedures, transmission of disease, imbalancing of energy, or ethical violations. Ask your practitioner about his or her education in order to ensure that you receive the most professional acupuncture care available for your optimal health and wellness.

Reference: Know your acupuncturist. (n.d.). Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Retrieved from http://www.ccaom.org/downloads/CCAOM_KnowYourAcu.pdf


How should I prepare for the visit?

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points
  • Do not eat a large meal immediately before or right after your visit. It is best to have a light, healthy snack before your treatment.
  • Refrain from overexertion, exercise, drugs or alcohol for up to six hours after the visit. Make time to relax, and be sure to get plenty of rest

AcuMeridian Wellness 

Call Us:  732-858-1322

Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine

AcuMeridian Wellness Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine Clinic

420 Rt34, Suite 317, Colts Neck NJ 07722

(Within Atlantic Physical Therapy Center at Colts Neck Shopping Center)

                           9 South Main Street, Unit D, Marlboro, NJ 07746

Phone: (732) 858-1322 Fax: (855) 755- 7778

Acupuncture at Colts Neck & Marlboro, Monmouth County, New Jersey