Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear for my first visit?
We operate like a traditional medical office, providing an ample-sized gown for coverage during your treatment. You’re asked to disrobe down to your undergarments. You’re also welcome to wear or bring shorts if you’d prefer. Our practitioner needs access to certain points on the body, but she can work around your comfort preferences.
How will I feel after my treatment?
Post-treatment reactions vary greatly. Some people feel refreshed and relaxed. Others feel fatigued and slightly achy for a short time. If you typically experience autoimmune reactions, chronic symptoms of illness or pain, you may have a longer recovery after treatment. These reactions usually improve after a few treatments. You are encouraged to rest and hydrate after your visit. It is always best to be gentle with yourself.
Is herbal medicine safe?
Yes! As long as it is prescribed by a professional. Seeing a licensed and qualified practitioner is crucial for diagnosing the proper remedies for imbalance. For example, two different patients presenting the same symptoms may require completely different treatments based on their physical presentations. Traditional Chinese Medicine treats the underlying cause of symptoms, not the symptoms themselves. Adverse health effects can occur without proper diagnosis.
Our products are carefully vetted for the highest quality. The vendors we work with use production practices that meet and exceed U.S. federal manufacturing standards for purity and facility cleanliness. We cannot recommend or endorse any brands we do not carry.
I found the same herbal brand you carry cheaper online. Can I just use that instead?
We don’t recommend it. We sell our supplements at the lowest price we can legally sell them according to our agreements with our vendors. If you’re finding what looks like the “same” product online for cheaper, it may be illegitimate, repackaged, expired, a far lower quality, and in some cases, fraudulently produced.
Flow Wellness is an independent, woman-owned small business. You are a part of our community and we care deeply about your health and wellness. We cannot promise the same care from Amazon.
We appreciate your trust in us to provide herbs and supplements that will improve your life.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most people feel little to no pain. You may feel anywhere from a slight pinch or a dull sensation to an electric zing or bee sting-type feeling upon insertion of some of the needles, depending on their placement. These sensations calm down over time and can be adjusted to your comfort level by the practitioner. Most people find acupuncture deeply relaxing and mostly if not completely painless.
Does cupping or Gua Sha hurt?
It may be intense, but it shouldn’t be painful. If cupping or Gua Sha is painful, communicate that to your practitioner and they can adjust the pressure or switch to a softer gel cup.
Do you accept health insurance?
No. We can provide Superbills for reimbursement with your insurance company. We encourage you to call your insurance company ahead of time and ask about your specific benefits. We also accept payments via HSA & Flex Spending Accounts.
I can get cupping and dry needling from a physical therapist. What’s the difference?
Dry needling and physical therapy-style cupping can be helpful but are limited modalities that focus on muscle tension and are based on Western anatomy. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is part of a holistic system that treats the whole body by balancing energy, improving circulation, and supporting overall wellness. TCM treatments also consider emotional, digestive, and systemic health- not just local pain. It takes many years of training to be qualified to practice TCM, while dry needling and physical therapy-style cupping requires a brief certification course and its safely and efficacy depends heavily on the experience of the therapist.
Will acupuncture and/or herbal medicine affect my other medical treatments or conflict with my medication?
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine works very well alongside conventional medicine and other therapies. It can even lessen the side effects of conventional medicine. Always let all of your medical practitioners know about your treatments and medications for best results.
How many visits will I need to commit to before I see results?
This depends on your condition and body’s response, as well as your willingness to heed our practitioner’s advice. Most people feel benefit after their first session. We generally recommend frequent (weekly) visits at first, then tapering off to your comfort level, but we never pressure our patients to see us more than they can afford or want to.
How long are appointments?
Initial Appointments can take from 2 to 3 hours, depending on your specific needs.
Return visits last between 75 and 90 minutes.
Who is NOT a good candidate for acupuncture?
Most people can benefit from acupuncture. Here are few possible exceptions:
People with severe needle phobia such as vasovagal reflex are not good candidates for acupuncture.
People with bleeding disorders or on blood thinners: Acupuncture is still possible, but extra precautions must be taken.
People with pacemakers: We need to know if you have a pacemaker, so we can avoid using electrical stimulation.
Always let your acupuncturist know your medical history before beginning treatment. This way, you can collaborate on the best outcome.
Unwilling participants: We know the value of this medicine. And chances are, you probably will too. We do not have great success, however, treating patients who are dragged in by their loved ones. Recommendations are great. Force is not!
Why are your services more expensive than some other acupuncturists?
Andrea Hingst has over 15 years of clinical experience and extensive education and advanced training. While many facilities provide adequate acupuncture services, our clinic is a medical facility, providing comprehensive and fully individualized health care.
In conventional medical terms, Andrea Hingst is a specialist, as opposed to a general practitioner.
Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?
Yes! With a qualified practitioner, acupuncture can help with nausea, fatigue, pain, sleep disruption, digestive discomfort, hemorrhoids, and much more during pregnancy, and post-partum.
Can I take your herbs if I follow a vegan, vegetarian, kosher or halal diet?
Yes! Please let your practitioner know of any dietary, religious, cultural or allergy requirements, and we will happily accommodate your needs.