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Acupuncture Care

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Hand in Health offers acupuncture in Syracuse, NY, with Annette Burden, L.Ac. L.Ac. stands for Licensed Acupuncturist. Annette is our acupuncturist, and she especially enjoys helping patients with stress and pain. She uses fine, sterile, single-use needles, and many patients find sessions relaxing. Book a first visit, a follow-up, couples acupuncture or add-ons. Annette is part of our wider team of dozens of licensed providers. We welcome patients from across Central New York.

New to acupuncture? Read our guide: Should I See an Acupuncturist?

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Acupuncture Services

Initial Acupuncture Visit

Your first acupuncture visit starts with your health history and a conversation about your goals. Then Annette gives your first treatment. She places very fine, sterile, single-use needles at specific points. They usually stay in for about 20 to 30 minutes. Before you leave, she’ll suggest a plan for next steps.

A typical session runs 45 to 60 minutes. Many patients find it relaxing. Annette holds a Master’s in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). She earned it at the Finger Lakes School of Acupuncture and TCM at New York Chiropractic College. She also completed a clinical internship in Hangzhou, China.

New here? Ask about our Massage + Acupuncture Package for 30% OFF.

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Follow-Up Acupuncture

Follow-up acupuncture builds on the plan from your first visit. Each visit is adjusted to how you’re feeling that day. So tell Annette what’s changed since you last saw her. A typical session is 45 to 60 minutes, with needles in place for about 20 to 30 minutes.

How many follow-ups will you need? It varies from person to person. Annette suggests a plan and talks it through with you along the way.

Want a little extra? You can add a head and face massage, cupping or heat packs when you book. See the add-on list below.

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Couples Acupuncture

Couples acupuncture is a 90-minute appointment for two people. You both receive acupuncture during the same visit, in one shared treatment room. It’s a nice option if you’d rather not come in alone. Annette uses the same fine, sterile, single-use needles for each of you.

Book one appointment for the two of you, and you’ll come in together. Needles usually stay in for about 20 to 30 minutes.

Many patients find acupuncture relaxing, and doing it together can make a first visit feel easier.

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Acupuncture Add-Ons

Add-ons let you add something extra to your acupuncture visit. You choose them from the add-on list when you book online. Each one is optional, and none of them is required for acupuncture. Annette can help you decide which ones fit. Here’s what you can add:

Amma head and face massage: Amma is a traditional Japanese massage style. It uses gentle, rhythmic pressure on your head and face.
Aromatherapy: essential-oil blends for a calming experience.
CBD lotion: applied to targeted areas for comfort (contains trace amounts of THC).
Cupping: gentle suction cups that may leave temporary marks on your skin.
Gua sha: a smooth tool glides over your skin.
Moist heat packs: warmth to help your muscles relax.
Reflexology: pressure on points on your feet and hands, adding 15 or 30 minutes to your visit.

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Our Acupuncturist, Annette Burden, L.Ac.

Certifications:

Medical Cupping Practitioner
Tui Na & Gua Sha
Reflexology

Annette Burden received her education at the Finger Lakes School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine at New York Chiropractic College, where she earned her Master’s in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. During her education, Annette completed an internship in Hangzhou, China, where she studied Chinese herbs, acupuncture and Tui Na in a fast-paced clinical environment. Annette also has a Bachelor’s in Psychology with a concentration in Community Mental Health from the University at Buffalo. She has been licensed since 2012 and holds certifications in Medical Cupping, Tuina and Reflexology. She brings her education, training and clinical experience to every session, so each patient gets thoughtful, balanced care. She especially enjoys helping patients with stress and pain.

Interests: family, dancing and meditation

Acupuncture FAQs

What should I expect at my first acupuncture visit?

Your first visit starts with your health history and a talk about your goals. Then Annette gives your first treatment, using fine, sterile, single-use needles. They usually stay in for about 20 to 30 minutes while you rest. The whole session runs 45 to 60 minutes. Before you leave, she’ll suggest a plan for next steps.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Most people feel a slight tingle or nothing at all. The needles are very thin, much thinner than the needles used for shots. Annette uses sterile, single-use needles every time. If anything feels uncomfortable, tell her and she’ll adjust. Many patients find the session relaxing once the needles are in.

How many acupuncture sessions will I need?

It varies from person to person, so there’s no set number. After your first visit, Annette suggests a plan based on your health history and goals. Each follow-up is adjusted to how you’re feeling that day. You can talk through the plan with her anytime and change it as your needs change.

Does insurance cover acupuncture?

Acupuncture at Hand in Health is self-pay. We accept HSA and FSA cards. We also provide superbills, which are detailed receipts you can send to your insurance company to seek reimbursement. Some insurance plans may require a doctor’s referral for reimbursement. Check with your plan before your visit so you know what to expect.

Can my partner and I come in together?

Yes. Couples acupuncture is a 90-minute appointment for two people. You both receive acupuncture during the same visit, in one shared treatment room. It’s a nice way to share the experience, especially if one of you is new to acupuncture. Book one couples appointment online, and you’ll come in together. Needles usually stay in for about 20 to 30 minutes.

Do you offer Chinese herbs?

Yes. Annette can discuss Chinese herbs as part of your care. She trained in herbs, acupuncture and Tui Na during her clinical internship in Hangzhou, China. Tui Na is a style of Chinese hands-on bodywork. If you’re curious about herbs, bring it up at your visit, and she’ll talk it through with you.

What is your cancellation policy?

Please give us at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel. Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice are charged 100% of the service. No-call/no-shows are also charged 100%. Arriving 15 or more minutes late counts as a no-show. If plans change, let us know as early as you can.