FAQS

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate natural healing processes and promote physical and emotional well-being.

Some potential benefits of acupuncture include reducing pain, improving sleep, reducing stress and anxiety, boosting energy levels, improving digestion, supporting the immune system, improving fertility, and enhancing overall wellness. The specific benefits of acupuncture will vary based on the individual and the condition being treated. It is always best to discuss treatment options with a trained and licensed TCM practitioner who can recommend the most appropriate course of action for your specific needs and circumstances.

Acupuncture is incredibly safe when performed by a trained and licensed practitioner. Serious side effects are rare, but some people may experience minor side effects such as bleeding, bruising, or soreness at the needle site. There is no risk of cross contamination, as needles are sterile and single-use.

Acupuncture is based on the understanding that the body has an innate capacity for healing, and that certain points on the body, known as acupuncture points, can be stimulated to improve the flow of energy (called Qi or chi) throughout the body. Acupuncture restores balance to the body and helps promote healing.

Acupuncture is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, sports and orthopedic issues, headaches, nausea, anxiety, depression, and side effects of cancer treatment.. It can also be used to help with weight loss, fertility, addiction, and many other issues affecting the mind, body, and spirit. Visit our Services page for more examples of conditions that acupuncture can treat.

The length of an acupuncture treatment can vary. Initial appointments are 90 minutes to allow time for an in-depth intake and treatment. Follow-up appointments are 50 minutes.

Acupuncture is medicine, not a magic wand. While it can happen that symptoms resolve after a single treatment, it is more typical that multiple sessions will be required to address your concerns. The benefits of acupuncture are cumulative, so we typically think in terms of treatment plans of four or more treatments. The longer you have been experiencing a chronic health concern, the more consistent treatment, likely for a minimum of six sessions, will be required to start experiencing significant shifts.

Medicinal Chinese herbs can be taken in a variety of forms, including capsules, tablets, teas, and tinctures. In Chinese medicine, herbs are usually used in synergistic formula blends which can be customized to an individual’s particular needs. Herbs can play a critical role in your overall Chinese medicine treatment plan.

Yes. Certain traditional Chinese herbal formulas are made with animal products, including turtles’ shells the skin of donkeys. At Griffin Acupuncture, we will customize your herbal formulas, using only high quality plant-based ingredients.

Telehealth appointments via Zoom are available for patients who are not local to Griffin’s Oakland clinic. These appointments include herbal consultations and prescriptions, and might also include additional Chinese medicine home-care prescriptions including moxibustion, acupressure, and dietary therapy.

Virtual appointments are also available for patients with COVID, who can benefit greatly from anti-viral Chinese herbs to support symptom relief and recovery. Because your herbs will be shipped, telehealth is only available to patients living in the U.S.

We respect your health and are committed to protecting our high-risk and immune compromised patients. Dr. Franzetta is vaccinated and boosted and will wear a mask during your treatment. Air filtration measures are in place at Griffin’s Oakland clinic.

If you have COVID, we recommend a telehealth herbal consultation to support your recovery and provide symptom relief while you are contagious, followed by supportive in-person acupuncture care once you are testing negative.

I am happy to confirm eligibility and copay information prior to scheduling an appointment. If you'd like me to do so, please email me at hello@griffinacu.com. I can also provide you with a superbill for your medical care, which you might be able to submit to your provider for reimbursement.

In general, acupuncture is cosidered an HSA/FSA eligible expense. Paying for your treatment with one of these tax-advantaged accounts can save you around 30% on your Chinese medicine care, depending on your income bracket.

For cash paying (non-insurance) patients, fees for initial consultations, follow-up appointments, and telehealth are all listed on the Bookings page. Scroll down to view service fees and to schedule an appointment.

Appointment fees do not include the cost of Chinese herbal formulas. We are happy to provide an estimate on the cost of your herbs before filling your prescription.

Email anytime at hello@griffinacu.com. First-time patients may also schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation on our Bookings page.