FAQ

What is Acupuncture and how does it work?

Acupuncture is one of many modalities within Chinese Medicine, and the most popular in the United States. It involves the insertion of very fine needles at acupoints on the body that correspond to specific locations along channels of energy called Qi (pronounced “chi”). Acupoints can be stimulated in many ways, such as with needles, pressure, or electricity. In Chinese Medicine theory, we believe that stimulating acupoints allows us to access the Qi in the local area and within that channel, thereby altering physiology in specific ways.

The number and location of needles will vary depending on the condition(s) being treated. We exclusively employ sterile, single-use needles that are about the thickness of a human hair when applying acupuncture. Most patients experience the feeling of “De Qi” with acupuncture. This sensation is most often described as a heavy, distending, or sore/achy feeling like what some people experience with a massage. The sensation of “De Qi” is desired, albeit not necessary for a treatment to be effective. If done correctly, acupuncture is generally not painful. 

What do you offer besides acupuncture?

While acupuncture can help correct many disharmonies in the body, Chinese herbology offers a powerful and natural method to combat more serious imbalances. Modern Chinese Medicine is a culmination of millennia of experience in the use natural medicinal substances for treating disease. We offer various forms of Chinese herbal products, including granule powders, pills, tinctures, plasters, and ointments.

Our services also include various bodywork techniques, such as cupping, guasha, and Tuina massage. 

Are treatments covered by insurance?

Depends on your insurance plan. If you are unsure, contact your insurance company to find out if your plan covers acupuncture. If your benefits do include acupuncture, we can submit claims for you. We can also bill personal injury claims if you have been in an auto accident. 

We accept insurance from most of the major carriers in the area, including the following:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield (Regence)

• Heraya Health (formerly Complementary Health Plans or CHP)

• Kaiser Permanente (may require physician referral)

• Moda

• United Healthcare (some plans)

• Personal Injury Protection (motor vehicle accidents)

• Some plans may have out-of-network benefits for acupuncture

How much does it cost and what kinds of payment do you accept?

If your insurance covers acupuncture, you would only pay the copay designated by your insurance plan (office visit copays can be anywhere between $5 and $60 depending on your plan). Herbs and other products are charged separately.

If your insurance plan does not cover acupuncture, our service fees are as follows:

    Acupuncture Initial Office Visit: $125* ($100)

    Acupuncture Return Office Visit: $100* ($80)

    Herbal consultations: $60 + cost of herbs

*20% discount applied to acupuncture fee for payments made in full at time of service (i.e. the initial visit is $100 and return visits are $80 with the discount applied). Seniors or folks on a fixed-income, please ask about special discounts or financial arrangements.

Cash, check, and debit card payments are preferred, but credit cards are accepted also.

How should I prepare for my appointment?

• Acupuncture sessions are ~1 hour. Herbal consultations are usually ~30 minutes. 

• Make sure you have eaten something for the meal before your appointment (e.g. if your appointment is at 10AM, make sure you eat at least a light breakfast). This is important for avoiding needle sickness - a temporary state of nausea, dizziness, and occasionally fainting after needle insertion. This is more likely to occur if needles are inserted while the patient is hungry or very full. Along these lines, it is also helpful to stay well-hydrated both before and after acupuncture.

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing: gowns and drapes will be available, but oftentimes if appropriately clothed, changing into a gown is not necessary. 

Our Notice of Privacy Practices

If you become a patient at our clinic, this notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed, and how you can get access to this information. A copy will be provided to all patients before beginning treatment.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Get a copy of your paper or electronic medical record

• Correct your paper or electronic medical record

• Request confidential communication

• Ask us to limit the information we share

• Get a list of those with whom we’ve shared your information

• Get a copy of this privacy notice

• Choose someone to act for you 

• File a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated

Your Choices 

You have some choices in the way that we use and share information as we:

• Tell family and friends about your condition

• Provide disaster relief

• Include you in a hospital directory

In these cases we never share your information unless you give us written permission:

• Marketing purposes

• Sale of your information

• Psychotherapy or mental health treatment notes

• Any treatment records regarding substance use disorders 

Our Uses and Disclosures

We may use and share your information as we: 

• Treat you

• Run our organization

• Bill for your services

• Help with public health and safety issues

• Do research

• Comply with the law

• Respond to organ and tissue donation requests

• Work with a medical examiner or funeral director

• Address workers’ compensation, law enforcement, and other government requests

• Respond to lawsuits and legal actions 

• Conduct case management and care coordination (including care planning)

• Contact other health care providers with information about treatment alternatives

Our Responsibilities

We are required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information.

We will let you know promptly if a breach occurs that may have compromised the privacy or security of your information.

We must follow the duties and privacy practices described in this notice and give you a copy of it.

We will not use or share your information other than as described here unless you tell us we can in writing. If you tell us we can, you may change your mind at any time. Let us know in writing if you change your mind. 

For more information see: www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/consumers/noticepp.html. 

Changes to the Terms of this Notice 

We can change the terms of this notice, and the changes will apply to all information we have about you. The new notice will be available upon request, in our office, and on our web site. If you have any questions about this Notice or our privacy practices, or you wish to exercise your HIPAA rights or make a complaint, please contact us:

Acuherbal Health - Yuqing Kou, L.Ac.

129 NE 102nd Ave Ste A

Portland, OR 97220

503-261-9603

This privacy notice was updated on 1/26/2026.