What should I expect during my first visit?

Your first visit includes a detailed review of your symptoms and health history, a focused orthopedic and functional assessment, acupuncture treatment, and discussion of your goals. We'll explain what we find, answer your questions, and discuss the recommended next steps.

More detail is on our Services page.

What should I wear to my appointment?

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is best. Athletic clothing works well. Depending on your condition, we may need access to your neck, arms, legs, hips, abdomen, or back. Appropriate draping is used to maintain your comfort and privacy. Removing watches, rings, necklaces, and bracelets before your appointment can also make treatment easier.

Should I shower before my appointment?

A shower before you come in is helpful but not necessary. Clean skin makes treatment easier and more comfortable. Coming straight from the beach or with sunscreen, zinc, sand, salt, or sweat still on the area is not acceptable. When you can, rinse off and change before the visit.

I woke up sick. Should I still come in?

No. If you have a cold, flu, fever, or stomach bug, stay home and reschedule. Text (808) 638-4849. A same-day illness cancellation is not charged.

Should I eat before my appointment?

Yes. Have a light meal or snack beforehand. Drink enough water so you arrive well hydrated. Avoid arriving very hungry, very thirsty, or right after a large meal.

What does acupuncture feel like?

Most patients find acupuncture comfortable. You may notice a brief pinch, pressure, warmth, tingling, or a small muscle twitch. You may also feel a dull ache, heaviness, or spreading sensation around a needle. In acupuncture this is called de qi, and it is a normal, useful response. Your comfort matters. Let us know at any time if something feels uncomfortable so treatment can be adjusted.

What does a muscle twitch during acupuncture mean?

A small muscle twitch can happen when a needle reaches a sensitive or tight area of muscle. This is called a local twitch response. It is brief, often feels like a quick squeeze, and the muscle may feel looser afterward. A twitch can be useful when it occurs, but it is not needed at every point.

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

Dry needling is a single technique for a single target: trigger points, the tight or tender areas in muscle that can also send pain elsewhere in the body. Acupuncture is a complete system of medicine with many techniques, and dry needling, traditionally called ashi needling, is just one of them. It is a tool within the system, not the system itself.

More detail is on our Services page.

Why would treatment include areas that don’t hurt?

The place that hurts is not always the whole problem. Related muscle may be tight and overworking, or underactive and not sharing the load. Acupuncture may also use nearby points or points farther away on a related pathway. In some cases, points on the hand, foot, lower leg, or head are used to settle tension or support recovery, even though they are not connected to the painful area. Those areas are treated only when the exam shows they are involved.

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.

Can I return to activity after treatment?

Most people can return to usual daily activity the same day. Strenuous exercise is best avoided for the rest of the day. If possible, give the treated area a chance to rest. If a muscle was treated more directly, keep the next 24 hours easier than a hard training day. We will tell you if a specific activity should wait.

How many acupuncture treatments will I need?

There is no fixed number of treatments that applies to everyone.

As a general guideline:

• Recent or acute problems: often 3–6 visits

• Longer-standing or complex issues: 6–12 or more

Some patients notice meaningful improvement after one treatment. Others require a longer course of care. Frequency usually starts higher and spaces out as function improves. Plans are adjusted to your response; there are no required packages.

How much does treatment cost?

Initial Visit — $200
Follow-Up Visit — $150
Optional 2-Visit Start — $300
Veterans with an active VA/TriWest authorization receive covered care with no out-of-pocket cost.

See Rates & Insurance for complete details.

Do you accept insurance?

Archetype Acupuncture is a private-pay practice.
The exception is authorized VA Community Care through TriWest, which is billed directly to VA/TriWest.
We do not participate with Medicare or commercial insurance plans.

Full details are on our Rates & Insurance page.

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

Yes. Treatment is provided on a private-pay basis. Upon request, we can provide a superbill that you may submit to your insurance company independently. Contact your insurance plan before treatment to determine whether acupuncture is covered and whether you have out-of-network benefits.

What is a superbill?

A superbill is an itemized receipt containing information that some insurance plans require for independent claim submission. Your insurer determines whether and how much it will reimburse. Reimbursement is not guaranteed, and submitting the claim is 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.

Do you require a credit card on file?

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

How do I schedule an appointment?

Appointments are scheduled online through our secure booking system.
New patients complete a short new-patient form before the first visit.

How do I cancel or reschedule an appointment?

Please use the Patient Portal to cancel or reschedule. At least 48 hours' notice is required. Late cancellations and missed appointments are charged the full appointment fee. If you need help using the portal, text (808) 638-4849.

Where are you located?

Hualalai Center
75-170 Hualalai Road, Suite D212
Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi 96740

Near the intersection of Kuakini Highway and Hualalai Road.

If you're unsure whether acupuncture may be appropriate for your condition, feel free to contact us.

📞 (808) 638-4849 (texting preferred)

📧 info@sunyunacupuncture.com