FAQs About Acupuncture in Burlington, VT and Bristol, VT 

What conditions can acupuncture and herbal medicine treat?

East Asian Medicine is a complete medicine system. Meaning it is effective for a very wide variety of physical, mental, and emotional conditions. In fact, in California, acupuncturists are primary care providers as they have been (for millennia!) across East Asia. So in summary, the likely answer to “Does acupuncture treat ______?” is, yes. To go more in-depth regarding your particular concerns, schedule a free Curiosity Call or call 802-222-0436.

Ok, fine. But what do you treat?

I treat it all including chronic and acute pain, mental-emotional health, digestion, fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, chronic illness (including Long Covid), brain injuries, the particular needs of neurodiverse folks, and the full range of pediatric concerns. What sets my practice apart really are the people I treat. It matters to me that the way I practice opens the door to those who have said in the past, “Acupuncture isn’t for people like me.” or “I’m too afraid of needles” or “I’m too young/old/sensitive/weird for that” to receive really attentive, awesome care.

You can read more about neuro-inclusive or sensory-inclusive acupuncture, here. You can read more about pediatric acupuncture here.

What kind of table do you use?

In both the Burlington, VT and Bristol, VT locations, I use tables that support 1,500 lbs and are wider (30”) than standard massage tables. I chose this table so that a larger array of bodies can find comfort on them. The tables also recline, much like a beach chair for those who choose to be more upright (pregnant people love this feature!).

What is neuro-inclusive or sensory-inclusive acupuncture?

It means that we are a neurodiversity-informed practice and that we want to understand and honor your sensory needs. Our intake forms ask about them, and we use a wide variety of non-puncturing tools to activate acupuncture points. We ask for consent and work with many first-timers, people who self-describe as “afraid of needles” or “sensitive”. We also don’t need you to stay still for your treatment, regardless of your age.

What are your fees?

Intakes for any age are 40 minutes over telehealth: $125.

Follow-ups for babies and children up to age 12: $110

Follow-ups for teenagers, adults, and elders: $125

These fees are all-inclusive, meaning, we don’t charge extra for writing herbal prescriptions (the cost of herbs is separate), cupping, tui na massage, gua sha, or body-positive food and movement guidance. My fees also allow me to be responsive to your questions via email or text in-between sessions.

There are only two extra costs. One is $18 for the herbal compress for that form of massage. You get to take the compress home after our in-person treatment and can use it up to 8 more times. Refrigerate in-between uses.

If you choose to take herbs, the cost of herbal medicine varies depending upon your stage of treatment and budget.

What about clothes? Do I need to wear something special?

For most treatments, you’ll need to remove socks, and roll up pants and/or sleeves. So wearing loose-fitting clothing, with a sleeveless layer on top is best. There are times that I’ll ask if you’re comfortable with receiving treatment on your abdomen, lower abdomen, or back. In those cases, I’ll offer you a paper drape to cover the area before and after treatment is offered. If I need access to your back, I will exit the room while you remove layers and settle on the table.

We always go over my treatment ideas for the session and ask consent before treatment begins. We make adjustments based on your specific needs that day. For more information about your first visit, click here.

Where exactly are you located in Burlington and Bristol?

We have two locations. In Burlington, VT we are in the Kilburn and Gates building at 305 St Paul St, Suite 323. There is parking off of Pine St on both sides of the building as well as 1 hour street parking on Kilburn. Enter 305 St Paul using the ramp or stairs and we are the last door on the right. The bathroom is ADA accessible, gender inclusive, and located inside the practice.

In Bristol, VT we are located in the old VBT (Vermont Biking Tours) building at 614 Monkton Rd, just minutes from Bristol Village. There is off-street parking and this space is equipped with an external ramp with a 1/2 step into the building, and two internal carpeted steps between the waiting area and the treatment room. The bathroom is not ADA accessible.

There are gender neutral bathrooms in both locations.

What is your cancellation policy?

Follow-ups canceled less than 48 hours in advance will be charged the full cost of the visit.

Intake appointments must be canceled 72 hours or more before the part 1 intake discussion. If canceled within the 72 hour window, you will be charged the full cost of the intake.

Rescheduling your appointment after the cancellation window, due to illness, is at no charge. I would encourage you to change your appointment to telehealth as homecare for acute illness (colds, stomach bugs, rashes, etc.) is effective and safe and can reduce the severity and duration of illness.

Do you take insurance?

Yes, I bill Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont as an in-network provider. If you have acupuncture benefits, they extend to any dependent on your policy. Meaning, your child is covered for acupuncture, too!

At last check, employees of the following have acupuncture benefits: University of Vermont, UVM Medical Center, City of Burlington, The State of Vermont, Porter Medical Center, and the Federal Government.

If you plan to use BCBSVT please submit your insurance information via the patient portal 3 days prior to your visit so we can verify your benefits for you. If you’d like to do it yourself, you can ask if CPT codes 97410 and 97411 are covered and if you have co-insurance or a co-payment. Also ask if you need to spend-down a deductible before in-network acupuncture benefits kick-in.

For those with out-of-network acupuncture benefits, I’m happy to provide what is called a “superbill” for you to submit directly to your insurance carrier for reimbursement.

Can I use my HSA/FSA card? What about my HRA?

Yes. Many folks utilize this payment method which effectively discounts your treatment by 20-35% on average (because you’re not paying income taxes on the cost of the treatment!). Some HRA policies require a letter of medical necessity — ask your HR rep.

Do you have a sliding scale?

Yes, there is a no questions asked scale of $70-125 for follow-ups and $75-125 for intakes. There are a finite # of sessions reserved in my weekly schedule for sliding scale appointments and they’re meant for People of the Global Majority who otherwise would not be able to afford weekly treatment. This fee is not for people who own their own home, take a vacation without financial hardship, have access to generational wealth, or who have high-earning potential but are choosing to work reduced hours. Let’s keep this option open for people who truly need it! To delve deeper into how to participate ethically in a sliding scale exchange, please see the Green Bottle by Alexis J. Cunningfolk.

What are your Covid-19 policies and practices?

We’re in a gray-area between pandemic and endemic. At Refuge, we maintain that masking, proper disinfection, and vaccination are foundational accessibility practices to keep all community members safe.

Accordingly, KN95/4 masks are required for all people age 2 and older. Both the Burlington, VT and Bristol, VT offices are outfitted with a HEPA filter and we disinfect high-touch surfaces between every patient. If you have any new symptoms of Covid-19, please call/text to change your appointment to telehealth. I can offer substantive sick care with herbal medicine, food guidance, therapeutic massage (tui na), phototherapy patches, and evidence-based best practices to shorten the duration and severity of illness.

If you test positive for Covid, you may reschedule your in-person visit for 3 days after symptoms have fully resolved OR 7 days after your first positive test result (as long as symptoms have significantly improved and you don’t have a fever).