COVID Changes
at Bellingham Community Acupuncture
As of April 3rd, 2023, masks are optional in healthcare settings
What we're still doing:
What we're asking you to do:
Air Purifier 24/7
- We use an Austin Air Purifier 24/7, which filters particles in the air that are smaller than COVID.
- Your acupuncturist, as always, uses hand sanitizer in between each patient and will not work if displaying any symptoms of being sick.
Illness & Exposure Policy
- Patients are not to schedule if they show any signs of being sick within 72 hrs of their appointment.
- Patients cannot schedule if they've been exposed to somebody with COVID within 5 days of their appointment.
Insurance
Insurance is not accepted. We accept cash, check or card, including HSA's. We can provide superbills for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement as well.
Cancellations / No-Shows
The card you provide when scheduling online is only charged for Last-Minute Cancellations and No-Shows. It does not pay for your appointment.
Thank you!
FAQ
Q: Does acupuncture hurt?
A: You'll either feel nothing at all, or a tiny prick. We can fit at least 10 acupuncture needles inside of one that takes your blood. They're really thin and bendable little pins.
Q: Why did you put that needle there?
Good question!
Ever wondered why an acupuncture needle is placed in a particular spot? Acupuncture points are carefully selected based on your symptoms, overall health, and individual needs. A needle placed away from the area that hurts may still be connected to the body’s pathways and can be used to support balance, relaxation, and the body’s natural healing response.
Your treatment is personalized to you—and every needle has a purpose.
Q: How many treatments will it take?
A: A common dose of acupuncture is 5 treatments over the course of 3 weeks to see if it's helping you. If it is, you continue for another 3 weeks to see how far we can progress. After that, many people come as needed, or semi-regularly to maintenance their issues. Sometimes results are really fast, and sometimes it can take awhile. It depends on how complicated your issues are and how long they've been around.
Q: Can I combine acupuncture with massage, chiropractic, physical therapy, or other modalities?
A: Absolutely. Not only will acupuncture not conflict with what you're doing, other modalities combined with acupuncture may speed up your healing.
Q: How long is an appointment?
It's good to set aside at least one hour for your initial appointment and 30-60min for follow-ups.
Q: So, how can you make it so affordable?
A: You'll be in a large room with other people. By treating multiple people in a given hour, we're able to lower the cost for you. We'll still have the privacy to talk, and you won't be disrobing in front of strangers. In fact, you won't be disrobing at all. Many people come to prefer relaxing in a room with others. You'll likely be in a recliner, or possibly on a massage table. We don't necessarily have to do acupuncture on your low back to treat your low back pain. There are acupuncture points that correlate to different parts of your body and we can treat specific conditions in any position.
Q: Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?
A: Not at all. We're pretty sure that horses and dogs don't believe in it when they get acupuncture. They just stop limping if it works. Acupuncture on non-human animals has been happening for a long long time. And, we have patients all the time that start out skeptical.
Q: Is it safe? What do you do with those needles after you use them?
A: We use sterile, one-time use needles made of surgical steel. They are safely disposed of after each use. Once in awhile we see a non-painful bruise after acupuncture. That's about it.
