How Often Do I Need Acupuncture? 

How Often Do I Need Acupuncture? 

Like all modalities of healing, having the right dosage is key. We can’t expect to get strong with one weight training session or flexible with one yoga class. Medications are often taken daily to constantly give our body what it needs. Generally, acute conditions need fewer treatments than conditions that have lingered for months, years or even decades. Here at Wild Blossom Acupuncture in Madison, WI, like many other acupuncture clinics, we typically start with having treatments weekly. Sometimes we hear of miraculous improvements from just one treatment. Although those are wonderful, it is not typical. For lasting improvement, expect about 5-10 treatments to start off followed by some form of maintenance.

Does Health Insurance Cover Acupuncture?

Does Health Insurance Cover Acupuncture?

An increasing number of insurance companies are starting to cover acupuncture treatments. We here at Wild Blossom Acupuncture & Wellness are not currently in-network with any insurance companies, nor do we bill insurance on your behalf. That being said, there are a few ways we can provide you with care which may be covered by insurance. You will first want to understand the benefits of your personal health insurance plan.

Searching for better sleep.

As an acupuncturist, I have always enjoyed working with my contemporaries. You have spent years working at a challenging job, and/or raising a family, and now it’s time to take a step back, relax, and focus on preparing for life’s next adventure.

Part of that preparation includes rejuvenating your body, taking the time to improve your nutrition, healing those minor aches and pains, and unwinding from stress.

One such problem seen commonly in my practice is insomnia. Sleeping through the night, feeling rested are all important to your health and can be super frustrating when it doesn’t come easily. Without a good night’s rest, even a small problem can seem insurmountable!

In the clinic, I recommend to my patients some simple dietary modifications. By increasing your intake of specific nutrients, and eliminating hidden stimulants, you can develop better sleep patterns.

  • Eat a diet high in calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and vitamins B and E.

  • Avoid unwholesome preservatives, additives, and artificial colors.

  • Do not eat anything for at least three hours before bedtime.

  • Eat ample leafy green vegetables, whole grains, and low-acidic foods

  • Eat plenty of asparagus, avocados, apricots, bananas, broccoli, brown rice, figs, salmon, basil, dill, and all types of squash.

If you’ve not been sleeping well for a while, you probably have tried these tips and others. Acupuncture and/or herbs might be the trick.

Sleep Better with Acupuncture

One of my favorite meditations I like to share with my patients is taken from Thich Nhat Hanh’s book “Touching Peace.”


Lying flat on your back (or with a soft pillow under your head)

Place both hands on your diaphragm and repeat until you feel calm and relaxed:
“Breathing in, I know I am breathing in.
Breathing out, I know I am breathing out.”
In/Out

Then place one hand on your heart and repeat several times:
“Breathing in, I see myself as a flower.
Breathing out, I feel fresh:
Flower/Fresh

Then place both hands on your stomach and repeat several times:
“Breathing in, I see myself as a mountain.
Breathing out, I feel fresh.”
Mountain/Fresh

Then place both hands behind back over your kidneys and repeat several times:
“Breathing in, I see myself as still water.
Breathing out, I reflect things as they are.
Water/Reflecting.

Then lay your hands by your sides, and repeat until you fall asleep:
“Breathing in, I see myself as space.
Breathing out, I feel free.”
Space/Free


- Warmly, Mary