What to Expect at Your First Acupuncture Appointment in Doylestown, PA

At your first visit, we’ll start with a thorough conversation about your health history and goals.

This helps me understand your whole picture, not just your symptoms, so we can create a treatment plan that feels right for you.

We transition then to acupuncture. 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. Then you rest.

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 one hour long, very similar to the initial appointment, and focused on continuing towards our goals.

I commonly support fertility, whether my people are using IVF, IUI, or not. I work a lot with people who have struggled to conceive, who have had multiple miscarriages, and feel lost on their fertility journey.

I also support reproductive health- painful cycles, irregular cycles, endometriosis, PMOS (formerly PCOS), and adenomyosis.

I also specialize in supporting patients throughout pregnancy and postpartum. From managing early symptoms to preparing for labor and supporting recovery after birth, I provide care across the full perinatal period.

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.

Yes! I have worked with so many new parents on helping to regulate their cycles once they return (or help encourage the return if it has been more than a year).

Acupuncture has been studied, researched, and used for over 4,000 years. Acupuncture releases endorphins, improves blood flow throughout the body, regulates stress, digestion, and hormones.

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

Acupuncture is amazing and I am so excited for you to explore it with me.

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 available in front of and around town! Be sure to follow all signs for parking accordingly.

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.

I offer packages to make care more accessible. 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. Insurance companies tend to underpay acupuncturists or frequently deny claims. If I accepted insurance in my clinic, I would need to see 4 patients at once to make it sustainable. This is not the type of care I am hoping to offer.

I 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. 

Clients pay the whole cost of the session up front. Then, if eligible with their insurance plan, they can submit the superbills for the acupuncture sessions directly to their insurance companies (typically through the insurance company client portal), and may be reimbursed a percentage of the fee for the sessions in the superbill.

Typically clients must first meet their deductible (a dollar amount you pay before the insurance will cover any costs) in order to be eligible for out of network reimbursements. Individual deductibles can vary widely so we recommend checking with your insurance company.

Here is what to ask your insurance company-

1. Do they cover acupuncture treatments (CPT Codes 99203, 99213, 97810, 97811)?

2. What complaints are covered and can they tell you the specific codes associated with those complaints (referred to as ICD-10 codes)? Some insurance companies are very specific about what you can use acupuncture to treat (like back pain), so it's good to ask.

3. How many acupuncture visits with an acupuncturist are covered per year?

4. Is your insurance plan per calendar year or plan year (what month does your insurance plan “restart”)?

5. Is there a deductible that needs to be met?

6. How would you go through the process of submitting a superbill to insurance?

Get this in writing if you can!

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.

Yes, I do!

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!

Yes. I 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 completely nine additional months of courses on pregnancy care beyond my Master’s degree in Acupuncture (which is 4 years long).

I understand the unique considerations, precautions, and techniques perhaps better than most acupunctures and can guide you based on my knowledge.

Absolutely. 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.

With my MAMPS 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.

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

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

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