Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

  • Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, solid needles, about the width of one strand of hair - nothing like the larger, hollow needles that you experience in the doctor’s office! Because they are so thin, acupuncture does not feel like you’re getting a shot or other procedures that uses hollow needles.

    It is normal to feel tingling, warmth, heaviness, or maybe a slight pinch at the location of the needle, especially when it is first inserted into the skin. Sometimes, it may just feel a bit uncomfortable. Sharp, stabbing, or burning pains are not typical, and you should let your acupuncturist know right away so they can adjust the placement of the needle.

    I will communicate with you throughout your appointment to make the treatment as comfortable as possible, and am generally very gentle with my needle technique. Please don’t be nervous to speak up if something doesn’t feel right! There are no awards given for trying to tough it out. If you’re concerned about how acupuncture may feel, let me know!

  • No! Chinese medicine has many tools that can help you that don’t involve needles. Some non-needle therapies that we can use include: cupping (applying therapeutic suction to the skin), gua sha (friction on the skin), tui na (Chinese medical massage), food therapy, and other lifestyle practices. Additionally, we can place tuning forks and/or apply pressure on acupuncture points - both of which are very effective too.

  • Acupuncture provided by a Licensed Acupuncturist is very safe and has a low risk of side effects. The most common potential side effects are a small amount of bruising where the needle was inserted. All needles are sterile prior to use and are disposed of after each patient, and so the risk of infection is extremely low. Licensed acupuncturists have received extensive training on how to safely perform acupuncture and the associated modalities.

    Though acupuncture is still safe for most people, please make sure to notify me if you have a bleeding disorder, are taking blood thinning medications, have diminished sensation (such as peripheral neuropathy), are pregnant (or are actively trying to conceive), have recently received chemotherapy, or have a pacemaker, as these conditions may require additional precautions. Please reach out to me using the contact form to discuss any specific concerns you may have about whether acupuncture is safe for you!

    All acupuncturists practicing in Iowa must be licensed by the Iowa Board of Medicine. To receive your license in Iowa, you must graduate from a three year Masters program with an accredited school, pass three board exams from NCCAOM (Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine Theory, and Western Biomedicine), and be certified in Clean Needle Technique. To maintain your license, you must complete 60 credits of continuing education every 4 years. For more information on the Iowa license, click here. Please keep in mind, licensure requirements vary from state to state.

  • Chinese medicine is a complete system of medicine that complements your current health care and lifestyle practices. This means we have tools to help you with most health conditions you may experience, such as headaches, digestive issues, menstrual concerns, insomnia, fatigue, chronic and acute pain, allergies/colds, and more. This system of medicine is an indigenous medicine of the people of East Asia and has developed over thousands of years, adapting to what conditions humans faced in that time.

    Chinese and East Asian medicine continues to adapt today, incorporating and complementing our current Western medical model, while still retaining its own philosophy and system of healing. For more information on the science and recent research behind acupuncture, visit this site.

    Additionally, I have received extensive training on identifying symptoms that are a “red flag” and require a referral to Western medical providers for follow up. Staying within my scope of practice and helping patients understand when Western medicine may be beneficial to them (when accessible) is important to me and a part of my professional ethics. I am also happy to coordinate care with your other medical providers.

    If you’d like to discuss your specific health concern and if Chinese medicine can help you, send a brief message using the contact form.

  • It depends. (Any of my patients will tell you that I say that a lot!) Acute concerns (such as a recent injury or short-term illness) often take less time, and progress is often made within the 1-3 visits. Chronic concerns (something you’ve experienced for months to years) can take longer to see large improvement, though some change is expected within the first few (3-5) visits as well. I will never promise a cure or quick fixes (life just doesn’t work that way!), but I will work with you to make progress on your treatment goals.

    Many variables go into how fast improvement is seen. For example, are the conditions that created the concern still present (such as repetitive stress injuries or intense personal stress)? What other treatments are you also receiving? What does progress look like for you? Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can have a profound effect, but isn’t magic; if nothing else in your life changes other than receiving acupuncture, there is a limit to the progress that can be made - which is okay! Sometimes, we just need something to help us cope. But it is important to have realistic expectations for what is possible. That said, sometimes people find receiving acupuncture can feel a bit like a catalyst in helping them begin to make other improvements in their life, too.

    During your initial visit, we’ll discuss what your goals for treatment are, and develop a treatment plan that works towards those goals. Then, we’ll check in at each visit to see what progress is being made, and I will adjust the treatment plan as needed. Treatment, especially for chronic conditions, is a collaborative process - we’ll discuss what is working, what isn’t, what’s possible (and what isn’t!), and go from there.

    Read more: “FAQ: How often do I need to get acupuncture?” (blog entry)

  • This is a big question! I wrote two journal entries to answer it:

Visiting the Clinic

  • Click here to find all location and accessibility information, including photos of the clinic, directions, and more. Don’t hesitate to email me (kate@fireweedacupuncture.com) if you have questions not answered on that page!

  • For the full story on what to keep in mind before your appointment, read this journal entry!

    Also, to know what to expect during your first visit, read this journal entry.

    Highlights of some things to keep in mind before your first visit:

    Please make sure to fill out your new patient intake forms before your visit! (If you are not able to fill them out online or prefer a paper copy, please arrive 20-30 minutes before your scheduled appointment to fill them out.) If you can, it is best to completely fill them out at least 24 hours before your appointment so I can fully review them before your first visit.

    Make sure you have eaten before your appointment and wear or bring loose clothing that can easily be rolled up past your knees and elbows (or bring a pair of shorts with you to change into).

    If you are looking for help with digestive concerns, consider keeping a food journal leading up to your visit. (If you have a history of disordered eating patterns or this is uncomfortable for you - a food journal isn’t essential, and we can still work on your health concerns without one!) The focus of the food journal should be on ingredients and time of eating, versus calories or macros. For example, breakfast could say “bowl of oatmeal with walnuts and blueberries at 8 am,” a snack could be “potato chips at 3 pm,” etc.

    Please avoid scraping your tongue and excessive caffeine before your visit.

  • If it is more than 24 hours before your appointment, you can login to your patient portal to move your appointment time.

    If it is less than 24 hours before your appointment time, please refer to the reschedule/cancellation policy here.

  • Please review the Illnesses Policy page for detailed information.

    I am fully vaccinated and closely monitor any symptoms (and test as needed) to protect all patients. Masks are available for use in the clinic and I will happily wear one during your visit; the clinic may enact a mask requirement as needed due to local conditions. HEPA filters are in use in all patient rooms. High-grade cleaners are used to disinfect surfaces directly used by patients between each visit, and the clinic space is cleaned regularly.

    If you have a compromised immune system or are otherwise concerned about COVID exposure, please contact me to discuss appointment options (such as having the first appointment of the day, virtual appointments, etc.).

Financial Questions

  • No, I am not in-network for any health insurance plan, and I do not currently take auto or work comp claims. All services must be paid for on the day of service. You are welcome to use cash, debit/credit, or your HSA/FSA card. You may also submit the receipt for your visit for HSA/FSA reimbursement, or use your HSA/FSA card to purchase treatment packages.

    Additionally, Medicare Part B doesn’t pay Licensed Acupuncturists directly for acupuncture (only acupuncturists within a larger office that has physicians). Since I have my own practice, this means I cannot bill Medicare. (For more info on Medicare billing, click here).

    I can provide a receipt of services (called a Superbill) to provide to your insurance company for reimbursement; unfortunately, I don’t have any knowledge or influence on the amount your insurance company may reimburse you for each visit and can’t assist in that process. To the best of my knowledge, Blue Cross Blue Shield Iowa and Cigna do not cover acupuncture, but please check your specific policy and reach out to your insurance provider for clarification.

    Please note that Superbills cannot be provided for appointments that are part of a purchased package, paid for with a gift certificate, or were provided at a reduced cost (including community-style acupuncture). A Superbill isn’t a guarantee that you will be reimbursed; health insurance policies vary widely on their coverage of acupuncture and other modalities.

    For the most updated financial policies, please read the financial policies page.

    For a deep dive into why I don’t accept insurance (and other acupuncture clinics in Iowa don’t either), you can read this blog entry!

  • I know that acupuncture is a big investment, and can sometimes be out of reach for people. Healthcare accessibility and access are important issues, and it is my goal to make care as accessible as possible, while also being able to take care of the clinic (as well as myself!).

    Here are a few ways you can save money on your treatments:

    • Appointment packages are available that allow you to buy 5 appointments of the same type at one time at a discount. Treatment packages work best for people who visit the clinic once a month or less. Click here to visit the Packages page for more information.

    • Memberships include 2 appointments per month at a discount (with the option to purchase additional appointments at the same discount), as well a savings on retail. Click here to visit the Membership page for more information.

    • A flat 10% reduced rate is available for people on State or Federal assistance programs (such as SNAP, Medicare/Medicaid, etc.). If this applies to you and you would like more information on this reduced rate, please email me! This discount is renewed annually.

    Please also review the cancellation policy; discounts do not apply to fees for late cancellations and/or missed appointments and can’t be stacked with existing discounts (such as appointment packages).

    Additionally, periodic events are available, which offer classes and/or treatment at a reduced cost. These events will be advertised via the email newsletter, and sign-ups will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are also low-cost online classes and extensive free resources available on the website; check the “Resources” tab on the navigation bar to get started!

  • Your generosity is appreciated! However, no tips are expected for acupuncture services.