Dr. Geralyn Kruger, Acupuncture and Functional Medicine

What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?

Many first-time patients are concerned that acupuncture needles will feel like the Western hypodermic needles that they experience at the doctor’s office. They won't. I use hair-thin, flexible needles that you will hardly feel when inserted. When I gently stimulate the needles they may produce a unique sensation that East Asian medicine calls de qi. Patients often describe de qi as a heavy, achy pressure, or spreading, traveling feeling. You may also feel an "electrical" sensation moving down the meridian pathways, though this is less common. Many patients drift into a peaceful sleep once the needles are in and most patients find these acupuncture sensations deeply satisfying. They leave the treatment feeling relaxed both mentally and physically.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

The benefits of acupuncture are cumulative, so more than one treatment is necessary. For acute conditions you can expect to have 5 to 10 treatments, but you will usually begin to feel relief after just the first few. Chronic conditions may take longer to respond, depending on the type, severity, and duration of the condition. Preventative treatments, maintenance care and treatments for general well-being are beneficial as well. 

Is Acupuncture Safe? 

Yes! Acupuncture has been used in Asia for thousands of years and is fully integrated throughout their hospitals and medical practices. Currently, Acupuncture is used by millions of Americans every year. Licensed and Medical Board Certified Acupuncturists are required to undergo an extensive 3-4 year masters education after undergrad, including all the medical sciences, detailed study of human anatomy and training in Clean Needle Technique. I attended the The New England School of Acupuncture which is the oldest accredited acupuncture program in the United States, founded in 1975, with a very demanding program including the study of Western medical sciences as well as over 3,500 hours of hands on clinical training. Additionally, I have gone on to pursue my Clinical Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine from the Pacific College of Health and Science. I am Nationally Board Certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) in both Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine and Licensed by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine. As required by law, I use pre-sterilized, disposable, single-use needles to ensure your complete safety. There is additional information regarding my continuing education pursuits in my bio. 

What Should I Expect From My First Acupuncture Visit?

Prior to your first acupuncture appointment, I will have you complete an extensive Health History regarding your current health priorities, past illnesses and exposures, and details about all major systems of the body. It is important to take the time to fill these questions out thoroughly and completely. The holistic approaches of Ancient East Asian Medicine and Functional Medicine both excel by taking every seemingly small detail into account. Your current symptoms may not seem related to past health issues, but our bodies are complex landscapes and everything that happens to them leaves its mark. Everything is connected. 

After reviewing your Health History and discussing your health priorities, I will examine your pulse and tongue, which are two important diagnostic methods of Traditional East Asian medicine. I may use gentle abdominal palpation to also help make my diagnosis. The acupuncture points I choose will depend on your condition, but you can expect approximately 20 needles. Once the needles are inserted, I will leave you to lie comfortably for 25- 40 minutes with the needles in place. Many people find acupuncture treatment deeply relaxing, and it is not uncommon for patients to fall asleep or go deep into a meditative state. 

Acupuncture Pricing:

• Initial Health Consultation $185
• Follow Up Acupuncture $124
• Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation $165
• Chinese Herbal Medicine and Nutraceuticals at additional cost as needed.

Chinese Herbal Medicine Pricing:

• Initial Health Consultation $185
• Chinese Herbal Formulas, cost varies 
• Nutraceuticals as needed, cost varies

Pricing for Functional Medicine Health Consultations and Labs:

(These are basic examples, but subject to change according to needs)

• Initial Health Consultation $185
• Functional Medicine Blood Chemistry and Urinalysis (95+ biomarkers) $895
• Additional Lab Panels (stool/DUTCH/infections/toxins/food allergies etc.) as needed, cost varies