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 | |  | Medium: Initial visit average $75-$95; Follow-ups average $50-$70 | |
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Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine Involving sterile, thin metal needles which are inserted into pressure points on the skin. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports that acupuncture is safe. Out of millions who receive treatment annually, the agency reports receiving only a few complaints per year about complications from acupuncture.
Typical costs: |
- Fees for an initial visit range from $75 to $95 for an acupuncture session and medical consultation. Routine visits cost $50 to $70.
- Costs are similar nationwide, and should not differ greatly between service offered by clinics or private practitioners, who may also be chiropractors.
Related articles: Chiropractor, Massage
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What should be included: |
- During the first session, a practitioner will inquire about your health and medical history, and examine your pulse and tongue. Practitioners will want to know what ailments you hope to treat and what medications you are taking. The first session will last at least an hour, with follow-up visits ranging from 30 to 40 minutes.
- Most patients report acupuncture is painless or hurts less than having hair pulled, according to the Los Angeles Chinese Learning Center. Commonly felt sensations include an electric-like pulse, slight ache or numbness.
- Discounts:
- The National Institutes of Health reports that acupuncture is one of the most common forms of alternative medicine covered by insurance. Acufinder.com provides a list of questions[1] to ask insurance companies before seeking treatment.
- Some acupuncture clinics offer discounts to patients who prepay for multiple visits. For example, the Meta Morph clinic on New York's Long Island charges $80 for routine visits, but drops the cost 25 percent if patients by 10 sessions for $600.
Additional costs: |
- Many practitioners recommend patients take specialized Chinese herbs, such as ginseng and gui pi wan, that are designed to supplement the acupuncture by treating chronic ailments like anxiety or insomnia. Acufinder lists benefits and side effects[2] of Chinese herbs.
- Gratuity: Some acupuncturists expect tips of 15 to 20 percent, but not all clinics or private practitioners accept gratuity.
Shopping for acupuncture: |
- Acupuncture Today magazine offers a directory of acupuncture clinics nationwide[3] . The magazine also provides a list of Chinese herbs and their uses[4] .
- Search Acufinder.com for a directory of 30,000 certified practitioners nationwide[5] . Acufinder.com also provides a list of health conditions[6] acupuncture can be used to treat.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: Kelly Haack in Omaha, NE. | Posted: November 1st, 2019 06:11AM |
| Treatment: Accupuncture/Accupressure | Practice: CHI Pain Clinic |
My acupuncturist is a board certified acupuncturist, pain doctor, and anesthesiologist who runs a pain clinic. I see him monthly for acupuncture/acupressure for my fibromyalgia pain and other health issues. He advises me on supplements, herbs, and other nontraditional remedies, but being a medical doctor he also is able to help me navigate when these might interfere with my prescription medications. He is able to prescribe medication for my pain as well, He only charges $60 a session which includes both acupuncture and acupressure, even though he can charge more, especially as a medical doctor who also prescribes my medicine. He says that he wants to keep his rates low because he recognizes acupuncture is not usually covered by insurance and he does not want the cost to be prohibitive to his patients. This has been a significant part of my pain treatment. He is awesome! |
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| Posted by: Jeff Rippey in Kansas City, KS. | Posted: September 17th, 2018 03:09PM |
| Treatment: multitude | Practice: my own |
The prices listed here are a little optimistic. I'd expect to pay near these rates in a more rural/small town setting (assuming I could find an acupuncturist there). In a more urban area (where most of us actually are), these are more towards the low end. I'd expect to be more around $100-120 for the initial consult and $80-90 for a followup visit. Also, the article failed to mention the best place to find a board certified, licensed acupuncturist: NCCAOM's find a practitioner site. If you're not seeing an NCCAOM certified acupuncturist, you're running the risk of wasting your money and time with someone who has nowhere near the same level of training. |
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| Posted by: a user in Orlando, FL. | Posted: April 13th, 2018 04:04PM |
| Treatment: muscle pain | Practice: |
Had 10 sessions of acupuncture for body aches. Feeling good now and probably going to do monthly visits. They also have me herbs which reduced anxiety. |
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| Posted by: a user in Reading, PA. | Posted: February 2nd, 2017 11:02AM |
| Treatment: initial acupuncture treatment | Practice: |
This is a bit pricey, especially since I'm to go weekly. But the session is very relaxing and I am hoping that after a few sessions I will notice improvement in my chronic pain, insomnia, hormonal and mood disorders. More insurance companies need to pay for alternative medicine, not everyone wants to pop a pillow for everything! |
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| Posted by: Dunny in Clearwater, FL. | Posted: February 16th, 2016 08:02AM |
| Treatment: Hand was told it night help open my hand | Practice: |
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| Posted by: M.b in Los Angeles, CA. | Posted: November 26th, 2015 04:11PM |
| Treatment: Acupuncture | Practice: Dr. Sun |
I have had 3 treatments and the bill amount received is $1,500. Be aware And make sure you know the cost before starting the treatment. I was asked to strip naked (underwear on) for local treatment (lower back and other appointment for upper back only). If you are not comfortable with that look else where. |
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| Posted by: Marie Elizabeth Willson in Tosa, WI. | Posted: October 16th, 2015 01:10AM |
| Treatment: pain | Practice: Hong Wu |
I received acupuncture before for chronic pain of my neck, post stroke as result of cymbalta overdose and other anti depression medication.
I was referred for acupuncture by the oncologist of Froedtert & medical college of Wisconsin.
I is my first time of treatment here. I was checked blood pressure by an assistant. Then doctor came and asked me what I wanted her to treat that day. I asked for pain treatment. I was put 9 neddles on my legs, hands,and 1on the top of my head.
About over 10 minutes the assistant came to take neddles. I was surprised with the time of treatment.
The scheduling person showed her embarouss when I asked about the time of each session. She answeref me it is about 9 to 10 minutes. Then she asked someone inside and told me it is about 30 minutes.
I feel there is something unusual
In my treatment
To me such a treatment does not work. |
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| Posted by: Love Integrated Medicine! in Austin, TX. | Posted: February 22nd, 2015 01:02PM |
| Treatment: 1 hour 15 min acupuncture and massage | Practice: Georgetown Acupuncture and Herbs |
Great treatment. Hot stone massage and acupuncture sessions for just $ 45. Wow! Got in the same day that I called and package rates of just $45! |
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| Posted by: Jasmine Elliott in Oswego, IL. | Posted: February 11th, 2015 06:02AM |
| Treatment: 1st- eliminate plantar fasciaitis, 2nd - | Practice: Wayda Go Chiropractic |
I started receiving acupuncture from my employer to get rid of plantar fasciitis. I'd been in pain for years, and it's gone now. I now receive monthly sessions to keep inflammation and stress down, and to balance my hormones.
For those who wonder about the different prices. It depends on where you are ( cost of rent/etc), whether your sessions are private or community, and whether you're insured.
I'm so grateful that I can receive this as an employee benefit along with chiropractic adjustments. As a massage therapist on my feet all day, it helps. |
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| Posted by: ScottE in San Rafael, CA. | Posted: July 3rd, 2014 06:07PM |
"Community acupuncture" was recently invented by graduates from acupuncture school who decided it was a better idea to put a bunch of people in a room, do a minimal, limited treatment and charge less money. Rather than spend the years required to build a practice and gain clinical experience, it was easier to use marketing and low rates to make money. The adage "you get what you pay for" applies here. The problems with this approach are many: lack of confidentiality, inability to put patients in the position (i.e. on a table) to best treat affected areas, less personalized attention, less experienced practitioners, etc. Many of those who run these clinics justify their business methods by claiming elitism by those who practice in traditional clinics and tout the superiority of "people's medicine". This trend will, unfortunately, be of disservice to patients and the profession of acupuncture. My advice: find a well-seasoned, experienced acupuncturist and pay them what they are worth |
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| Posted by: LA in Cleveland in Maple Heights, OH. | Posted: February 28th, 2013 10:02AM |
| Treatment: acupuncture | Practice: Zhao\'s Acupuncture |
Small one man office. Dr. Zhao has helped me tremendously with tennis elbow pain and sinusitis. Only problem is that money's tight and I can't afford to go very often at this price. |
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| Posted by: Letty in Bozeman, MT. | Posted: December 27th, 2012 01:12PM |
| Treatment: acupuncture | Practice: Dr.Lieber |
Amazing! I seriously can not stand community acupuncture. I think it is good for those starting out. I will spend a bit more for way better standard of care. I just cut back on eatimg out for a couple of weeks. How much is your health worth? As a menopausal female, the doc helped me tremendously. I go once a month now. Amaxing stuff! |
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| Posted by: talula in london, Other. | Posted: July 4th, 2012 12:07AM |
| Treatment: top of neck to bottom of back | Practice: |
I went for my forest accupunture the other day as I suffer with dizziness and anxiety however the side effects have been awful I have had major headaches and felt very dizzy . Don't no if it's supposed to last this long. I then received a massage after the hour of accupunture. |
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| Posted by: Arlene in Fairfield, CT. | Posted: February 3rd, 2012 08:02PM |
Community acupuncture is cheaper (which can run from 20-40/treatment). Community is where you sit in the room with others and get a treatment that involves little privacy and only your limbs and head.
A private session is where you lay on a massage table, get a full body treatment and privacy. This tends to run more (80-300). Depending on where you live and the cost of living the prices vary. |
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| Posted by: Meryl in Los Angeles, CA. | Posted: February 3rd, 2012 08:02PM |
Acupuncturists (at least in California) go to a Master's degree program for 4 years. That is 4 years - year round (no summers off). It is a rigorous program of Western Science (Anatomy, Physiology, Physics, Biochem), Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture Studies and Herbal Medicine. They also put in clinical hours for a total of 3000+ hours to get their education. They then have to sit for a state exam and national exam that cost thousands of dollars.rnOriental Medicine (Acupuncture) schools are not cheap and most end up taking out 80-100k in student loans to finance their education. Every Acupuncturist I know has gone through with the intention of improving the lives of others. These people have overhead and enormous amount of student debt to pay down and deserve to make more than 20k/year after putting in blood sweat and tears into their education. It may seem simple when you get a treatment, but that only speaks to the skill of your Acupuncture dr. |
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| Posted by: Dianel Hungtinton in Chicago, IL. | Posted: July 17th, 2011 05:07AM |
| Treatment: hearing loss | Practice: Oriental Herb and Therapy Center |
This place charge roughly $50 per treatment, but they give you another 20% discounts if you do lets say 6 treatments. They have herbs too.
The place is small, acupuncturist is professional. I got the service I wanted. They give you a bill for you to submit to your health insurance if you desire to do so. |
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| Posted by: Satisfied in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. | Posted: April 8th, 2011 08:04AM |
| Treatment: 45minutes | Practice: Physician associates |
These people on this post complaining about cost are ridiculous. These are doctors that have their masters degree who are charging you $40 and you are complaining about being pain free! So, a doctor making $40 an hour plus overhead costs is outrageous? Go waste your money on superfluous chemicals then and pollute your body. These people work hard and get paid little. You insult hem and their profession when you quibble about how much they charge for helping you. I'm sure you would have no problem paying $1000.00 for tickets to see your favorite sports team play a game. Most of them have barely a middle school education but, sadly, such is the state of America. If you think the price is too much then go somewhere else! This is their livelihood! You must forgive them for making an average of $45k a year with a masters degree and working everyday to make miserable jerks like you all better. I pay $120 plus tip and it's worth every penny! I leave being able to walk without a limp |
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| Posted by: No More Meds! Thanks Dr. McCauley! in Bentonville, AR. | Posted: January 13th, 2011 12:01PM |
| Treatment: microcurrent acupuncture | Practice: Touch Healing Arts |
I have a chiropractor/acupuncture certified specialist that I go to in Northwest Arkansas. My MD kept sticking me with steroid shots in my shoulder with little to no effect. On the second visit with Dr. Wil McCauley I raised my arm up enough for a High Five! Thanks Doc! :) |
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| Posted by: Maria Rodriguez in Largo, FL. | Posted: December 16th, 2010 07:12AM |
| Treatment: | Practice: Natural Med |
Doctor of oriental medicine is suing a patient for $3,000 for 12 sessions of acupunture. Patients beware if you think your insurance will pay and then insurance does not. |
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| Posted by: Shelley in San Carlos, CA. | Posted: October 14th, 2010 01:10PM |
| Treatment: 1 hour | Practice: Acupuncture: San Carlos Medical Center |
Dr. Kniskern was asking all the right questions. He gathered the information necessary to evaluate me & my condition, then in 5 sessions eliminated the primary problem entirely. His education in Western Medicine combined with the experience of his O.M.D. did the job for me and many others with digestive, immune system and every day cold & flue conditions.
Thank you "Doc"
Sincerely,
Shelley (Foster City, CA) |
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| Posted by: burick7 in Ellicot City, MD. | Posted: September 21st, 2010 08:09PM |
| Treatment: Initial visit | Practice: |
I had my first experience with it today, spent most time talking about my life.. what ails me, what upsets me, how I respond to various situations. I felt a little emotional talking about my son at one point. He usually does not do needles first time, but wanted me to feel the chi. I felt very relaxed, only four needles. Afterward I felt very tired, relaxed, but i cant say it did much for my pains. I was still kind of shocked when he went over the prices... 80.00 for subsequent visits.. It was enough to make me question whether I will return. |
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| Posted by: Jeny in Austin, TX. | Posted: August 12th, 2010 06:08PM |
| Treatment: Lower back pain | Practice: Austin Acupuncture Associatees |
In Austin TX area there are many Acupuncture clinic,some are more costly than other. My friend who goes to Austin Acupuncture Associates for lower back pain,had great relieve and it was affordable.
They will fix you problems before they charge you. |
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| Posted by: Natalka in Buffalo, NY. | Posted: June 18th, 2010 08:06PM |
| Treatment: chronic lower back pain | Practice: Cardniale Acupuncture |
Today was my first acupuncture treatment,and I can tell you that I felt immediate relieve with chronic lower back pain....I can only imagaine it will only get better! :0) And were I go, he really just wants to help. When I asked how much each session would cost, he told me whatever I could afford. He would rather I get the treatments than me go without because I cant afford it. I just thought that was great thats his way and many other acupuncturists way and thats beautifulalso I have to add that it was more relaxing to me than a massage!And I love massages |
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| Posted by: Julie R. in Boise, ID. | Posted: May 3rd, 2010 04:05PM |
| Treatment: Acupuncture | Practice: Community Acupuncture Network |
I'm in Boise and there is a community clinic here that is amazing that charges $15-$40 per treatment. I pay $30 because that's what I can afford. The clinic is so beautiful and the acupuncturists are wonderful. My health has never been better. $75 is outrageous! |
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| Posted by: melissat in santa fe, NM. | Posted: April 21st, 2010 09:04AM |
| Treatment: acupuncture | Practice: community acupuncture network |
there are over 150 community acupuncture clinics all over the country offering treatments on sliding scales from $15-45, every day, for everybody, no questions asked. as an acupuncturist, i love seeing patients get better! charging too much money for treatment leaves most people suffering needlessly--is this healthcare or greed? |
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| Posted by: Anita in Newport, OR. | Posted: February 3rd, 2010 09:02AM |
| Treatment: General | Practice: Wellness Center in Newport |
I have 2 treatments per week and my total is $25.00 for both. In Newport, Oregon we have a community acupuncture center you pay what you can afford. She treats smokers, dieters, sick, injured.... It's a nice and clean place. Try and see if your area will support a community center. |
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| Posted by: Chelle in Santa Barbara, CA. | Posted: January 21st, 2010 08:01AM |
| Treatment: Acupuncture | Practice: Shana Lauer, L.Ac. |
I had contacted a few acupuncturist and without offering anything they said if you don't have insurance try student clinics or group clinics. Shana said.. come in so we can see what's going on with you. She discounted her services because I am uninsured and in 45 minutes I was pain free!! Thanks God. |
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| Posted by: Karen Curtis in Chandler, AZ. | Posted: January 3rd, 2010 02:01PM |
| Treatment: Acupuncture | Practice: Miracle Needles |
I received a consulatation and initial acupuncture treatment. As an uninsured person the cost was out of pocket at the rate of $75.00. |
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| Posted by: Josh Fulston in Simsbury, CT. | Posted: August 30th, 2009 01:08PM |
| Treatment: Acupuncture and Massage | Practice: David McCallum L.Ac. Simsbury, CT |
I had a treatment the other day and it was very helpful for my painful shoulder! It cost out of pocket $75 and was worth every penny. Great value, and no, I don't have insurance so there was no additional fee. |
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| Posted by: Lisa W in Austin,TX, TX. | Posted: June 28th, 2009 12:06AM |
| Treatment: Acupuncture | Practice: ELIM Acupuncture austin |
I Have BCBS TX, They do not cover Acupuncture, however If you could find a DR on the Provider list, She or He May give a discounted price.
I called around, Dr. Sherry Lee gave me a very fair price, and the treatment was wonderful. |
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External Resources: |
- //www.acufinder.com//Acupuncture+Information/Detail/Is+acupuncture+covered+by+insu...
- //www.acufinder.com//Acupuncture+Information/Detail/The+Basics+of+Chinese+Herbal+M...
- www.Acupuncturetoday.com/mpacms/at/locator/advanced_search.php
- www.acupuncturetoday.com/herbcentral/
- /www.acufinder.com/
- /www.acufinder.com//Acupuncture+Information
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