FAQs

Navigating healthcare can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re treated like just another number. That’s where I stand apart. With over 20 years of experience in acupuncture, I provide highly personalized care, giving each patient the time, attention, and expertise needed to support their healing journey.

Every appointment is focused on truly listening to your concerns and understanding your unique needs. I aim to go beyond treating symptoms, uncovering underlying causes, and helping you achieve lasting improvements in your health and well-being.

When you choose me, you’re gaining a partner who guides, supports, and advocates for you throughout your care. My approach is rooted in compassion, attention to detail, and a genuine commitment to helping you reach your health goals. You deserve in-depth, personalized care, and that’s exactly what I’m here to provide.

Acupuncture, a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with a history spanning over 3,000 years, is a gentle medical therapy that supports the body’s natural healing. It involves placing very thin, sterile needles at specific points on the body to reduce pain, ease stress, balance hormones, and improve overall health.

Research shows that acupuncture can reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and stimulate the release of endorphins and serotonin, supporting physical relief, emotional well-being, and hormonal balance. Widely used around the world, treatments are tailored to each person’s unique needs, helping the body regulate itself and heal more effectively.

For a more in-depth explanation of acupuncture and how it works, please visit the Acupuncture page.

Acupuncture is typically painless, as the needles used are extremely thin, often compared to a strand of hair. Sensations during insertion are usually minimal, similar to a brief pinch that quickly dissipates. Many people find acupuncture surprisingly gentle and relaxing, with some even drifting off to sleep during treatment. If you feel nervous about needles, your session will always move at your pace, and you’ll be guided gently to ensure comfort throughout.

Yes. Acupuncture is very safe when performed by a licensed practitioner. In California, acupuncturists complete extensive training, including thousands of hours of education and clinical practice. Only sterile, single-use needles are used, which are safely disposed of after each treatment, eliminating any risk of infection. Treatments are gentle and well-tolerated, and many patients find them deeply relaxing.

Your first appointment begins with a thorough review of your health history and current concerns. You may be asked about aspects of your life that don’t seem directly related to your main issue—this helps create a treatment plan that considers your whole body and overall health. Because each person is unique, even similar symptoms are treated differently, with care tailored specifically to you.

During your first acupuncture visit, very thin needles will be gently placed at specific points on your body and remain in place for about 30 minutes while you relax in a calm, comfortable setting. Some patients feel relief immediately, while others notice changes over the next 1–3 days. Responses vary from person to person, and the effects often build with subsequent treatments.

Most patients also report feeling deeply relaxed after a session, so it’s best to avoid strenuous activities afterward to fully benefit from the treatment.

To get the most from your session:

• Plan ahead: Allow enough time before and after your appointment; avoid scheduling intense physical activities immediately afterward.

• Bring important information: A current list of medications, supplements, and herbal remedies, plus any relevant medical or lab reports.

• Wear comfortable clothing: Loose-fitting clothes that allow access to common acupuncture points on the arms and legs (below the elbows and knees).

• Eat wisely: Have a light meal a few hours before your visit to avoid dizziness or nausea, but avoid heavy meals right before.

• Limit caffeine: Reducing caffeine before treatment can help make the session more comfortable.

Acupuncture functions as a natural medicine that supports the body's innate ability to heal, which can be a gradual process. While some patients may notice dramatic results after just one or two treatments, others may experience improvements gradually over several sessions. In cases of fertility and gynecological conditions, it typically takes at least three menstrual cycles for acupuncture to effectively regulate hormone levels and improve outcomes.

Regardless of the specific condition being treated, many patients report feeling increased energy and relaxation after their first acupuncture session. This immediate benefit sets the stage for further progress and healing as treatment continues.

Frequency depends on the duration, severity and nature of the condition being treated. An acute condition may only need a few treatments, while chronic conditions may take many treatments to help resolve. Some conditions may require ongoing treatments over time to maintain results.

Generally, patients receive treatment once a week. For individuals seeking fertility and Women’s Health support, it's recommended to undergo weekly sessions for at least three menstrual cycles, as this duration allows acupuncture to effectively regulate hormones and improve outcomes. As progress is made, the frequency of treatments typically decreases, transitioning to periodic maintenance sessions as needed.

To provide the most personalized care, the Fertility New Patient appointment is divided into two comprehensive sessions. This approach, shaped by over 20 years of experience supporting fertility patients, allows for a thorough consultation, individualized recommendations, and ample time for discussion and questions.

Part 1 | Fertility Consultation (60 minutes)
In this first session, Dr. Cindi will take the time to deeply understand your fertility journey, reviewing your reproductive health history and any factors that may affect your path to conception. This session is focused on listening, gathering key information, and getting a clear picture of your unique needs. Your personalized treatment recommendations will be discussed in Part 2, ensuring there is plenty of time to answer questions and provide guidance tailored specifically to you.

Part 2 | Treatment & Plan Discussion (60 minutes)
This follow-up session is the second part of the Fertility New Patient appointment. It includes a thorough review of your individualized treatment plan and your initial acupuncture session, tailored specifically to your needs. This appointment serves as the starting point for treatments designed to support your fertility journey. Part 2 also ensures there is ample time for questions, guidance, support, and education to help you move forward with confidence. Part 1 must be completed before Part 2.

Yes. While acupuncture is at the heart of what I do, it’s just one part of a much broader approach. I focus on whole-person care, considering all the factors that may be affecting your health and well-being. Depending on your needs, I may incorporate Chinese herbal medicine, recommend specific supplements, suggest lifestyle or dietary changes, or offer lab testing to better understand what’s going on beneath the surface. I may also recommend other practitioners or healing modalities when I believe they’ll support your progress — whether that’s bodywork, counseling, or other forms of care.

My goal is to support long-term improvements and help you feel your best by addressing the root causes with a variety of tools.

Yes, although herbs are not required, and their need is evaluated on a case-by-case basis for each patient.

Chinese herbs may be provided in tablet form or customized into granules, which are dissolved in water and consumed as a tea. The advantage of a customized herbal formula is its tailored approach to address your specific condition, with the flexibility to adapt as treatment progresses and your body's needs change.

Whichever form your herbs are in, only the highest quality herbs that have undergone strict testing and quality control will be used.

Many insurance plans now offer some coverage for acupuncture. Please contact your insurance provider directly to confirm your benefits, especially for out-of-network services and applicable deductibles. Acupuncture is also typically eligible for reimbursement through most FSA (Flexible Spending Account) and HSA (Health Savings Account) plans.

After each appointment, you’ll receive a Superbill, an invoice detailing your treatments with standardized insurance codes. You can submit this to your insurance provider for potential reimbursement, which will be issued directly to you. Apps like Reimbursify can make submitting Superbills easier.

By not billing insurance directly, Dr. Cindi can dedicate more time and attention to each patient, providing personalized care without the constraints of insurance limitations. This approach allows her to offer the most comprehensive and effective treatments for your needs.

If you’re looking for acupuncture in the South Bay area—including Campbell, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Morgan Hill, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga, and Sunnyvale—my office is conveniently located in Campbell, CA, between the Pruneyard Shopping Center and downtown Campbell.