Frequently Asked Questions
Does acupuncture hurt?
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Most people are surprised by how little they feel. Acupuncture needles are hair-thin — nothing like the needles used for shots or blood draws. You might feel a brief pinch on insertion, then a sense of tingling, warmth, or heaviness as the needle settles. Most patients find the experience relaxing, and many fall asleep during treatment.
Does Fascial Counterstrain hurt?
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No — quite the opposite. Fascial Counterstrain is a gentle, low-force technique that works with your body's natural tension patterns rather than against them. There's no deep pressure or forceful stretching involved. Many patients describe it as one of the most comfortable hands-on therapies they've tried, even when it's addressing deep-seated, long-standing tension.
What's the difference between Fascial Counterstrain and myofascial release?
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Both work with the fascia — the connective tissue that surrounds your muscles and organs — but the approach is different. Myofascial release typically uses direct pressure and stretching to release restrictions. Fascial Counterstrain instead positions the body into a place of ease to allow the nervous system to "reset" the tension response at its source. I often combine both, along with acupuncture, depending on what your body needs.
How many sessions will I need?
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It depends on what we're treating and how long it's been going on. For something acute — a recent injury or flare-up — many patients notice meaningful change within 3 to 5 sessions. Chronic, long-standing conditions usually take longer, since we're working to retrain patterns that have built up over months or years. After your first visit, I'll give you a realistic sense of what to expect for your specific situation.
What conditions do you treat?
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I see patients for chronic pain, sports injuries, migraines and tension headaches, TMJ and jaw pain, digestive issues, women's health concerns, chronic fatigue, and general stress and anxiety. If you're not sure whether your condition is a good fit, feel free to reach out before booking.
Is acupuncture covered by insurance in Michigan?
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Many insurance plans offer partial coverage for acupuncture, though it varies by provider and plan. I provide superbills that you can submit for HSA/FSA reimbursement or out-of-network benefits. See the Insurance page for full details, or ask during your first visit.
What should I expect at my first visit?
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We'll start with a conversation — I want to understand your health history, what's brought you in, and what you've already tried. From there, I'll do a physical assessment and we'll begin treatment that same day. First visits typically run longer than follow-ups to allow time for this.
Where are you located, and what areas do you serve?
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Berkley Acupuncture is located at 36700 Woodward Ave, Suite 30, in Bloomfield Hills, MI. We regularly see patients from Birmingham, Royal Oak, Bloomfield Township, and the surrounding metro Detroit area.
How is Berkley Acupuncture different from other acupuncture clinics in the area?
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Most acupuncture practices offer acupuncture alone. I combine acupuncture with Fascial Counterstrain and myofascial therapy — three distinct, complementary approaches under one roof. Fascial Counterstrain in particular is rare to find in metro Detroit; very few practitioners are trained in it. That combination lets me treat the whole picture, not just one layer of the problem.