Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does my insurance cover my treatments?

A: We currently do not accept health insurance. However, many of our patients utilize their HSA/FSA accounts. 

If you have out of network acupuncture benefits then you can pay out of pocket and submit a form called a Superbill, which we provide, for reimbursement. To find out if you have out of network benefits, contact your health insurance provider. It’s always helpful to ask how much coverage you have and what percentage or amount they cover per visit.

Q: Can I use my HSA/FSA card for treatments? 

A: Absolutely!!
 

Q: Is acupuncture safe?

A: Yes. In California, acupuncturists are required to undergo a rigorous 4-year master's program which includes 3,435 hours of clinical and didactic hours in eastern and western medicine. 

Doctoral programs require a 2-year degree consisting of 1,966 hours of clinical and didactic hours. 

Acupuncturists undergo extensive courses and are required to complete training in Clean Needle Technique. In the state of California, students must also pass the extensive comprehensive California Licensing Examinations.
 

Q: How long will my appointment take? 

A: The first session will include a initial consultation and treatment. This session will usually take 90 minutes. 

Follow up treatments for established patients typically last around 60 minutes.

Q: What should I wear to my appointments? 

A: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Many of the acupuncture points utilized in treatments are located below the 

elbows and knees, so treatments can be given while the patient is fully clothed. In cases where other acupuncture points are used, patients may undress to their comfort, or lie under a sheet like a massage session.

Q: How should I prepare for my visits?

A: Show up ready to relax and having eaten something 2-3 hours prior to your appointment.

Q: What should I do in between treatments? 

Q: You may be prescribed herbs which you will take 2-3 times daily at the dosage prescribed. 

Diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors may be modified as well depending on your condition. 

Sleep is key to the healing process. Getting to sleep between 9:00 and 11:00 pm is very important in assisting the body to heal.

Q: How many treatments will I need?

A: Usually a series of treatments are necessary to resolve a condition. Every patient has a different diagnosis and prognosis. 

This will be discussed and explained to you in the very beginning stages of your care. Conditions which are acute in nature can take anywhere from 6-12 treatments while more chronic cases take more time. Typically, patients see relief and positive change in their condition within the first few sessions.

Q: Does acupuncture hurt? 

A: Most patients have stated that there is little to no pain associated with acupuncture treatments. 

Acupuncture needles are very fine, sterile, and only used one time before being disposed of. When the needles are inserted, patients experience a mild not unpleasant sensation known as De Qi, which feels a bit like a heavy ache. This dissipates within a few moments. 

Q: Are the needles reused?

A: Never. Acupuncturists use single-use, sterile, stainless-steel needles to ensure your complete safety. 

Needles are responsibly disposed of via sharps containers after their use.

Q: I am pregnant. How often should I be getting treated? 

A: During the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, it is recommended that you receive acupuncture weekly. This has been shown to help decrease the chances of miscarriage as well as help ease symptoms associated with the first trimester including morning sickness. 

From then, we recommend acupuncture treatments every 3-4 weeks (possibly more often) depending on if and how bad you are experiencing any pregnancy symptoms and side effects. Weekly visits start back up at 36 weeks and increase to twice a week starting at 40 weeks. 

Regular acupuncture during your pregnancy can help your body through each stage of pregnancy and prepare the body for a smooth delivery.

Q: How can Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine be useful?

A: Acupuncture is used for pain relief and to treat a wide variety of diseases.   

Chinese medicine is capable of treating a variety of diseases and should be a first line treatment for our most common health ailments. 

Not only is it safe and effective, but also without side effects.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are increasingly used as an integrative treatment with western medicine. 

For cancer support and pre and post-operatively care, the combination of eastern and western medicine is much better than either one on its own. 

Q:  What kinds of conditions and diseases can acupuncture and Chinese medicine treat?

A: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has determined that acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for a variety of 

common health problems listed below.

Musculoskeletal : back & neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, sports injuries, arthritis, knee & shoulder pain
Respiratory : COPD, allergies, asthma, viral infections, colds, flu
Gynecological : menstrual cramps, menopausal symptoms, infertility
Dermatological : acne, psoriasis, eczema
Gastrointestinal : irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, liver disease
Psych-neurological : headache, anxiety, depression, insomnia, auto-immune diseases
Cardiovascular : hypertension, stroke, angina, heart disease
Endocrine : Hormone imbalance, reproduction & fertility problems, Hyper & Hypo-thyroid disease
Chronic disease : HIV, hepatitis, addiction, Diabetes, kidney disease

Neurological disorders: stroke, concussion, brain injury (TBI) 

Q: How Can Acupuncture Help with Orthopedic Surgery?

A: Acupuncture can be helpful before, during and after surgery for several reasons. Before surgery, it can increase your endorphin levels,  alleviate anticipated surgical pain, decrease anxiety, and enhance overall health. Because surgery is traumatic to the body, maximizing a person’s emotional and physical well-being is advantageous for a good post-surgical outcome. Additionally, acupuncture can also help with many other side effects of surgery, including postoperative nausea/vomiting, constipation, urinary retention, and headache. 

Q: Do you see patients at both a clinic and a hospital?
A: Yes! Dr. Cho provides care at both Functional Balance & Integrative Therapy in Monterey and Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital, supporting integrative healing across both settings.

Q: How can I request Dr. Cho if I'm receiving care at the hospital?
A: Simply ask your care team at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital to refer you to the Integrative Therapy Program. 

A reminder: due to the involved nature of this first visit, we dedicate more time to you! If something comes up that prevents you from making this appointment, please call or text our office to cancel or reschedule immediately. To ensure fair access to care for all our patients, we require a minimum of 24 hours' notice for any appointment cancellations or changes. Late cancellations or missed appointments without notice will be charged the full session fee, as that time could have supported another patient. 

Have a question not answered?

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us via email, or call/text (831) 275-6970 or email drcho@functionalbalance.co