Frequently Asked Questions

Most patients feel minimal discomfort. Acupuncture needles are extremely thin — roughly the width of a human hair, much thinner than injection needles. You may feel a brief tingling, warmth, or dull ache at certain points, which is a normal sensation during treatment. Many patients find the experience deeply relaxing and even fall asleep during sessions.

Patients often seek acupuncture for chronic and acute pain, migraines and headaches, back and neck pain, sciatica, arthritis, sleep concerns, digestive concerns, allergies, menstrual concerns, fertility support, and recovery after surgery. We also offer supportive care for stress, sleep, anxious feelings, and general emotional wellness alongside appropriate medical or mental-health care. Acupuncture is not a substitute for emergency care or for treatment from your physician. During your consultation, we'll assess whether acupuncture is appropriate for your specific needs. For more detail, see our guides to back pain, sciatica, and headaches & migraines.

This varies by condition and individual response. Acute issues (like a recent injury) may improve in 3–5 sessions. Chronic conditions (like long-term back pain or ongoing stress) often benefit from a course of 8–12 sessions, followed by maintenance treatments. Your practitioner will create a personalized plan during your initial consultation and adjust it based on your progress.

When performed by trained practitioners using sterile, single-use disposable needles, acupuncture is generally considered safe. Side effects are uncommon and usually mild, such as slight bruising or temporary soreness at needle sites. Please tell your practitioner if you are pregnant, take blood-thinning medication, or have a bleeding disorder or other medical condition. At Wongu Health Center, every student treatment is reviewed and supervised by a licensed Oriental Medicine Doctor.

Wongu Health Center is the public clinic of Wongu University of Oriental Medicine. Advanced students (clinical interns) gain hands-on experience by treating real patients under the direct supervision of licensed OMDs. This model — similar to teaching hospitals in conventional medicine — allows us to offer high-quality treatments at significantly reduced costs.

Every student treatment is reviewed and supervised by a licensed Oriental Medicine Doctor who is physically present in the clinic during your session. The supervisor reviews all diagnoses, approves all treatment plans, and verifies all needle placements. Our interns have completed hundreds of hours of academic and practical training before they begin treating patients.

Intern sessions are performed by 3rd and 4th-year graduate students under direct faculty supervision — initial visits are $80 (1.5–2 hours), follow-ups are $50 (~1 hour). Licensed OMD sessions are performed by licensed Oriental Medicine Doctors who work independently — initial visits are $120 (~1 hour), follow-ups are $80 (30–55 minutes). The intern clinic is ideal for general wellness and maintenance, while OMD sessions suit patients who prefer direct licensed-provider care or shorter appointments.

Book through our online patient booking portal. You can also call us at (702) 852-1280, text us at 702-550-9483, or email clinic-office@wongu.edu. VA Community Care and Culinary patients should contact Wongu Health Center before scheduling so we can verify eligibility, authorization, and provider availability. All services are by appointment only. Clinic hours: Monday–Friday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Saturday: Closed (mornings only starting October 17). Sunday: Closed.

VA Community Care and Culinary patients should contact Wongu Health Center before scheduling so we can verify eligibility, authorization, and provider availability. You can reach us by phone, text, or our contact form. Coverage is subject to applicable authorization, eligibility, and plan requirements. Self-pay patients can book online through our patient portal.

VA Community Care and Culinary patients should contact Wongu Health Center before scheduling so we can verify eligibility, authorization, and provider availability. Coverage is subject to applicable authorization, eligibility, and plan requirements. For other patients, payment is accepted by credit and debit card at the time of service, and we can provide a billing summary (superbill) which you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement.

We accept credit and debit card payments, collected at the time of service. VA Community Care and Culinary patients should contact Wongu Health Center before scheduling so we can verify eligibility, authorization, and provider availability. For patients with other insurance, we can provide a billing summary (superbill) which you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement.

Appointments canceled or rescheduled at least 24 hours in advance have no fee. Late Cancellation / Rescheduling (<24 Hours): rescheduling with less than 24 hours' notice is treated the same as a late cancellation — $30 for intern appointments and $50 for licensed OMD appointments. Missed appointments without notice (no-shows) are $50 for intern appointments and $80 for licensed OMD appointments. See our pricing page for the full policy.

After booking, you'll receive a confirmation from our front desk. Your medical history and intake forms are completed in person or through our clinic intake process; the online booking portal and website contact form are not for sending symptoms, diagnoses, medications, or other medical details. Do not arrive on an empty stomach — eat a light snack or meal before your appointment. Drink plenty of water before and after your treatment. Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to your arms and legs. Bring a list of any medications or supplements you're currently taking.

Session lengths vary by provider. Intern initial visits take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours (including a comprehensive medical history), with follow-ups around 1 hour. OMD initial visits are approximately 1 hour, with follow-ups running 30 to 55 minutes. At each visit, your practitioner will conduct a 15–20 minute intake, including tongue and pulse diagnosis, followed by your treatment. A custom herbal formula or tea may be prepared afterward. We recommend arriving 10 minutes early for your first appointment.

Yes. When appropriate, our practitioners may recommend custom herbal formulas, herbal teas, pills, powders, tinctures, or topical preparations. Herbal formulas start at $15 per day and are selected after a consultation, so please ask your practitioner which option is right for you, or send a question through our contact form. Tell your practitioner about all medications and supplements you take. Herbal formulas may interact with medications and may not be appropriate during pregnancy or for certain medical conditions.

Yes. The website contact form is for general questions and herbal formula requests only and should not be used to submit medical details. Patient health information, intake forms, and health records are collected and stored through our HIPAA-compliant clinic systems or directly by our clinic team. We take your privacy seriously and follow applicable federal and state healthcare privacy requirements.