What should I expect during my first visit?

Your first visit includes a detailed review of your symptoms and health history, a focused assessment, treatment, and discussion of your goals. A personalized treatment plan is created and adjusted over time based on your progress. We take time to answer questions and explain our recommendations so you feel informed and comfortable throughout the visit. Details on our Services page.

How many acupuncture treatments will I need?

The number of treatments varies depending on the nature of your condition, how long it has been present, and how your body responds to care.

As a general guideline:

• Acute or recent conditions: 3–6 treatments

• Chronic or long-standing conditions: 6–12 treatments or more

• Complex injuries or post-surgical cases: may require a longer course of care

While some patients notice meaningful improvement after a single session, lasting results are more reliably achieved through a consistent course of care rather than occasional or “as-needed” visits. Treatment frequency and duration are adjusted based on your response and goals.

How often will I need to come in?

Visit frequency depends on your condition and response to treatment. Some patients benefit from once- or twice-weekly visits initially, with less frequent visits as symptoms improve. Recommendations are always individualized and reassessed regularly.

What should I expect after treatment?

Common post-treatment experiences include reduced pain or tension, improved mobility, and a sense of relaxation or calm.
Some patients may experience mild soreness or temporary symptom changes that typically resolve within 24–48 hours.

What does acupuncture feel like?

Most patients find acupuncture comfortable. You may feel a brief pinch, heaviness, warmth, tingling, or muscle twitching. These sensations are normal and usually short-lived. Many people feel relaxed during and after treatment. Certain local techniques, such as myofascial trigger point acupuncture (also called dry needling or ashi needling), can feel more pronounced for brief moments. These techniques are always performed within your comfort level, and you are encouraged to speak up at any time so treatment can be adjusted.

What is dry needling, and how does it relate to acupuncture?

Dry needling is a modern name for a focused type of local acupuncture: a thin needle placed in a tight, tender band of muscle. In acupuncture this is a form of ashi needling. It is not a separate treatment, and it is not used on every patient. When it fits the exam, it is one method inside the larger system. More detail is on our Services page.

What should I wear to my appointment?

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing whenever possible, and try your best to avoid tight or restrictive clothing. Athletic wear works well. Access to areas such as the neck, arms, legs, hips, abdomen, or back may be needed depending on your condition. Proper draping is always used to ensure comfort and privacy.

Because needle placement can occur nearly anywhere on the body, it is helpful to remove watches, rings, necklaces, bracelets, and other jewelry before your appointment. This allows treatment to proceed smoothly without interruption.

How much does treatment cost?

• Initial Visit: $200

• Follow-Up Visits: $150

• Optional 2-Visit Start Plan: $325 (initial visit plus one follow-up)

For veterans with an active VA authorization, covered visits are provided at no cost to the patient.

Details are on our Rates & Insurance page.

Do You Accept Insurance?

Archetype Acupuncture is a private-pay practice. The one exception is Veterans Affairs — we accept VA Community Care referrals through TriWest and bill VA/TriWest directly for authorized services.

We do not participate with Medicare, HMSA, HMAA, Kaiser Permanente, UnitedHealthcare, Workers’ Compensation, auto/personal injury claims, or any other commercial plans. Full details are on our Rates & Insurance page.

I have insurance other than VA. Can I still be seen?

Yes. Services are provided on a private-pay basis. Upon request, we can provide a superbill you may submit to your insurer independently.

What is a superbill?

A superbill is an itemized receipt that includes the information some insurance plans require for independent claim submission.

Please contact your insurance plan before submitting a superbill to confirm whether acupuncture is a covered benefit. Reimbursement is determined solely by your insurance carrier and is not guaranteed. Submission of the superbill and any follow-up remain the patient’s responsibility.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, check, Venmo, credit/debit cards, and HSA/FSA cards. A 3.6% processing fee applies to card payments. See our Rates & Insurance page for full details.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Appointments are scheduled online through our secure booking system.
New patients will be asked to complete a pre-screening form prior to their first visit.

How do I cancel or reschedule an appointment?

Please use the Patient Portal to cancel or reschedule.
Changes must be made at least 48 hours before the appointment. If you need help using the portal, text (808) 638-4849.

What is your cancellation policy?

We require at least 48 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment.
Late cancellations or missed appointments are charged the full appointment fee.

Do you require a credit card on file?

Yes. A valid credit card is required to reserve all appointments. The card on file is used only to enforce the missed-appointment and late-cancellation policy and will not be charged for authorized treatment.

Where are you located?

Hualalai Center (Kuakini Hwy & Hualalai Rd)
75-170 Hualalai Rd, Suite D212
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Still have questions?

If you have additional questions or would like help determining whether acupuncture is right for you, feel free to contact us:
📧 info@sunyunacupuncture.com
📞 (808) 638-4849 (texting preferred)