Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture needles are very thin & often do not feel like anything. You may feel a pinch at first. Acupuncture should never produce sharp, burning, electric, or stabbing pain.

It’s my first time receiving acupuncture. How should I prepare for my first visit?

Congratulations on wanting to give acupuncture a try. While it may seem intimidating, acupuncture is a very relaxing therapy!

Before your visit, please be sure to eat a light meal. Please wear loose and comfortable clothes to your appointment. Tight clothes are not recommended. Socks are okay, but may need to be removed.

If you are concerned about feeling pain during your session, you may wish to omit consuming anything with caffeine on the day of your appointment. This is because caffeine stimulates our senses, and can heighten the perception of pain.

The acupuncture needles are very thin (almost like a strand of hair) and may initially feel like a pinch upon insertion. Once the needle is inserted, it often doesn’t feel like anything at all.

I am sensitive to your needs and can adjust your treatment depending on your sensitivity and concerns about needles. The main idea is that you are comfortable throughout your session! After all, it is your treatment and I work for you.

What should I expect at my appointment?

Each appointment usually consists of an intake process, including pulse reading and tongue diagnosis. I’ll ask a series of questions related to what you’re seeking acupuncture and Chinese medicine for. After the intake, you are guided to relax on a massage table as acupuncture needles are gently inserted to your level of comfort. Many clients find that they are able to relax and take a nap after the needles are in. You may feel light & energized, or blissed out and tired after your session.

Do you take insurance?

I can provide direct billing for HMAA, HMSA (Blue Cross Blue Shield) and KAISER, so all you have to do is provide a small co-pay.

For any other insurance companies, please email me at MeghaneH@Hawaii.edu or call me at 808-276-9715 to see if your insurance plan covers insurance. I can provide receipts with all the necessary information to submit to your insurance company for direct reimbursement.

Do you take Apple Pay, Venmo, Zelle, etc?

Yes, I am able to receive these forms of payment along with cash, check, or credit card. Fees may apply when running credit card transactions. Receipts are always available upon request.

How do I locate your office?

The easiest way to find my office is to use GPS and type in 8 Kiopa’a St., Makawao, HI 96768.

I am located in the KSD Hawai’i building close to the football field at the Kulamalu Town Center.

Office amenities include:

• Free Parking

• Free Wi-Fi

• Onsite restrooms

• Handicap accessible

• Filtered water dispenser

If you are parking in the parking lot behind the building, enter through doorways and find my office to the left. Please call me at 808-276-9715 if you need directions.