First Visit
Arrive at ease and prepared for your first acupuncture appointment.
Preparing for your appointment
Before your first appointment, please take a minute to access our Client Portal and create an account. This will allow you to easily book future appointments, access your treatment history and send messages directly to Andrea.
Your first acupuncture session will include time to discuss your current symptoms, medical history, diet, digestion, sleeping patterns and emotional health. All information shared during a treatment is confidential. Please be open to sharing to aid in better diagnosis and treatment.
Checking your pulse during your treatment helps Andrea to uncover information about your body including the health of your organs, Qi, blood, yin/yang and your overall constitution. A visual tongue exam to asses color, shape and coating is included to offer insight into your hydration, digestion and blood circulation. Please avoid brushing your tongue prior to your appointment or consuming anything that may stain your mouth (candy, cough drops, etc.)
Most first-time acupuncture clients describe the session as relaxing, and many fall asleep during the treatment. Some people have sensations of warmth or cold, feel “floaty” or a little bit tingly. Many clients find that during the treatment their body releases endorphins for a wonderful calming and relaxing effect.
Get Comfortable
Please visit the restroom then get settled into your private treatment room
Remove your shoes, socks and jewelry
Andrea will review the online intake form filled out prior to arrival
Treatment Begins
Andrea will start by checking the pulse on both wrists and visually assessing the health of your tongue
Asking questions relating to your health and medical history, Andrea will determine treatment based on symptoms and complaints before inserting needles. Don’t worry, acupuncture needles are only the diameter of a human hair and generally do not cause any discomfort
Andrea will let you know why she is placing needles in particular points and ensure that you are comfortable
Time to Relax and Heal
When needles have been placed, Andrea will depart the room, with periodic checks to ensure your comfortability
After 30-45 minutes of relaxation and healing, the needles will be removed. If moxibustion is indicated, another 15 minutes of the healing process will take place
Your session is complete, and you are on your way to better health!
Schedule your appointment online today
Treatment FAQ
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At Acupuncture by Andrea, acupuncture treatment sessions typically last 60 minutes, with diagnosis and treatment occurring in a single session.
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This is one of the most common questions asked by first time acupuncture clients. The vast majority of our clients feel no discomfort. Acupuncture needles are as thin as a human hair and virtually painless. As the treatment progresses, you may feel sensations of heat or cold, sleepiness, “floating” or tingling, and usually a deep sense of relaxation. Occasionally the needles may leave small bruises, but Arnica quickly applied will make the bruise disappear relatively quickly.
Massage clients may experience some discomfort as tight muscles and problem areas are worked on. This usually dissipates once the areas have been treated and the body begins to relax.
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Yes! We accept ASH, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, Tivity Health, UnitedHealthcare, VA Health Care, and many more. Massage and acupuncture are also eligible expenses for most Health Savings Accounts (HSA), and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
Contact your insurance provider or employer benefits rep to find out if your plan covers wellness treatments.
Contact us for more information on how we work with your provider to help you achieve the health and wellness you deserve.
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For an acupuncture appointment, wearing loose pants and a loose top is recommended. Andrea will need access to the area from your knees down and elbows down to place the majority of needles. An acupuncture treatment usually does not require you to remove clothing, although some points in the upper legs, chest and shoulders may be indicated for treatment and removal of garments will be needed. The treatment tables have sheets with which you can fully cover yourself. You are welcome to bring shorts and/or tank tops to change into as well.
If you are receiving a massage treatment, please dress as you choose and undress to your comfort level. Many clients feel more comfortable removing all clothing while others leave on their under garments.
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We recommend that you take it easy after your appointment and drink plenty of water. Avoid strenuous physical activity as much as possible so that your body can continue the healing process started at the clinic.
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Yes. Massage is a great way to relax and improve circulation, and acupuncture can help with back pain and other discomforts experienced during pregnancy. Breech pregnancy and assistance with ease of delivery are also available via acupuncture.
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Yes and no. If you are sick with something communicable like the flu, or a viral infection, please reschedule your appointment. After a few days when you are feeling better, but have lingering symptoms, acupuncture can help stop these issues.
If you are experiencing post-covid and long haul covid symptoms, please schedule a treatment. We also treat post herpetic neuralgia from shingles. If you have an upcoming surgery, pre- and post- acupuncture and lymphatic massage will ensure a superior recovery as your body is cleared of excess waste that slows down the recovery process.
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The number and frequency of acupuncture sessions vary but generally more than one session is needed. After your initial consultation and treatment, follow up treatment sessions are recommended for most health concerns. While individual cases vary, four to eight visits over a four-week period usually achieves desired results. Chronic problems such as long-term back pain may require more treatment than an acute problem like cold/flu or headache.
We recommend receiving complimentary treatments together in one session. Cupping can be combined with acupuncture, or both massage and acupuncture can occur in one treatment.
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Acupuncture sessions can be purchased by the session or by package. Discounts apply to purchases of 5 or 10 visits of acupuncture, massage or a combination of these. A popular option is the 90 minute combo– 45 mins of acupuncture and a 45 minute massage at a discounted rate.
Military discounts are available. Please also check with the VA if acupuncture is covered.
Treatment Locations
We are available in-clinic Monday through Saturday, in Jacksonville, Florida.
Jacksonville Office
Acupuncture by Andrea
13400 Sutton Park Drive, Suite 1603
Jacksonville, Florida 32224
904-234-3964
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