It is standard protocol that the first thing that a miami acupuncturist will do is get a thorough idea of a patient’s medical history and symptoms both the emotional and the physical side. This is usually done with a long interview or questionnaire. The acupuncturist will then examine the patient to find further symptoms, looking closely at the tongue, the pulse at various points in the body, the complexion, general behavior, and other signs like coughs or pains. By this time, the acupuncture provider will be able to determine patterns of symptoms which indicate which organs and areas are imbalanced. The acupuncturist will insert needles to manipulate chi on one or more of the twelve organ meridians, depending on the problem. There are nearly 2,000 points on these twelve meridians, which can be used in acupuncture, with around 200 points being most frequently used by traditional acupuncturists. One to twenty needles may be used, depending on which meridian points are chosen, during an individual treatment.

Acupuncture is a very safe procedure and acupuncture needles are always sterilized. Depending on which chi channels are being treated, the depth of insertion of needles varies. Some acupuncture points require a depth of 1-3 in (2.5-7.5 cm) of needle while some points barely go beyond superficial layers of skin. The needles generally do not cause pain and patients sometimes report pinching sensations and often pleasant sensations, as the body experiences healing. The acupuncturist might spin or move the needles depending on the problem and sometimes they even pass a slight electrical current through some of them. Another alternative which is known as moxibustion may be sometimes used, in which an herbal mixture is either burned like incense on the acupuncture point or on the end of the needle. This is believed to stimulate chi in a particular way. Aside from that acupuncturists sometimes use cupping, during which small suction cups are placed on meridian points to stimulate them.

It may also vary on how long the needles are inserted. There are some patients only require a quick in and out insertion to clear problems and provide tonification to strengthen of health.  But there are some other conditions might require needles inserted up to an hour or more. The average visit to an acupuncturist takes about thirty minutes but the number of visits to the acupuncturist may vary especially in conditions that improved in one or two sessions and others requiring a series of six or more visits over the course of weeks or months.

Depending on whether the practitioner is an MD, costs for acupuncture can vary.  Initial visits with non-MD acupuncturists could run upto $50-$100, with follow-up visits usually costing less. Insurance repayment also varies widely, depending on the company and state. Regulations have changed often. Some states approve Medicaid to cover acupuncture for certain conditions, and some states have mandated that general coverage pay for acupuncture. Clients should be aware of the provisions for acupuncture in their individual policies.