This is the most common question — and the answer surprises most first-time patients. Acupuncture needles are nothing like the needles used to draw blood. They are hair-thin and solid, not hollow, and most people describe the sensation as a mild heaviness, subtle warmth, or a brief dull ache that fades quickly. Many patients fall asleep on the table. Significant pain is not expected, and if you experience anything uncomfortable, Casey will adjust immediately.

It depends on what you're working on. Acute issues — like a sudden muscle strain or recent onset of pain — may resolve in as few as three to six sessions. Chronic conditions, hormonal concerns, and fertility support typically benefit from a longer course of treatment, often weekly for the first one to three months, then tapering as you improve. Casey will give you a realistic treatment plan at your first visit — no guessing.

Japanese acupuncture is a distinct style within the East Asian medicine tradition that emphasizes gentle, precise treatment and highly individualized care. Rather than relying on strong stimulation or large numbers of needles, Japanese acupuncture typically uses very thin needles, shallow insertion techniques, and refined diagnostic methods such as pulse and abdominal (hara) palpation. Practitioners assess the body's overall pattern of imbalance—not just individual symptoms—to determine the most appropriate treatment strategy. The result is a comfortable, highly targeted approach that supports the body's natural healing processes while addressing the underlying causes of health concerns.

Your first visit is longer than a follow-up because Casey takes time to truly understand you. She'll ask questions that may surprise you — about your sleep, digestion, temperature preferences, and how your energy shifts through the day and month. She'll also perform a pulse and tongue diagnosis, two classical tools in Chinese medicine that give her a real-time picture of your internal landscape. From there, she'll explain her assessment and begin your first treatment.

Yes. Acupuncture has one of the strongest safety records of any medical intervention, with decades of research supporting its safety when practiced by a licensed professional. Casey is a licensed Acupuncture Physician (AP) and Diplomate of Oriental Medicine (Dipl. OM) — Florida's highest level of acupuncture licensure — and uses sterile, single-use needles exclusively. As with any treatment, there are some contraindications, which Casey will review with you during your intake.

Insurance coverage for acupuncture varies widely by plan. Some plans cover acupuncture for specific conditions (most commonly pain); many do not. Casey recommends contacting your insurance provider directly to ask about your specific benefits before your first visit. Cypress is currently not accepting insurance, but we are happy to direct you to incredible providers that do!

Yes — and many reproductive endocrinologists actively encourage it. Acupuncture is one of the most researched complementary therapies in fertility medicine, and the research on acupuncture around embryo transfer is particularly well-developed. Casey coordinates timing with your IVF/IUI protocol and is happy to work as part of your broader care team. See the fertility blog post for a deeper dive into the research.

• Eat a light meal 1–2 hours before — don't arrive on an empty stomach

• Wear or bring loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your arms and legs

• Bring a list of current medications and supplements

• Avoid intense exercise immediately before your session

• Limit caffeine before your appointment if possible

Cypress Acupuncture & Wellness is located at 1660 S. Cypress Dr., Suite 3, Jupiter, FL 33469. Online booking is available here - no referral needed. You can also call email info@cypressacu.com with any questions.