Acupuncture

Acupuncture is designed to restore a state of balance to the body by unblocking vital energy that flows through the body along energy meridians. A foundational element of Chinese Medicine, one of the oldest medical traditions, acupuncture involves stimulation of specific anatomical points on the body. Stimulation most commonly involves penetrating the skin with hair-thin, solid, sterile, one-time-use-only metallic needles that are manipulated by the acupuncturist.

Most individuals experience little or no pain from the needles and many people report feeling either energized or pleasantly relaxed following a treatment. Acupuncture is used to treat many conditions, including pain management, migraines, nausea, allergies, fertility support, anxiety, and GI disorders. It promotes overall wellness. Acupuncture is also a powerful preventative medicine. It helps strengthen immunity and reduce inflammation.

OUR OFFERINGS

One Hour Appointments

Harvard’s insurance plans offer reimbursement for some costs – see below

$110 per appointment
$85 for students ineligible for reimbursement (those who do not have SHIP but have paid the Student Health Fee)

Harvard Insurance Benefit:
Harvard affiliates with health insurance through Harvard can be reimbursed for the costs in excess of their plan’s copay. You do not need a referral from your primary care physician to use your acupuncture benefit. Eligible plans include:

Harvard University Group Health Plan (HUGHP) – available to Harvard staff and their dependents
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA) – available to Harvard staff and their dependents
Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) [note that this is different from only having paid the Health Fee]

You pay the full standard rate at the time of your acupuncture appointment ($110) and request reimbursement by submitting an itemized receipt to Blue Cross through their online portal. For more information, please read our instruction document. You can also submit by mailing the receipt(s) and a claim form to Blue Cross.

The amount you receive as reimbursement will be the full standard rate minus your copay. For instance, if your plan’s copay is $30, you would receive $80 back for each appointment ($110 standard rate – $30 copay = $80).

HOW TO SCHEDULE YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT

Complete the Intake Form

In the Patient Portal, click “Medical Clearances”
Scroll to the bottom of the page, and find the “CWHP Intake Form.” Click “Update” to complete the form.
Answer the questions and click “Submit”! This information is shared directly with your practitioner when you schedule an appointment.

If you don’t have access to the patient portal, you can print a paper copy of the form below.
Download a PDF of the form here. Submit forms in person or fax to (617) 495-1135.

Schedule an Appointment

Once you’ve completed the intake form, click “Appointments” in the Patient Portal.
Select “Center for Wellness” and follow the prompts to search for an appointment.
When you’ve selected an appointment, make sure you click “Confirm” to officially book it into our schedule.

If you don’t have access to the patient portal, please call (617) 495-9629 to schedule or visit our office in person.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the cancellation policy for appointments?

24 hours’ notice is required to cancel an appointment without incurring a charge. If you do not show up to an appointment or cancel without sufficient notice, you remain responsible for the full payment unless we are able to fill your timeslot with a different patient. Our services are in high demand and we want to make sure they are available to everyone at Harvard.

What is required before I can schedule an appointment?

The Center for Wellness has an intake form which you must complete before you are seen by one of our practitioners. If you have not filled out the form by the time of your appointment, we will need you to complete it in person, which may cut into your appointment time.

To complete the form in the Patient Portal:

Click on Medical Clearances
Scroll to the bottom of the page, and find the “CWHP Intake Form”. If it says “Compliant”, you are all set. If not, click on “Update” to complete the form.
Answer the questions and click “Submit”. This information is shared directly with your practitioner when you schedule an appointment.

This form is valid for two years after submission.

What should I wear to my appointment?

During the appointment, you should undress to your comfort level. It is suggested to wear loose, comfortable clothing. All the rooms are equipped with sheets and towels should the practitioner need to drape to access any specific part of the body.

How far in advance can I schedule an individual appointment?

Appointments may be scheduled up to 2 months in advance.

Can I request a specific practitioner?

Yes. Upon scheduling, please let us know if you would like to request a specific practitioner or have a gender preference.

Can I go to work after an acupuncture appointment?

Yes, while acupuncture can affect people differently, we frequently have clients who have an appointment in the middle of their workday. It can be a pleasant experience to return to work relaxed or more energized.

How can I contact my instructor or therapist directly?

We do not provide contact information for any of our instructors or therapists. However, you can leave your contact information with the Center for Wellness, and we will request that the instructor or therapist contact you.

Should I eat before my appointment?

We suggest trying not to be too hungry or too full for your appointment. Please try to avoid a completely empty stomach.

Do the acupuncture needles hurt?

Fear not! The needles are very thin, the width of a couple of strands of your hair. Most individuals experience little or no pain, and many report feeling either energized or pleasantly relaxed following treatment. If you are new to acupuncture, please feel free to discuss with the acupuncturist at your appointment.