Frequently Asked Questions

  • Your first session begins with a thorough intake — we'll talk through your health history, current concerns, lifestyle, sleep, digestion, and emotional wellbeing. Cassandra uses TCM pulse and tongue diagnosis to understand your underlying pattern before selecting any points. The actual needling portion of your session lasts 20–40 minutes, during which most clients feel deeply relaxed or fall asleep. Plan for your first visit to last about 90 minutes in total.

  • Eat a light meal 1–2 hours beforehand — never come on a completely empty stomach. Wear or bring comfortable, loose-fitting clothing so Cassandra can easily access your arms, legs, and abdomen. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before your session, and plan to take it easy afterward — your body will be in active healing mode. If you can’t bring loose clothing, no problem. A gown will be provided.

  • All appointments are booked online through Jane App — simply click the "Book a session" button anywhere on the site and you'll be taken directly to Cassandra's booking page. You can view available times, select your service, and complete your intake forms all in one place. If you have questions before booking, feel free to reach out directly. If that’s not working, feel free to use the contact button to reach out to Cassandra directly.

  • Please provide at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. Late cancellations and no-shows will be subject to a cancellation fee of $50. We understand that life happens — if something comes up, please reach out as soon as possible and we'll do our best to accommodate you.

  • Acupuncture with Cassandra is a cash-pay practice and does not bill insurance directly. However, Cassandra can provide a detailed superbill after your visit that you can submit to your insurance provider for potential reimbursement — many plans cover acupuncture, particularly for pain management. We recommend contacting your insurance company in advance to understand your out-of-network benefits.

  • We accept all major credit and debit cards, HSA and FSA cards, Venmo, and cash. Payment is collected at the time of your appointment through Jane App.

  • Cassandra brings an unusually broad and deep foundation to her work. She holds a degree in Comparative Human Development from the University of Chicago (Summa Cum Laude), graduated from Pacific College of Health and Science with clinical rotations at Rush Medical Center and the Jesse Brown VA, and is currently a Doctoral Candidate in Acupuncture. She is also trained in MEP Orthopedic Needling (Matt Callison style) — a sophisticated, anatomy-informed approach not offered by most general acupuncturists. Her ability to blend rigorous TCM theory with modern physiology and aesthetic wellness makes her practice genuinely integrative in a way that is rare.

  • Every aesthetic treatment at Acupuncture with Cassandra is performed by a licensed healthcare provider with advanced clinical training, not an aesthetician. Cassandra uses pharmaceutical-grade products (Ariessence Pure PDGF+ and Procell growth factor serums, along with Micro Essence’s proprietary sterile hyaluronic acid serum if selected) and professional-grade devices. Beyond the clinical precision, what truly sets this practice apart is the integrative philosophy behind it — skin health is viewed as an extension of whole-body health, and treatments are designed with that in mind. Additionally, Cassandra often treats patients with Acupuncture before performing microneedling, which allows the patient to get a full body treatment, inside and out.

  • Cassandra's approach begins with listening: genuinely, unhurriedly, and without assumptions. She believes that every person's body tells its own story, and that the most effective treatment starts with understanding that story fully. Sessions are collaborative: Cassandra explains what she's observing, what she's treating, and why, so you leave not just feeling better but with a deeper understanding of your own health. Her style is warm, grounded, and deeply knowledgeable without being clinical or distant.

  • Absolutely. Cassandra takes time to explain what she's doing and why, answers every question honestly, and meets you exactly where you are - whether you're deeply familiar with TCM or have never had a needle in your life. First-time acupuncture clients are always welcome.

  • As involved as you want to be. Cassandra will always explain her findings, share her reasoning, and give you an honest picture of what she recommends and why. Treatment plans are made together - not handed down. If your priorities shift, your goals change, or something isn't working, those conversations are welcomed and expected. This is your health, and your voice matters in the room. Some people just like to Zen out and not be involved. Your level of participation I completely up to you

Acupuncture

  • Acupuncture needles are extremely fine — far thinner than a hypodermic needle — and most clients feel little to no discomfort at insertion. You may notice a brief sensation of pressure, warmth, heaviness, or a mild dull ache as qi arrives at the point. This sensation, called de qi, is actually a good sign — it means the point is activated. It passes quickly and is generally quite comfortable. If you experience an uncomfortable sensation that doesn’t fade in a couple of minutes, make sure to let Cassandra know.

  • It depends on your condition and how long you've had it. Acute conditions (recent injury, acute pain, stress) often respond in 3–6 sessions. Chronic conditions (long-standing pain, hormonal imbalance, digestive issues) typically benefit from a series of 8–12 sessions before moving to a maintenance schedule. Cassandra will give you an honest, individualized recommendation at your first visit — there's no one-size-fits-all answer.

  • Yes. Acupuncture has an excellent safety profile when performed by a licensed practitioner. Cassandra maintains Clean Needle Technique (CNT) certification through the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine and uses only single-use, sterile, disposable needles. Serious adverse events are extremely rare. Minor side effects like light bruising or temporary soreness at needle sites are occasionally reported.

  • Absolutely — and Cassandra often incorporates these modalities directly into your acupuncture session when they're indicated. Cupping, gua sha, and moxibustion each address the body in slightly different ways and complement acupuncture beautifully. If you have a specific concern you'd like addressed, mention it during your intake and Cassandra will build the right combination for you.

  • MEP Orthopedic Needling (following the Matt Callison Sports Medicine Acupuncture approach) is a specialized, anatomy-based treatment that targets motor entry points, trigger points, peripheral nerves, and other musculoskeletal structures to address pain and movement dysfunction. By providing precise sensory input to the nervous system, this technique helps normalize muscle activation. reducing excessive muscle guarding while improving recruitment of inhibited muscles. Because the needle is placed at the motor entry point, where the motor nerve enters the muscle belly, treatment can improve neuromuscular function, restore more efficient movement patterns, and reduce pain. While traditional acupuncture is rooted in East Asian medical theory and treats the body as an interconnected system, orthopedic needling focuses on precise anatomical structures involved in injury and movement dysfunction. The two approaches complement one another and are often integrated within the same treatment to support injury recovery, chronic pain, improved movement, and athletic performance.

Microneedling with Ariessence PDGF

  • Every microneedling session at Acupuncture with Cassandra is performed by a licensed healthcare provider with advanced clinical training — not an aesthetician. Cassandra uses the MicroEssence Pen 2.0, a 3-in-1 device combining adjustable microneedling, EMS microcurrent, and dual LED therapy, paired with Ariessence Pure PDGF+ — a pharmaceutical-grade platelet-derived growth factor serum that delivers concentrated regenerative signals deep into the dermis. The result is a more precise, more effective treatment with clinical-grade products.

  • For general skin rejuvenation, fine lines, and texture improvement, a series of 3–4 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart is typical. Deeper acne scarring may require 6 sessions. Results build over 3–4 weeks after each treatment as new collagen matures. Many clients continue with quarterly maintenance sessions to support ongoing skin health and anti-aging goals.

  • You can expect redness and mild sensitivity for 24–72 hours following treatment, similar to a mild sunburn. Most clients return to normal activities the next day. Avoid direct sun exposure, intense exercise, and active skincare ingredients (retinol, acids) for 48–72 hours post-treatment. Cassandra will walk you through a full aftercare protocol at your appointment.

Procell Microchanneling

  • Both are collagen-induction therapies, but they work differently and excel in different situations. Microneedling uses a pen-style device with adjustable depth, making it especially effective for deeper scarring and significant skin laxity. Procell Microchanneling uses a stamp-based technique that creates uniform, vertical microchannels with minimal trauma, very little downtime (60–90 minutes vs. 5–7 days), and is safe for all skin tones. Many clients benefit from both, alternated strategically based on their goals. Cassandra will help you determine which approach is right for you.

  • Many clients notice immediately smoother, more hydrated, and more radiant skin after their very first session. Deeper improvements in texture, firmness, and tone continue to develop over 3–4 weeks as new collagen matures. Optimal results typically require a series of 3–6 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart, after which maintenance sessions every 6–12 weeks sustain and build on your results.

  • Yes — Procell Microchanneling is safe for all skin tones and types. Because it uses a precise stamping motion rather than dragging needles across the skin, it eliminates the lateral friction associated with traditional microneedling that can trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in melanin-rich skin. It is one of the most inclusive professional skin treatments available.

  • Microchanneling parties are private group bookings where you and your friends all receive Procell Microchanneling treatments together — a fun, social wellness experience with real professional results. They make a wonderful birthday, bachelorette, or girls' night event. Please reach out directly to inquire about group availability, pricing, and logistics.

Cupping, Gua Sha, and Moxibustion

  • Cupping can leave circular marks on the skin that range from light pink to deep red or purple, depending on the degree of stagnation in the tissue. These are not bruises — they are the result of blood being drawn to the surface (called Sha in TCM) — and they fade within a few days to a week. The more stagnation present, the darker the marks. Many clients find the marks reduce significantly with regular treatment. If you have an event coming up where you'd prefer not to have marks, please let Cassandra know beforehand. Also please remember to keep them covered as much as possible until they are gone.

  • Gua sha involves firm but controlled pressure with a smooth-edged tool across the skin. It can feel intense in areas of significant tension or stagnation, but most clients find it deeply satisfying — similar to a firm massage. Like cupping, it may leave temporary redness or petechiae (small red dots) on the skin that fade within a few days. The sensation during and after treatment is generally one of significant release and relief.

  • Yes. Moxibustion is very safe when performed by a trained practitioner. The burning mugwort (moxa) is kept at a safe distance from the skin to produce a deeply penetrating, comfortable warmth without burning. As for the smell, moxa has a distinctive herbal, slightly smoky aroma that some people love and others find surprising at first. It's worth knowing about before your first session. If you have respiratory sensitivities, please mention this when booking.

  • Microchanneling parties are private group bookings where you and your friends all receive Procell Microchanneling treatments together — a fun, social wellness experience with real professional results. They make a wonderful birthday, bachelorette, or girls' night event. Please reach out directly to inquire about group availability, pricing, and logistics.

Still have questions? Let's talk.

Reach out directly or book a session — Cassandra is happy to answer anything before your first visit.

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Your First Visit and General Questions