Frequently Asked Questions about Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a gentle, natural therapy that has been used for thousands of years to support healing and balance in the body. It works by placing very fine needles at specific points, which stimulate the nervous system and trigger chemical and functional changes that reduce pain, stress, fatigue, and more. Over time, these effects build and last longer, helping many people feel healthier and more resilient.

Yes. When performed by trained professionals, acupuncture is extremely safe. At The Acupuncture Clinic, we use only the highest-quality disposable needles and follow strict safety standards. With decades of experience and ongoing training, we make your comfort and well-being our top priority. Acupuncture can also be used alongside your regular medical care—we encourage you to continue all prescribed treatments and medications from your physician.

Acupuncture is effective for a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, peripheral neuropathy, insomnia, stress, and symptoms related to cancer treatment. Research, including studies by Bill Skelton in collaboration with hospitals and the University of South Carolina, demonstrates acupuncture’s effectiveness in reducing pain, improving sleep, and lowering stress. During your first visit, we’ll discuss your specific concerns to determine if acupuncture is suitable for you.

We understand why most of our patients seek help from The Acupuncture Clinic. Typically, they are using acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy to enhance the health care they are receiving or because standard therapies, medications and treatments have been ineffective. Others are seeking a more natural treatment as a way to regain control of their own health. Whatever your reason might be we will treat you the way we like to be treated ourselves. Your case will be approached in a sensible and practical way. We will start with a treatment-trial to determine if acupuncture will work for you. As the treatments progress a cumulative response should be realized, with subsequent treatments scheduled accordingly. Today more people than ever seek help from acupuncture because it:

Your first visit includes a comprehensive evaluation and an initial treatment. We’ll review your health history, explain how acupuncture may help, and create a personalized treatment plan. You’ll also learn what to expect, how to track your progress, and when you might notice results.

During a typical treatment you will experience minute disposable needles being gently inserted into the skin at specific sites on the body. Because they are extremely thin you will usually only feel a slight sensation. Occasionally either manual rotation or electrical stimulation generating a soft, painless current is applied to add additional stimulation. Your treatment will typically last between 20-30 minutes. Often, a feeling of pleasant relaxation or general well-being follows a treatment.

No. As your condition improves, the frequency of visits typically decreases, and many patients discontinue treatment once results stabilize. Some choose occasional maintenance sessions to sustain benefits.

This varies with the individual. Initially the results are short-lived and subtle. Subsequent treatments should provide longer-lasting and greater degrees of improvement. The response will accelerate as the treatments progress. Will acupuncture cure my problem? The treatments themselves do not cure a condition. They can, however, help a patient heal a condition by stimulating the patient's natural mechanism for healing.

Yes. To support your healing, we may recommend complementary therapies and programs available in our community. 

We can’t guarantee outcomes—every patient responds differently—but we do guarantee our best effort. If we feel acupuncture isn’t right for you, we’ll be honest and help guide you to other options.

Absolutely. We use only sterile, single-use, disposable needles for your safety and peace of mind.

We will recommend a schedule of treatments that will provide the fastest response. The frequency varies by the case. As our patients are feeling better, they are expected to increase the time between visits. This process is continued until there is no longer a need for treatment, or until maximum improvement is realized.

This varies with each case. Fortunately, in a relatively short time patients are able to discern if the treatments are effective . At that point there should be greater improvement noted that lasts for longer periods of time. Since our patients schedule their treatments on an as-needed basis, they are able to increase the amount of time between visits.

Acupuncture doesn’t merely mask pain—it supports your body’s natural healing processes. By restoring balance and regulating bodily functions, acupuncture often provides lasting improvements in pain, stress, and overall well-being.

Coverage varies depending on your plan. We recommend checking with your provider, and our staff is happy to help with insurance verification—just give us a call, 803-256-1000.

Yes. In some cases, we may recommend carefully selected Chinese herbal formulas to support your treatment. We only use high-quality products that meet strict safety and environmental standards.

No. As our patients realize results from the treatments, they are able to add more time between treatments until they stop needing treatment or have reached maximum medical improvement. Some patients do find that they need an occasional treatment to boost the treatment results if activities or time cause the condition to return or increase.

Our experience, training and expertise in the field of acupuncture sets us apart! We have a unique way of blending the qualities of traditional Chinese medicine, which has a 5,000-year history, with modern acupuncture techniques and equipment into a contemporary treatment style.
Our exceptional education, decades of clinical experience and professional work that includes research, writing and teaching add a dimension of skills that helps our patients get well.

• Initial visit (consultation + treatment):$150
• Follow-up visits:$90
• Smoking cessation program (3 visits):$330
  We accept Visa and MasterCard, and there are no hidden fees.

While both techniques use fine needles, their approaches differ. Dry needling targets specific trigger points in tight muscles to relieve tension and pain. Acupuncture, however, takes a holistic approach, stimulating specific points from the over 2,000 acupuncture points to influence the nervous system, blood flow, and brain activity, promoting the body’s natural healing process. Beyond pain relief, acupuncture supports balance, mood, sleep, and stress regulation.

Yes! You can schedule directly through this website or call our office, 803-256-1000. We also offer free consultations if you would like to discuss your needs before starting treatment.

Yes. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible, and we’re happy to discuss any specific accommodations you may need. We can often provide support for non-English-speaking patients upon request.