Mama's Acupuncture FAQ's

OFFICE HOURS, PARKING + CONTACT INFORMATION

 

What are your office hours?

  • Monday: Closed

  • Tuesday: 2–7 PM

  • Wednesday: 9 AM–2 PM

  • Thursday: 2–7 PM

  • Every Other Saturday: 9–3 PM

Where do I park?

Please check out the this  page for more information: Parking FAQ.

How can I contact you?

  • For general acupuncture inquiries: Please check out and submit this form.

  • To book online: Online Booking.

  • For scheduling issues (running late, etc.): Text me at (469) 665-9092.

  • To email me: erika@mamasacupuncture.com


SERVICES OFFERED, INSURANCE, AND CANCELLATION POLICIES

 

Services Offered:

  • Acupuncture at $89/session (initial and returning). Sessions run 50 minutes to an hour long with 30 minutes needle retention time (time you are on the table with the needles in) 

  • Cupping is offered at no extra charge to the client when appropriate at the end of a session. Please mention you would like cupping at the beginning of your session to accommodate. 

  • Acupuncture + Intral-Oral Massage for TMJ/TMD is offered at $135/session. Please allot 1 hour and 15 minutes for this session.

  • Cosmetic Acupuncture (facial rejuvenation) is offered at $115/session. Please allot 1 hour for this session.

  • Microneedling/Nanoneedling is offered at $189/session. Please a lot an hour of your time for this service.

  • Herbal Medicine: I recommend herbal formulas and supplements when I think they are appropriate and will aid in the course of treatment, offering more efficient and long lasting results. These recommendations are offered for sale in-house or online at Fullscript via a prescription.

  • Electroacupuncture will be offered and added to a treatment when appropriate. It is often utilized for labor induction, chronic pain and inflammation, and bell’s palsy.

Insurance:

  • Mama’s Acupuncture accepts both HSA and FSA cards.

  • Mama’s Acupuncture is not in-network with any insurance providers

  • If you would like a superbill for reimbursement to submit to your insurance carrier, please let me know at the time of your appointment or email me with the request at erika@mamasacupuncture.com

  • To determine what services are covered for reimbursement from your insurance provider, it is best to check out your explanation of benefits.

Cancellation Policy: 

Mama’s Acupuncture requires 18 hours notice for any cancellations or changes to your appointment without a fee. There is a $29 late reschedule fee if rescheduled within 7 days from the initial appointment with sufficient notice (must inform Erika at least 4 hours before your appointment time). No shows and late cancellations will be charged in full. 

When you book an appointment, that time is reserved exclusively for you. A missed appointment not only prevents another client from being seen but also directly impacts the practitioner’s livelihood. To ensure I can continue offering fair pricing for everyone, I have a cancellation policy in place. Without it, the cost of treatments would need to rise to account for missed sessions. Thank you!

If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment you can do so  online up to 24 hours before your appointment, otherwise please text Erika Page, LAc at (469) 665-9092.


FIRST-TIME ACUPUNCTURE SESSION QUESTIONS

 
  • How long will my first acupuncture session be?

    • Please allot an hour for your first acupuncture session. We will have up to 30 minutes to talk and review your health history and discuss treatment. Please make sure to fill out your intake and consent forms prior so your acupuncturist has time to review and ask questions.

  • What do I wear to my first appointment?

    • You can wear whatever you want! There are towels and linens to use for coverage as needed.

  • Is there anything I can’t do before or after acupuncture?

    • No. You can show up as you are and generally do anything after. The only thing that has been shown to prevent the full benefits of acupuncture’s specific pain-relieving effects is a lot of caffeine before treatment.

  • Can I eat before my first session?

    • Yes. It is better to come to acupuncture on a full stomach than an empty one!

  • Can I work out after my treatment?

    • Yes. You can work out right after a session though you may feel so relaxed you won’t want to.

  • What do the needles feel like?

    • There are various needle sensations that are normal depending on the location of the point as well as the surrounding musculature. Points can be lacking sensation, sparkly upon immediate insertion and then nothing, dull, achy, warm, itchy, and jumping.

    • The spasm or jumping occurs with trigger points which help reset the muscle twitch in areas where the muscles are tight. These are usually in areas like the pecs, traps, calves, glutes, and thighs.

  • Is it normal to bruise after acupuncture?

    • It is highly likely that you could have a bruise occur at a site of insertion post-acupuncture session. Every acupuncturist tries to catch any point that bleeds after they take a needle out, but some are sneakier and bleed from underneath and not above.

    • You can put arnica on it if it’s bugging you or ice it for 10 minutes immediately afterward, but it is not something to be concerned about.

  • What will I feel like after my first session?

    • This varies person to person, but for most people, they feel relaxed and centered after acupuncture as the treatment helps put the body into a state of relaxation. Some people call this the “acu-high.”

    • From an emotional standpoint, it helps many get out of a feeling of stuckness or lethargy, as it helps the body transform long-held emotions that may be lingering. For some people, they may feel more fatigued than others post-treatment. I find that this happens for those who are “on” all of the time but may not realize that their body is actually running on fumes. When you allow someone to actually take “stock” of their bodies and feel, sometimes they realize how run down they actually may be.

  • Will one session fix my problem immediately?

    • It depends. I have seen immediate resolution to tight muscles or a headache post-acupuncture. For concerns that are more complex and have been present over a long period of time, it takes some time for changes to occur.

    • Acupuncture, much like a prescription from a Western doctor, works best with consistency. For example, if you’re prescribed medication for high blood pressure, you don’t take it just once and expect your blood pressure to be permanently regulated—it requires time and regular use to see sustained results. Similarly, acupuncture supports your body’s natural ability to re-regulate and heal itself.

    • The key difference is that acupuncture has minimal side effects, making it a safe and effective option for addressing a wide range of conditions. It’s a process that builds over time, and with consistent care, the results are often lasting as your body learns to restore balance naturally

  • Can I get acupuncture if I have a pacemaker or other medical devices?

    • Yes, you can still receive acupuncture with a pacemaker or other medical devices.

    • Important Note: Electroacupuncture should not be used to ensure a safe treatment.

  • Do I need to stop my medications or supplements before acupuncture?

    • No, you don’t need to stop your medications or supplements

    • How Acupuncture Works with Medications:

  • Acupuncture works alongside conventional treatments and can even enhance their effectiveness.

  • Always let me know what you’re taking on your initial intake form or during your visit so I can adjust care as needed.

  • Herbal Considerations:

  • If you are interested in herbal formulas and supplements, herb-drug combinations will need to be considered.

  • Is it normal to feel sore after acupuncture?

    • Yes, mild soreness around needle sites or in the treated areas is normal, especially if the muscles were tight.

    • What to Expect:

      • Soreness usually resolves within 24–48 hours.

      • Let me know if you experience anything unusual to you.


CAN I GET ACUPUNCTURE WHILE PREGNANT?

 

Yes, acupuncture is safe and highly beneficial during pregnancy when performed by a licensed and experienced practitioner. In fact, acupuncture is often recommended during pregnancy to support both the mother and baby through various stages of development.

Acupuncture can help:

  1. Relieve Pregnancy Symptoms:

    • Helps alleviate common discomforts such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headaches, and heartburn.

    • Reduces back pain, sciatica, and swelling, which are common as the body adapts to pregnancy.

  2. Support Emotional Balance:

    • Acupuncture can help manage stress, anxiety, insomnia, and mood swings, promoting relaxation and emotional well-being.

  3. Prepare for Labor:

    • In the later stages of pregnancy, acupuncture can help prepare the body for labor by promoting optimal fetal positioning, softening the cervix, and supporting uterine readiness.

    • It may also be used to encourage labor naturally if the due date has passed.

  4. Address Pregnancy Complications:

    • Acupuncture can be a supportive therapy for conditions like high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, or breech presentation when combined with proper medical care.

Acupuncture during pregnancy is a wonderful way to nurture yourself and your baby, creating a healthy foundation for both.


Questions About Acupuncture + Acupuncturists:

  • What needles are used?

    • All acupuncturists use single-use needles of various sizes. They are thrown in sharps containers after being taken out. At Mama’s Acupuncture, I use eco-friendly needles from a company in Canada called Acufast that aims to minimize waste.

  • What training does an acupuncturist have?

    • Acupuncturists complete thousands of hours of specialized education and training to develop their expertise, including over 3,300 hours of coursework, and more than 1,000 hours of supervised clinical training.

    • Their education blends Eastern medical practices, such as acupuncture techniques and Chinese herbal medicine, with Western biomedical sciences like anatomy, physiology, and pathology.

    • After completing their studies, acupuncturists must pass rigorous national and state licensing exams to demonstrate their proficiency and meet high standards required to practice.

This comprehensive training ensures acupuncturists are well-equipped to provide safe, effective, and informed care.

  • Are you licensed?

    • Yes, I am licensed in the state of Texas by the Texas Medical Board and certified by the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine).

  • Can acupuncture treat x, y, z?

Acupuncture is a powerful tool that stimulates the body’s natural healing processes, balances the nervous system, and improves circulation. It can be highly effective for a wide range of conditions, including:

  • Pain relief

  • Stress management

  • Hormone balancing

  • Supporting overall wellness

Complementary Care:

  • Acupuncture enhances other treatments, such as:

    • Reducing side effects of chemotherapy or IVF.

    • Providing relief for chronic conditions like migraines or digestive issues.

    • Supporting lifestyle and dietary changes.

  • Are there any risks or side effects of acupuncture?

    • Acupuncture is considered very safe when performed by a licensed practitioner. Compared to medications or surgeries, it is a minimally invasive treatment option with fewer and less severe side effects.

Possible Side Effects:

  • Slight bruising or redness at needle sites (typically fades within a day or two).

  • Temporary soreness or tenderness in the treated areas, especially if the muscles were very tight.

  • Fatigue or lightheadedness after the session, as your body adjusts to the treatment and begins healing.

  • Rarely, symptoms may feel temporarily worse before they improve—this is known as a "healing response."

Important Note:
It’s important to communicate openly with the practitioner during and after your treatment if you experience any discomfort or have concerns.

  • Do you offer package deals or discounts for multiple sessions?

    • Yes, monthly packages are offered in packs of 2, 4, and 8 at a discount and can be booked on the online booking page.

Key Details:

  • Packages must be used within 30 days from the day of the first appointment that is part of the package.

  • You are never charged when you sign up for a package until after the first treatment.

  • What should I do if I feel worse after my acupuncture session?

    • If you feel worse temporarily, this can often be referred to as a "healing crisis."

What to Do:

  • Rest.

  • Stay hydrated.

  • Let me know if symptoms persist or are concerning.

  • If my back is currently in spasm, can I come in?

    • If your back is actively in spasm, I recommend waiting to receive acupuncture.

    • Reason: Lying on a table with needles in your back while in spasm is painful and uncomfortable, and it may exacerbate the situation.

  • Do you inject anything with the needles? Do the needles have any medication on them?

    • No, acupuncture needles are solid, thinner than a hair, and do not contain or inject any substances.

    • Key Features of Needles: Sterile and single-use. Designed to stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms.

  • Is every treatment the same if I am coming in for the same thing each time?

    • No, each treatment is personalized to your current presentation and goals.

    • Personalization Includes: Adjusting points to reflect subtle changes in your body’s needs that day. Utilizing diagnostic tools such as palpation, tongue and pulse observation, and more.

  • Can I get acupuncture if I have nothing wrong?

    • Absolutely! Acupuncture is not just for addressing symptoms or illnesses; it’s a profound tool for generational wellness, longevity, and alignment.

    • Benefits of Acupuncture When You Feel Well:

  • Boosts energy and immunity.

  • Improves sleep quality.

  • Reduces stress and tension.

  • Promotes emotional balance.

  • Supports alignment with one’s soul purpose.

Philosophy in TCM:

  • Historically, in some parts of ancient China, doctors were paid to keep their patients well, focusing on preventative care rather than treating sickness.

  • Acupuncture can help you connect to a deeper sense of purpose by unblocking stagnation, harmonizing energy flow, and creating space for clarity and vitality.


ACUPUNCTURE AND DRY NEEDLING

 
  • How is acupuncture different from dry needling?

While both acupuncture and dry needling involve the use of needles, they differ significantly in training, philosophy, and approach to care.

1. Training and Expertise:

  • Acupuncturists:

    • Complete thousands of hours of training in accredited programs covering both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western biomedical sciences.

    • Highly skilled in needling techniques, including trigger point acupuncture.

    • Many specialize in areas like orthopedics and sports medicine.

  • Dry Needling Practitioners:

    • Often physical therapists, chiropractors, or other healthcare professionals.

    • Training can be as short as a weekend course or workshop, with significantly less total training in needling compared to acupuncturists.

2. Scope of Practice:

  • In some states, dry needling is not within the legal scope of practice for chiropractors or physical therapists due to lack of comprehensive training in needling techniques.

  • Acupuncturists are licensed specifically to perform needling procedures, ensuring a consistent standard of care.

3. Holistic and Comprehensive Approach:

  • Acupuncturists address both symptoms and root causes, treating the interconnectedness of the entire body, including emotional and lifestyle factors.

  • For example: A patient with shoulder pain might also receive treatment for related muscle groups, postural imbalances, and stress factors.

4. Trigger Point Techniques:

  • Acupuncturists are trained in trigger point acupuncture, focusing on releasing tight areas in muscles called myofascial trigger points.

  • This technique relaxes muscles, improves blood flow, and reduces inflammation by stimulating a twitch response in the muscle.

5. Western Medicine Integration:

  • Acupuncture training includes orthopedics, neurology, and pharmacology, enabling effective collaboration with other healthcare providers.

Summary:
While dry needling focuses on relieving specific muscle tension, acupuncture provides a broader, more comprehensive approach to care, supported by extensive training in both Eastern and Western medicine.