Frequently Asked Questions

We are located in Doylestown, Bucks County PA!

Our address is 95 W Court Street, Doylestown, PA 18901, on the third floor.

There is plenty of street parking and the public Wells Fargo parking lot is right next door.

At your first visit, we’ll start with a thorough conversation about your health history, current concerns, and goals. I’ll also check in on things like sleep, digestion, stress levels, and menstrual or reproductive health (if relevant). This helps me understand your whole picture—not just your symptoms—so we can create a treatment plan that feels right for you.

Once we begin treatment, you’ll rest comfortably on the table while I place very fine, sterile needles at specific points. Most people find the process relaxing and even restorative—you may feel a gentle heaviness, warmth, or calm sensation as the points begin to work.

During your session, you’ll have time to rest quietly, and I’ll check in to make sure you’re comfortable. Afterward, you might feel deeply relaxed, energized, or more balanced. Some people notice immediate shifts, while others experience gradual improvements over a series of treatments.

Follow-up visits are shorter than the initial appointment, and they’re focused on checking in about changes, adjusting your treatment plan, and continuing with acupuncture (and other supportive therapies if needed).

Acupuncture has been studied, researched, and used for over 4,000 years. While we don’t know all of the reasons why acupuncture works, we do know that it releases endorphins, improves blood flow to areas of the body, reduces cortisol (the stress hormone), and reduces inflammation.

I have seen acupuncture encourage ovulation, reduce menstrual pain immediately, stop spotting during the middle of the cycle, regulate irregular cycles, improve thyroid lab results, improve and support fertility, and help prepare the body for labor.

The list goes on and on! This medicine is truly amazing and I am so excited for you to explore it with me.

I just have a particular love of treating fertility and reproductive health patients. I am also really fond of treating those who are pregnant and postpartum! My practice really reflects that focus.

But, acupuncture is also amazing at treating hormonal imbalances, thyroid disease, digestive disorders, mental health, autoimmune disorders, and seasonal allergies.

I welcome any kind of complaints and would love to work with you. For pain though, I generally refer out- we all have our specialties and strengths!

1. Please complete your paperwork in advance! When you book your appointment, you will receive an email with a link to complete the paperwork online.

2. Try not to come on an empty stomach, so please eat a little snack or meal.

3. Please wear loose and comfy clothing that roll up to your elbows and knees.

4. Come on in and get ready to relax!

Feel free to read this blog post for more info.

Acupuncture needles are super thin! Most people don’t feel anything, sometimes a slight pinch, but most people fall asleep on the table or able to totally relax.

The results of acupuncture are cumulative, which means that each treatment builds on the progress of the ones before it.

Many people feel improvement right after the first treatment, but for lasting change it’s important to come in for a series of treatments.

Often times acupuncturists are working with you on your health issues that have been going on for years or decades. It takes time to unlearn those patterns, time to reorient your body.

I often see that anywhere from one treatment a week for 6-12 weeks usually leaves people with lasting and concrete results.

Yes! I offer packages for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum support. Chat with me to explore this further, but essentially by committing to a care plan, you are saving the cost of a treatment.

Raku Acupuncture is not currently “in-network” with any insurance providers, meaning we cannot accept insurance directly at this time.

We can provide what’s called a “superbill” which clients can submit directly to their insurance companies for out of network reimbursement.

I also HAPPILY accept funds from Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flex Spending Accounts (FSA). These are accounts that are tax free, can be used for health related expenses only, and are a facet of a high deductible insurance plan.

I also encourage you to consider that your health is your greatest investment. It’s an unfortunate fact, but the longer we put off caring for our health, the longer it often costs to manage in the long run. Your body is the vehicle that carries you through your life; you cannot escape it. In many ways, you can’t afford NOT to take better care of your health. Your body, and your opportunity to move through life with less concerns and stress, depends on your investing in yourself. 

Nope!

I do not expect nor accept tips. My prices are all inclusive, so don’t even worry about it. I appreciate the concern.

Furthermore, I do not charge extra for any additional modalities we may use, like cupping, moxa, or massage. I do charge only for the market price of herbs, but these are totally optional and designed to support and continue your acupuncture treatment.

Acupuncture helps fertility by improving how your body functions in specific, measurable ways:

Increases blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, which can support healthy ovulation and implantation.

Regulates menstrual cycles, making ovulation more predictable.

Influences hormone levels by supporting communication between the brain and reproductive organs.

Reduces stress and lowers cortisol, which can interfere with conception.

Supports egg and sperm quality through improved circulation and reduced inflammation.

Works alongside fertility treatments like IVF and IUI to improve outcomes and reduce side effects.

Every treatment is customized based on where you are in your cycle and your specific needs.

All acupuncturists in Pennsylvania must be licensed by the state. I am. I also have a Master’s Degree in Acupuncture with a focus in Chinese Herbal Medicine. My Master’s program is four years long on top of my undergraduate degree.

I have furthered my education outside of school and continued to specialize in the world of fertility by studying with Katie Altineu, Jane Lyttleton, and other practitioners and courses.

I also hold a MAMPS (Maternity Acupuncture Mentorship and Peer Support program) certification, which means I’ve received specialized training in providing safe, supportive acupuncture care throughout all stages of pregnancy. This certification is not common and underrated in the acupuncture world! I understand the unique considerations, precautions, and techniques perhaps better than most acupunctures and can guide you based on my knowledge.

When provided by a licensed and properly trained practitioner, acupuncture is considered very safe during pregnancy. In fact, many people turn to acupuncture to support common concerns such as nausea, fatigue, back or hip pain, sleep disturbances, and preparation for labor.

In addition to my Masters Degree, I also have advanced certification in maternity acupuncture. This is pretty uncommon when it comes to acupuncturists. With my additional training and years of experience supporting pregnant patients, I use carefully selected points and techniques tailored for each stage of pregnancy. My approach is always grounded in safety, comfort, and evidence-informed care—so you can feel confident and supported throughout your journey. Read this blog post for more info.

Reach out. Use this link here to schedule a free 15 minute free phone consultation if you have any questions. OR

Schedule. If you wish to begin acupuncture treatments at Raku Acupuncture, use this link to book an initial appointment.

Get Relief. Congratulate yourself on taking a brave step forward to feeling better!

Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in supporting any form of assisted reproductive technology (ART), IVF, IUI, medicated menstrual cycles, egg implantation, and egg retrieval.

Acupuncture has also been shown to help improve the likelihood of ovulation, increasing the amount of follicles developing in the ovary, blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, and improving endometrial lining.

Acupuncture has been shown to be safe, effective, and supportive at any time during pregnancy.

I have seen it support nausea, fatigue, back pain, sciatica, and other common complaints. I have also seen benefits with pre-eclampsia, hyperemesis, malposition, and labor support.

I can and have seamlessly integrate my acupuncture practice with your providers (OBGYN, midwife, and or doula).

Research has shown that patients who receive acupuncture before and after an IVF transfer are more likely to become pregnant. It has also been found that people who received acupuncture before and after the transfer were more optimistic and less anxious about the outcome.

There is compelling research to support that acupuncture can help to turn a breech or transverse baby.

Before booking an appointment with me for breech presentation, please book a free telephone consultation so we can determine if acupuncture for malposition of the fetus is appropriate for you.

Click here to book a free telephone consultation with me.

Reproductive health is more than just trying to conceive.

Acupuncture can be a treatment option for painful periods, cramping and discomfort, PMS/PMDD, PCOS, irregular periods, endometriosis, perimenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal support, as well as coming off of hormonal birth control.

After birth, things can really feel like the focus switches to the baby.

But, pregnancy and birth itself can be incredibly intense on the birthing person.

Acupuncture can be an incredible tool postpartum. I have supported those through breastfeeding and milk production, c-section scar and pain recovery, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and overall general support.

Acupuncture can support emotional health as well. Acupuncture can help with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Stress is also so common these days. The days are busy, work is hard, family is hard, and things are generally overwhelming. Reducing overall stress in our lives can have such positive impacts on our entire well being.

Acupuncture can help to manage symptoms of seasonal allergies.

Runny nose, congestion, pressure in the sinuses, itchy eyes, hay fever, sneezing, coughing, and post nasal drip. Seasonal allergies often are a symptom of gut and digestive health, which is perfect for acupuncture because it can help with both!

Acupuncture has been shown to help to support the digestive system.

IBS, constipation, gas, bloating, and even skin conditions have been shown to improve through acupuncture.

Chinese Medicine heavily focuses on the gut in practice- everything starts here!