FAQ
I'm new to Nalu Healing Arts. Where should I start?
Welcome. You don't need to know exactly what kind of treatment you need before you book, that's part of what we're here to help with. If you're dealing with pain, stress, nervous system dysregulation, headaches, digestive concerns, women's health concerns, or something more complex, acupuncture is a great place to start. If you're looking primarily for hands-on muscle work, relaxation, or bodywork, massage may be the better fit. You can also visit us simply to slow down and restore with our infrared sauna, Salt Sanctuary, or one of our classes. Not sure? Reach out and tell us a little about what you're experiencing. We'll help guide you toward the practitioner or service that makes the most sense.
What happens during my first acupuncture appointment?
Your first visit begins with a conversation. We'll talk about what brought you in, your health history, what you're experiencing now, and what you'd like to change. Your practitioner may also use Chinese medicine diagnostics and orthopedic or physical assessments depending on your concerns. From there, you'll receive a full acupuncture treatment, which may also incorporate therapies such as cupping, gua sha, heat therapy, or other modalities when appropriate. Then, you rest. Once the needles are placed, you'll have time to settle into the table while your practitioner plays singing bowls in the room. The sound and vibration are used to help quiet some of the external noise and support your nervous system in shifting into a deeper state of rest. It's often the part of the treatment people don't expect to love quite so much. Many of our patients fall asleep. Before you leave, we'll talk about what we found, how your body responded, and what we recommend moving forward.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Come comfortable. For acupuncture, you'll have privacy to undress to the level needed for your treatment and get comfortable on the table beneath the draping provided. This allows your practitioner to access areas such as the back, hips, shoulders, or legs when needed while keeping you appropriately covered throughout your treatment. If you prefer to remain clothed, loose-fitting clothing works best and your practitioner can adapt your treatment accordingly. For massage, you'll also undress to your level of comfort and remain professionally draped throughout your session.
Should I eat before acupuncture?
Yes. We recommend eating a light meal or snack within a few hours before your appointment rather than arriving on an empty stomach. It's also a good idea to stay hydrated before and after your treatment.
Where should I park + when should I arrive?
We have a small parking lot with 3 spots. If it's full, we have lots of street parking. Entrance is on the left side of the building. If it's your first visit, we recommend arriving about 10 minutes early so you have time to settle in and complete anything needed before your appointment. Returning patients can arrive a few minutes before their scheduled treatment time.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are incredibly thin, nothing like the hollow needles used for injections or blood draws. With traditional acupuncture, most people feel very little when the needles are inserted. You may notice sensations such as warmth, tingling, heaviness, pressure, or a dull ache around certain points. Orthopedic acupuncture can feel a little different. When we're treating a tight muscle, trigger point, or motor point directly, you may experience a brief dull, achy sensation, almost like someone pressing or massaging directly into that "good hurt" spot where you're holding tension. Treatment should never feel like something you have to endure. We communicate with you throughout your session and can always adjust the treatment based on your sensitivity and comfort level.
How does acupuncture work?
There are a few ways we can look at how acupuncture works. Traditional acupuncture has been used for thousands of years within Chinese medicine to restore balance and healthy function throughout the body. Modern research gives us another lens: acupuncture interacts with the nervous system and can influence pain signaling, circulation, muscle tension, and the body's own regulatory processes. Orthopedic acupuncture takes a more anatomical approach. Needles can be placed directly into specific motor points, trigger points, and areas of muscular dysfunction. Stimulating these points can help interrupt persistent muscle contraction, reduce tension, and restore healthier function to the muscle. At NHA, we don't see traditional Chinese medicine and modern anatomy as competing approaches. We use both, choosing the style of acupuncture that makes the most sense for what your body needs.
does acupuncture really work?
Acupuncture has been extensively studied, particularly for pain, and research suggests it can affect the nervous system, pain signaling, circulation, muscle tension, and other physiological processes. Results vary depending on the person and what we're treating. Some people notice changes very quickly; others improve gradually with consistent care. Our goal isn't to promise a particular outcome. It's to understand what's happening in your body, treat it thoughtfully, and pay attention to how you respond.
How many acupuncture treatments will I need?
There isn't one number that applies to everyone. How quickly your body responds depends on what we're treating, how long it's been present, your overall health, and how your body responds to treatment. Some people notice a shift after their first session. Acute concerns may respond relatively quickly, while chronic or complex conditions often benefit from a period of consistent care. Your practitioner will recommend a treatment frequency based on your individual needs and adjust it as your body changes.
what if I'm afraid of needles?
You're in very good company. Many people who love acupuncture now were nervous before their first treatment. Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, and we can begin gently with fewer needles and adjust your treatment based on your sensitivity and comfort level. We also offer other therapies including cupping, gua sha, massage, infrared sauna, and other forms of bodywork. Tell us you're nervous. We'd much rather know so we can create an experience that feels safe and comfortable for you.
What's the difference between acupuncture + massage
They can accomplish some similar things, but they work differently. Massage uses hands-on manipulation of muscles, fascia, and soft tissue. It's wonderful for muscle tension, mobility, recovery, relaxation, and helping your body feel better. Acupuncture allows us to work with pain and musculoskeletal concerns while also addressing the nervous system and broader patterns within the body. Orthopedic acupuncture can target specific muscles, trigger points, and motor points, while traditional Chinese medicine allows us to look beyond the area of pain and treat the body more systemically. And sometimes the best answer isn't one or the other. Many of our patients incorporate both into their care. If you're unsure which treatment to book, reach out and we'll help point you in the right direction.
can I combine acupuncture with other services?
Absolutely. NHA is a wellness center. Acupuncture and massage are booked as separate treatments, but they can be scheduled back to back if you'd like to receive both during the same visit. You can also add time in our infrared sauna to your visit, which many clients enjoy before or after their treatment. If you'd like to spend a few hours with us and aren't sure which order to book everything in, reach out and we'll help you plan your visit.
can I receive acupuncture while pregnant?
Yes. Acupuncture can be safely adapted throughout pregnancy when performed by a licensed acupuncturist trained in prenatal care. Acupuncture is commonly used during pregnancy to support concerns such as nausea, musculoskeletal pain, headaches, stress, sleep, and other pregnancy-related discomforts. Always let your practitioner know if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant so your treatment can be adjusted appropriately.
do you accept insurance?
We do not bill insurance directly and are considered an out-of-network provider. We do accept HSA and FSA cards as forms of payment. If your insurance plan includes out of network acupuncture benefits, we can also provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Reimbursement is determined entirely by your individual plan and is not guaranteed, so we recommend checking your benefits directly with your insurance provider.
do you offer treatment plans / memberships?
Yes. For many of the things we treat, especially chronic pain, recurring tension, stress-related patterns, and longer standing concerns, consistency matters. If your practitioner believes regular care would be beneficial, they'll talk with you about a treatment plan based on what you're working on and how your body is responding. Our Treatment Plans offer a reduced treatment rate while creating some structure and accountability around consistent care. There's no one-size-fits-all schedule. We'll recommend what makes sense for you.
Can I pause or roll over my treatment plan?
Treatment Plans are designed around consistent monthly care, so treatments do not pause or roll over from month to month. If your circumstances change, you can cancel your Treatment Plan with 30 days' written notice, and you're always welcome to continue booking individual treatments as needed.
how do I cancel my treatment plan?
Treatment Plans require 30 days' written notice to cancel. Please email support@naluhealingarts.com with your full name and cancellation request. Your plan will remain active through the 30-day notice period.
what Is the salt sanctuary?
Our Salt Sanctuary is a Himalayan salt-lined space created for rest, movement, meditation, sound, breath, and community. The room features a wall made from nearly 1,000 Himalayan salt bricks and hosts experiences including sound healing, breathwork, yoga, meditation, women's circles, workshops, and special events. You don't need to be "good" at slowing down to come here. That's kind of the point.
do I need experience to attend a class?
Not at all. Our classes are designed to be welcoming whether you've practiced for years or you're walking into your first yoga, breathwork, meditation, or sound healing experience. Each experience is a little different, so check the class description for anything specific you should know beforehand. Come as you are. We'll take it from there.
what should I bring to a salt sanctuary class?
Just bring yourself and a water bottle. We have yoga mats, chairs, blankets, and pillows available in the Salt Sanctuary, so you don't need to bring your own equipment. Wear something comfortable that allows you to move or settle in easily, depending on the class you're attending.
can I rent the salt sanctuary for a private event?
Yes. The Salt Sanctuary is available for private rentals, workshops, wellness experiences, intimate gatherings, classes, trainings, photo and video shoots, and other aligned events. If you're a facilitator looking for a beautiful space to bring your community together, or you have an idea you'd like to explore, you can learn more about the space, availability, and rental process on our Classes + Events page
what is your cancellation policy?
We require at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Appointments canceled or rescheduled with less than 24 hours' notice, as well as missed appointments, are charged the full cost of the scheduled service. We understand that life happens. This policy protects the time our practitioners have reserved specifically for you and gives us the opportunity to offer that appointment to another client when adequate notice is given.
what happens if I'm late?
We understand that sometimes you're running behind. If you arrive late, we'll do our best to accommodate you within the remaining time of your appointment. Extending your treatment may not be possible when another client is scheduled afterward, and the full appointment fee will still apply. If you know you're going to be late, please call or text us so we know you're on your way.
how do I book an appointment?
Appointments can be booked online at any time through our booking system. visit our home page, the link is at the top. You'll be able to choose your service, practitioner, and available appointment time. If you're not sure who or what to book, contact us. Tell us a little about what you're working on and what you're looking for, and we'll help match you with the right practitioner or service.