Your First Acupuncture Visit in Denver
Your first visit is 90 minutes and costs $150. Here is what happens, what to wear and how to get here, so nothing is a surprise.
Not sure yet? Start with a free consultation.
Free in-person or phone consultation
New patients can start here. I go over your health history and goals and tell you honestly whether acupuncture is a good fit. To set one up, call or text (720) 285-6251.
What happens at your first visit
We talk
We start by talking: what hurts, how long, what you have tried, how you sleep, eat and handle stress. This part takes 30 to 45 minutes, before any needles go in.
A short exam
I take your pulse and look at your tongue, two diagnostic tools in Chinese medicine that reveal a lot about how your body is functioning.
Your treatment
Then you lie down on a heated table and I place between eight and twenty very fine needles. You rest for 25 to 30 minutes while they work. Most people describe the feeling as heavy, warm and deeply relaxed.
Your plan
Before you leave we agree on a plan: how many visits, how often, and what you can do at home. I tell you if I think acupuncture is not the right tool.
Who you will see
You see me, Michael Sugiura, L.Ac., at every visit. I am a Colorado licensed acupuncturist (license ACU.0002378) with a master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
If something sounds like it needs a doctor first, I will tell you.
Before you come
What to wear
Loose clothes that roll past the knees and elbows are ideal. Undergarments stay on, and I provide draping, so you stay covered except where I am working.
Eating and drinking
Have a light meal one to two hours before your visit. Skip a big meal or a lot of coffee right before, and drink water as you normally would.
What to tell me
Tell me about your health history before we start, especially if you are pregnant or take blood thinners. A list of your medicines helps.
Does it hurt?
Rarely, and never the way an injection does. Most people feel a brief tap, then a dull, heavy or warm sensation that fades in a few seconds. If any point feels sharp, tell me and I will adjust or remove it.
What it costs
New Patients
Returning Patients
Payment
I accept cash, all major credit cards, and HSA/FSA cards. I do not bill insurance directly, but I can provide a superbill you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.
After your visit
The rest of the day
Take it easy for a few hours, and skip hard exercise and alcohol that evening. Drink water if you are thirsty, and eat something light if you are hungry.
How you may feel
Side effects are usually mild and short-lived: a little soreness, a small bruise where a needle went in, or feeling relaxed or sleepy afterward. Mild soreness usually fades within a day or so. If anything worries you, call or text me at (720) 285-6251.
How many visits
An acute strain or nausea often settles in 1 to 3 visits. Chronic problems take a front-loaded course, such as 8 to 12 visits over 6 to 8 weeks for migraines. I give you an honest estimate at the first visit.
Getting here
3600 South Beeler Street, Suite 150, Denver, CO 80237
There’s a parking lot right at the building with plenty of spots, and street parking nearby if you prefer.
- Monday to Wednesday9 am to 7 pm
- ThursdayClosed
- Friday and Saturday9 am to 5 pm
- SundayClosed
Common first-visit questions
Do I need to undress for acupuncture?
It depends on what we are treating. Most points are on the arms, hands, lower legs, feet and abdomen, and I can use points in the hands and feet if you would rather stay covered.
Do you accept insurance?
I do not bill insurance directly, but I provide a superbill after each visit for you to submit. HSA and FSA cards are accepted, along with cash and all major cards.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is considered one of the safer treatments in medicine when a licensed acupuncturist uses sterile, single-use needles. A review of 21 prospective studies found serious side effects in about 1 in 10,000 patients, and about 9 in 100 noticed a minor effect, such as a little bleeding or soreness at a needle site.
How do I book?
Book online at acusimple.com/access/4476, or call or text (720) 285-6251.
More answers are on the FAQ page.