Frequently Asked Questions
About Acupuncture
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Acupuncture is a 3,000 year old healing technique from China. Modern research shows it affects the nervous, endocrine, immune, cardiovascular, and digestive systems, stimulating the body's natural healing abilities.
Chinese medicine treats the whole person rather than isolated symptoms. Where Western medicine sometimes struggles to pinpoint a singular cause, Chinese medicine excels at untangling webs of related symptoms by addressing their source.
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Acupuncture improves circulation and tissue healing, activates the peripheral nervous system along nerve pathways connecting body to brain, and engages the central nervous system to trigger the release of endogenous opioids like endorphins. This combination explains how acupuncture reduces pain and promotes whole body healing.
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Acupuncture is particularly effective for pain. Patients also see improvements in anxiety, depression, insomnia, digestive disorders, headaches, and infertility. For chronic muscle tension, acupuncture is often combined with cupping or bodywork.
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No. Some mild sensation is normal, perhaps a momentary dull ache, but it passes quickly. The needles are ultra fine, flexible, stainless steel, and single use. If you're nervous, sessions can start with just a few needles. We'll walk you through it.
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Acute conditions often respond in as few as three sessions. Chronic conditions take longer, though acupuncture usually provides some relief along the way. It can create space between you and your condition, helping break negative thought patterns. While modern medicine has trained us to seek a cure, holistic medicine focuses on repairing the body. This takes time.
Other Services
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Yes. Golden Mean offers:
Cupping for deep tissue release
Bodywork, including tui na, gua sha, and trigger point therapy
Moxibustion for warming therapy
Chinese herbs and supplements when appropriate
For existing patients, mind-body support provides meditation instruction and compassion based practices.
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Recommendations are offered selectively after establishing a baseline with acupuncture, typically after four to six sessions. This ensures we know what's working before adding variables. Many patients achieve excellent results with acupuncture alone.
Insurance, Preparation & Parking
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Yes. Golden Mean is in network for Cigna and United Healthcare and bills for all covered conditions. Include your Subscriber ID on your intake form and present your card at your first appointment.
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Wear comfortable, loose clothing that allows access to your arms, legs from the knee down, and upper back. Avoid binding pants and long sleeves. We'll provide necessary draping.
Avoid arriving on an empty stomach. A small meal an hour prior helps counteract any lightheadedness. If possible, plan a relaxing day afterward, or at least an hour to wind down post session.
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LA, right? Leave yourself extra time. Street parking is available on Sunset Blvd. Read all signage before leaving your vehicle.
On the hill above the clinic is Angelino Heights, where residential parking is often available on E. Kensington Blvd. From there, a short walk down the secret stairs exits behind Esqueleto at 1298 W. Sunset Blvd. We've tailored office hours with parking convenience in mind.
Specific Conditions
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Yes. Acupuncture supports facial nerve recovery by improving local circulation and nerve function.
Many patients see improvement when treatment begins early alongside conventional care.
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Yes. Acupuncture shifts the nervous system from fight or flight into rest and digest mode, lowering cortisol and promoting calm.
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Yes. Acupuncture is widely used for nausea, back pain, and labor preparation.
Certain points are avoided, and the clinic coordinates with midwives and OB GYNs to align with each patient's birth plan.
Content medically reviewed and updated February 2026 by Shaun Menashe, LAc, MTOM.