35,478
Acupuncturists
100%
Accepting patients
61%
Most common: LAc
FindClarity lists 35,478 acupuncturists nationwide. 100% are currently accepting new patients. The most common credential is LAc (61%).
Acupuncturists practice a form of traditional medicine that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate healing and pain relief. Acupuncture has been used in East Asian medicine for thousands of years and is now widely integrated into Western healthcare for pain management and other conditions.
Licensed acupuncturists typically hold a master's degree in acupuncture or Oriental medicine, which involves three to four years of graduate study including hundreds of hours of supervised clinical practice. Licensing requirements vary by state but generally include passing a national board exam.
Research supports acupuncture's effectiveness for chronic pain conditions, including low back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, and headaches. The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture as a treatment for dozens of conditions. Many patients use it alongside conventional medical care.
Consider acupuncture for chronic pain (back, neck, knee), frequent headaches or migraines, osteoarthritis pain, post-surgical pain management, nausea (especially from chemotherapy), stress and anxiety, or insomnia. Some people also seek acupuncture for fertility support, allergies, and digestive issues, though evidence varies for these uses.
The first visit takes about 60 to 90 minutes. Your acupuncturist will ask detailed questions about your health, symptoms, diet, and lifestyle. They may check your pulse and look at your tongue (traditional diagnostic methods). Treatment involves inserting 10 to 20 hair-thin needles at specific points. Most people feel minimal discomfort. You lie still for 20 to 30 minutes. Many people relax enough to doze off.
Initial visit: $75-200 · Follow-up session: $50-150 · Package (6-10 sessions): $300-1,000
Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, much thinner than injection needles. Most people feel a slight prick when the needle is inserted, followed by a dull aching or tingling sensation (called "de qi") that is not painful. Many patients find treatment so relaxing that they fall asleep during sessions.
Acute conditions may improve in three to six sessions. Chronic pain or long-standing conditions typically need eight to twelve sessions to see lasting results. Your acupuncturist will recommend a treatment plan after the initial visit. Many people notice some improvement after the first or second session.
Increasingly, yes. Many insurance plans now cover acupuncture for chronic low back pain (Medicare started covering it in 2020). Coverage for other conditions varies by plan. Some plans limit the number of visits per year. Check with your insurer before starting treatment to understand your benefits and any out-of-pocket costs.
Products and services that complement your care.
Percussive therapy devices and recovery tools recommended by physical therapists and chiropractors.
Shop Recovery ToolsFindClarity may earn a commission from products recommended on this page.
Insurance coverage for acupuncture has expanded in recent years. Medicare covers acupuncture for chronic low back pain (up to 12 sessions in 90 days). Many private plans cover acupuncture for pain conditions, though visit limits and referral requirements vary. Some plans require the acupuncturist to be a licensed provider in your state. Always verify coverage before starting treatment.