Questions Patients Often Ask

Acupuncture is a complete system of medicine that looks at how the whole of your body and mind are functioning together to find the root of an imbalance, rather than treating symptoms in isolation. The goal is to bring the body back toward balance, or homeostasis, through a series of treatments — and then to maintain that balance with regular or seasonal “tune-ups.” Individualized Chinese herbal medicine is often used alongside acupuncture to support the process. Lasting change comes through repetition and continued care rather than a single visit.

Your first appointment is about 90 minutes and unhurried — a real conversation covering your complete health history, your patterns, what you have already tried, and what you are hoping to return to. You are welcome to bring any reports or recent bloodwork so we can discuss them together. The treatment follows, and your care plan is built around your individual presentation rather than a fixed protocol. If you have never had acupuncture before, Dr. Scheffel will walk you through the whole process so you know exactly what to expect and feel comfortable. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the knees and elbows.

Standard acupuncture is generally painless. The needles are far thinner than the ones used for injections — most patients feel little more than a faint sensation, and many find the experience deeply relaxing. Trigger point and dry needling are a different experience: you will feel these, often as a brief, distinct sensation as the muscle responds and the tissue begins to release and repair. It is not the gentle ease of standard acupuncture, but most patients find it very manageable and well worth it for the results. Dr. Scheffel will always talk you through what to expect and work within your comfort.

It depends on the condition and how long it has been present. Most patients with a chronic condition or pain (longer than three months) need somewhere in the range of 4 to 12 weekly appointments, with maintenance visits usually about once a month after that. It helps to think of acupuncture a little like going to the gym — the body rarely shifts overnight, and lasting change comes through repetition and continued care. Dr. Scheffel will discuss a realistic plan with you at your first visit and adjust it as your body responds.

Dr. Scheffel works with a wide range of conditions — chronic pain, women's health, oncology support, complex internal conditions, anxiety, and the stress of major life transitions. If you are unsure whether acupuncture is right for your situation, you are welcome to reach out before booking. You can also see the conditions we treat.

Yes. Alongside acupuncture, Dr. Scheffel may recommend individualized Chinese herbal medicine when it is appropriate for your condition, as part of a care plan tailored to you.

Diablo Acupuncture is a cash-based practice. Initial appointments are $190 and include a thorough health history and an acupuncture treatment (allow up to 1.5 hours). Follow-up appointments are $125 (about 1 hour). A package of six follow-up sessions is available for $690 ($115 per session) to support continued care. Additional charges may apply for herbal supplements, and superbills for insurance reimbursement can be created upon request. See the contact page for full details.

The clinic is at 2920 Camino Diablo #210C, Walnut Creek, CA 94597 — right at the Lafayette border, convenient for patients across Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga, and the greater Contra Costa County area. Please note the clinic is on the second floor with stair access only (no elevator). See the contact page for directions.