Before your first visit.

Treatment frequency depends on the condition. Pain management typically requires 1-6 sessions. Women's health issues usually need three months for menstrual regulation. Chronic conditions like cancer or autoimmune disease may require at least six months of follow-up care. Dr. Cen will make an individual assessment at your first visit and discuss a treatment plan.

Most patients don't feel the needles at all - they are extremely thin. Post-insertion sensations include dullness, soreness, twitching, fullness, or warmth; these indicate a positive therapeutic response, not pain. Many patients fall asleep during treatment.

Wearing loose, comfortable clothes is preferable to expose the affected part of the body easily - think shorts or rolled-up sleeves rather than tight jeans.

Complications are rare. Common side effects include soreness, bruising, or muscle twitching and resolve in 24 hours to 7 days. Post-treatment dizziness, tiredness, headaches, or emotional release typically resolve within 24-48 hours. Avoid treatment on an empty stomach to prevent dizziness from low blood sugar. All needles are single-use and disposable, as mandated by California's acupuncture board.

New patients start by filling out a brief inquiry form. Dr. Cen reviews every inquiry personally and responds within two business days. If acupuncture is a good fit for your concern, she'll schedule your first consultation.

We accept several insurance plans including Cigna and providers through the ASH Link network. Insurance typically covers pain and nausea/vomiting conditions. For all other conditions - fertility, digestion, hormones, mental health - treatment is self-pay. Visit our insurance page for the full list and self-pay details.

Plan for about 90 minutes. Dr. Cen will take a detailed health history, examine your pulse and tongue (a cornerstone of Chinese medicine diagnostics), palpate your abdomen and meridians, and discuss your concerns at length. If treatment begins that day, you'll also receive your first acupuncture session. It's thorough, unhurried, and conversational.