Do acupuncture needles hurt?

The needles are much thinner than the ones used for shots or blood draws. Most patients feel a brief tap or a dull, heavy feeling at the point. Tell Dr. Hua if any point feels sharp and he will adjust it.

Are the needles reused?

No. Every needle is sterile, used once, and thrown away.

Is acupuncture covered by insurance?

Some Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois PPO plans include acupuncture. Medicare covers acupuncture only for chronic low back pain and under specific rules. Coverage varies by plan; call us to verify your benefits.

Can I get acupuncture in Mandarin or Spanish?

Yes. The clinic serves patients in English, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish. Let us know your language when you call.

What should I do before my appointment?

Eat a light meal an hour or two before and wear loose clothing. Avoid coming in on an empty stomach.

Traditional Chinese acupuncture

Very fine, single-use needles placed at specific points, based on traditional Chinese medicine.

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What it is

Acupuncture is a practice from traditional Chinese medicine. Very fine, sterile, single-use needles are placed at specific points on the body, often along lines called meridians.

Dr. Hua is a chiropractor certified in acupuncture. He often combines acupuncture with chiropractic care in the same visit, which has been the approach at this clinic since 1993.

Who it may help

People with ongoing back, neck, or shoulder pain
People with tension headaches
People who want to try a drug-free approach alongside their other care

Every patient is different. Dr. Hua will tell you after the exam whether this is a good fit for you.

What a session is like

You lie on a table, usually with your sleeves or pant legs rolled up. Dr. Hua cleans each point and places the needles. Most people feel a light tap or a dull ache, not sharp pain.

The needles stay in for about 20 minutes while you rest. The room is quiet and kept warm.

Removing the needles takes a minute. You can go back to your day afterward.

Questions patients ask

Do acupuncture needles hurt?: The needles are much thinner than the ones used for shots or blood draws. Most patients feel a brief tap or a dull, heavy feeling at the point. Tell Dr. Hua if any point feels sharp and he will adjust it.
Are the needles reused?: No. Every needle is sterile, used once, and thrown away.
Is acupuncture covered by insurance?: Some Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois PPO plans include acupuncture. Medicare covers acupuncture only for chronic low back pain and under specific rules. Coverage varies by plan; call us to verify your benefits.
Can I get acupuncture in Mandarin or Spanish?: Yes. The clinic serves patients in English, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish. Let us know your language when you call.
What should I do before my appointment?: Eat a light meal an hour or two before and wear loose clothing. Avoid coming in on an empty stomach.