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In Chinese medicine, Qi is one of the five substances circulating in the body. It travels through the meridians, along with blood, body fluids, spirit, and essences. Qi is also called “Breath” or “Vital Energy”. These substances’ role is to maintain the human body in a harmonious balance.
A break in this harmonious balance can occur, resulting in the appearance of symptoms. Acupuncture is a way to rebalance the body’s energy. It’s done by applying the needles to specific points along the meridians. There is a cartography of these meridians according to the ailments to be treated. Many people choose this oriental medicine technique over more conventional ones.
The cost of acupuncture varies. It depends on the type of therapy, the oriental medicine location and the degree of your sickness. Here’s a detailed overview of how much acupuncture costs.
The Cost of Acupuncture
Expect to pay between $75 and $300 for your initial acupuncture assessment. Acupuncture in Santa Monica will generally cost significantly more than in Boise, Idaho. This is because real estate and other costs are significantly more expensive in the Los Angeles area. So acupuncture costs vary depending on location.
Do you want to use this alternative medicine procedure to treat fertility issues? Or maybe weight-loss, smoking addiction, or back pain? the price of an acupuncture session ranges from $50 to $90. It all depends on the location and the expertise of your practitioner.
Is Acupuncture Covered By Insurance?
Do you have insurance? If yes, the cost of this oriental medicine treatment will be more affordable. It also happens that some organizations cover the care entirely. Insurance companies that may take care of the cost of your sessions include:
- United Health Care
- Aetna
- Kennedy Krieger’s Core Source
- Johns Hopkins EHP
- Optum
- BCBS/CareFirst
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield
- Landmark
- Cigna
- Humana

Why Do You Need to Go to an Acupuncturist?
Acupuncture is one of the five branches of traditional Chinese medicine. It’s an alternative healthcare based on a holistic approach to the individual. It’s approved and applauded by the World Health Organization. It can treat imbalances as diverse as:
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Chronic constipation
- Seasonal allergies
- Stress, anxiety
- Lack of concentration
- Migraines
- Neuropathy
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Bronchitis
- Colds
- Nausea
It also acts in prevention. Modern acupuncture is particularly recommended for :
- Relieving nausea and vomiting related to pregnancy, surgery or chemotherapy
- Treating migraine and renal colic
- Treat hypertension and depressive states
- Relieve menstrual, dental, or joint pain
- Relieving certain musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and psychological disorders
How Does the First Session Unfold?
The first appointment with an acupuncturist is usually quite long. Allow it about 1 hour. It’s the perfect opportunity to make a complete assessment of your general health. The acupuncturist will ask you what brought you to see her. You’ll answer a series of questions to clarify the problem. She may also ask you about your personal or family history. To complete the clinical examination, the acupuncturist may also perform:
- Palpations (pulse)
- Tongue examination
- Eye examination
The goal is to establish a complete energy balance. This helps to better determine the imbalances in your body. The acupuncturist then establishes a personalized program:
- Number of sessions
- Duration
- Frequency
Then comes the acupuncture session itself. You lie down on the examination table. The specialist places thin needles on particular points. The exact position depends on the disorders of the patient. These needles are then left in place for a period of time and then removed by the acupuncturist. The specialist may also use other tools, such as:
- Moxa (sticks of herbs heated and placed near the skin for a few seconds or minutes)
- Suction cup
- Electrostimulation
Cost of an Acupuncture Session
The preliminary consultation is the most expensive. It costs approximately $100 to $300. This price is based on the time spent on:
- Your medical examination
- The planning of your entire treatment
The more in-depth approach your health condition requires, the higher the price. Secondly, the average cost of acupuncture sessions is around $75. In some cases, you may receive a discount if you book several sessions at once. The price also depends on the location. An acupuncture session in Los Angeles is half the price of New York, but twice as expensive as in smaller towns.
Acupuncture for Fertility Cost
Acupuncture is excellent for increasing pregnancy success rates. And even the likelihood that the newborn will be healthy! This is because the woman’s stress level is greatly reduced. This in turn helps to rebalance hormones such as progesterone.
The cost of fertility acupuncture is among the most expensive treatments. The typical price ranges from $100 to $300 for the first consultation. Later sessions will cost between $70 and $170 per session. To get an idea of the total cost, it is often recommended to have about 12 sessions per week. In the case of acupuncture for IVF, the price can go up. An IVF treatment can cost up to $3000. Sometimes a diagnostic mammogram is also needed.
Acupuncture for Weight Loss Cost
When it comes to losing weight, acupuncture is a solution that is often overlooked. And wrongly so. Acupuncture therapy complemented by regular exercise can have incredible results. Your practitioner may also recommend supplements or Chinese herbs to improve your metabolism. The initial consultation will provide an opportunity to review your medical history. You and the doctor will agree on a personalized treatment plan. This initial appointment will cost between $100 and $250. Next sessions will cost approximately $70 per visit.

Acupuncture For Back Pain Cost
Back pain is the most common reason for consulting acupuncturists. We are talking about chronic pain or recurring lumbar pain. This type of practice can relieve them. Acupuncture is more effective than conventional therapies for this type of condition. Such a procedure costs approximately $70 per session. For more severe cases, the cost can double.
Acupuncture For Smoking Cost
When you want to get rid of your addiction to tobacco, it is useful to seek out acupuncture. This technique can not only reduce your cravings but also help your body heal faster. It rewires the nervous system. Other benefits include a reduction in anxiety and other nicotine withdrawal symptoms. The cost of a session is approximately $100 when you visit a general practitioner.
Acupuncture For Migraines Cost
Are you a person who suffers from very painful migraines? Acupuncture can help find the source of this recurring problem. The acupuncture treatment will be different for each individual. This is because the causes of headaches can be very varied. Are you suffering from migraines due to acute stress? Regular visits to your acupuncturist can provide relief on a daily basis. They will cost you anywhere from $50 to $1200.
Cosmetic Acupuncture Cost
We wrote a lot about medical acupuncture. But cosmetic acupuncture is also becoming more popular for the following reasons:
- Acupuncture sessions are much less expensive than plastic surgery
- Acupuncture sessions go to the source rather than relieving the symptoms only
- Acupuncture has very little risk of side effects
- Acupuncture detoxifies your entire body from the inside out
- Acupuncture sessions improve your blood circulation. This helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the long term
Like medical acupuncture, the practitioner will insert specialized acupuncture needles. She will target intentional acupuncture points that will unblock your vital energy. With this natural form of skin rejuvenation, you can get rid of:
- Sagging under the eyes
- Scars
- Frown lines
For facial acupuncture, you can pay anywhere from $100 to $1000 depending on the treatment. Some acupuncture treatments like steaming, exfoliation, or a facelift can raise the bill. Such treatments do not cause any pain, except for some slight tingling for some patients.
For more information about how much acupuncture costs, get in touch with Dr. Ann Marie Nguyen.