Not at all! Acupuncture needles are super thin and much finer than the ones used for injections or blood draws, so most people barely feel them. You may notice a light tingling, warmth, or dull ache, but nothing sharp or painful. Some points may be more sensitive than others, but overall, acupuncture is generally not painful. In fact, many people find the experience so relaxing that they drift off to sleep (we call that the "acu-nap")! Of course, if anything ever feels uncomfortable, the needles will be adjusted to keep you feeling good!

Acupuncture is a healing practice dating back thousands of years with roots in Taoism. It uses small needles to help bring your body back into balance. It works like an energetic tune up that reboots your system so everything runs more smoothly! Your body has energy pathways (called meridians) that help everything flow the way it should. But sometimes, stress, pain, or just life in general can cause things to get a little stuck. Acupuncture helps get that energy moving again! It promotes relaxation, reduces pain, and supports your overall wellbeing. From a Western perspective, acupuncture stimulates the nervous system, increasing blood flow and triggering the release of endorphins (your body's natural 'feel good' chemicals). This helps to reduce pain, lower stress, and support healing on a physiological level. But, acupuncture isn’t just about the body, it’s a whole-being experience! Beyond the physical, acupuncture also has profound spiritual and shamanic roots, which treatments at Auna Wellness fully embody. It’s not just about feeling better, it’s about realigning with yourself, the rhythms of nature, and the deeper wisdom within.

So many things! Acupuncture is amazing for easing pain, reducing stress, improving sleep, balancing digestion, boosting energy, supporting immune health and even correcting cosmetic concerns. But at Auna Wellness, our specialty is mental health and spiritual well-being, so if you're dealing with anxiety, depression, emotional overwhelm, or just feeling a little out of balance, you're in the right place! Think of acupuncture as a reset button for your nervous system. It helps calm the mind, release tension, and bring you back to a state of flow. Whether you're looking for relief from headaches, hormonal imbalances, or just need a moment of deep relaxation, acupuncture has your back. Not sure if it can help with something specific? Just ask! We're happy to chat and find the best approach for you.

There are many different styles and branches of acupuncture that are practiced around the world. 5 Element acupuncture is considered the original or classical style of acupuncture, and draws on ancient Taoist philosophy, shamanic traditions, and the understanding that our inner energy needs to be in harmony with the energy of the universe. It’s based on the understanding that our bodies, just like nature, are made up of the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. These elements influence our physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. When these elements are out of balance, we may feel disconnected, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Imbalance also leads us down a path dis-ease and feeling off in ways we may not even notice. 5 element acupuncture is a bridge between the physical and the energetic, the seen and the unseen. At its core, it’s about coming home to yourself and back into balance.

If you’re a new client, your first session will be around 2 hours. We’ll take time to get to know each other! And by that I mean we will talk in depth about your full health history, goals, lifestyle and anything else that’s been on your mind. I want to get to know your whole story, not just your symptoms. From there, I will answer any questions you may have, and you’ll receive your first acupuncture treatment. During this time you'll get to slow down, reset, and reconnect with yourself. For returning clients, sessions are 1 hour. We’ll check in and talk about any changes or updates, and chat about anything else going on in your life or on your mind. Then you'll settle in for your treatment (aka your built in relaxation time)! For details on the duration of other services, check out the specific service page for all the details. If you still can't find what you're looking for, don't hesitate to call, text or email.

Absolutely! Don't hesitate to call, text, or send an email if you have any specific questions or need clarifications about anything at all. Happy to chat!

Yes! Acupuncture is a safe and wonderful way to support you through every stage of pregnancy. It can help keep those not so fun pregnancy symptoms like nausea, fatigue, and aches at bay, making the journey a little smoother and a lot more comfortable. And you don’t have to wait until you’re pregnant to start! Acupuncture can also support fertility and help you on your path to conception. We even offer specialized treatments for those going through IVF and embryo transfers, meeting you at your clinic to provide acupuncture both before and after your transfer. Studies have shown that this can significantly increase the chances of a successful pregnancy! Whether you're trying to conceive or already expecting, acupuncture is here to help you feel your best every step of the way!

Absolutely! Many needle phobic clients have been successfully treated at Auna and a lot of people who try acupuncture are nervous about needles at first, and that’s completely okay! If you’re feeling nervous, we have several ways to make the experience more comfortable. We will take a gentle, patient approach and adjust treatments to ensure you feel at ease. You’ll also have the opportunity to see and touch the needles before any treatment. Many needle phobic people find that simply realizing how tiny the needles are helps to ease their anxiety! If you’re still unsure, we can use needle free alternatives like acupressure tools (such as Shonishin devices) or hands-on acupressure. Another approach is contact needling. Contact needling involves bringing the needle to the surface of the skin to activate the energetics of that point, without actually puncturing the skin. No need to worry! We’ll go at your pace and make sure you feel completely comfortable before starting. The goal is to help you feel relaxed and supported every step of the way. Easy peasy!

Of course! Acupuncture is just as safe and effective for kids and teens as it is for adults, and treatments are always tailored to their comfort level. Unlike adults, little ones even tend to respond more quickly to acupuncture. And in some cases, we'll instead use gentle, needle-free techniques like acupressure or Shonishin (a Japanese pediatric method). For teens, acupuncture can be a great support for environmental stress, anxiety, sleep issues, digestive troubles, and even hormonal changes. The experience will be easy and approachable, so no one has to be nervous. No scary stuff, just relaxing feel-good vibes!

Auna Wellness has a 48-hour cancellation policy. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please notify us at least 48 hours in advance so we can offer the time slot to other clients. Cancellations made within 48 hours may be subject to a late cancellation fee or 50% of the appointment cost. Failure to show up for a scheduled appointment without prior notice may result in being charged the full appointment price as a no-show fee.

avoid before: acupuncture: Avoid heavy meals or fasting Skip alcohol or caffeine Avoid dehydration cosmetic acupuncture: Avoid coming in with makeup. A clean face is best No intense sun exposure or facial treatments No botox or fillers for at least 2 weeks before your appointment microneedling: Avoid sun exposure and tanning for at least 24–48 hours. Skip retinoids, exfoliants, or harsh skincare for about 3–5 days prior Hold off on Botox or fillers at least 2 weeks before No makeup please! Come in with a clean face avoid after: cosmetic acupuncture No heavy skincare products or exfoliants for 24 hours No peels, lasers, or extractions for 48 hours microneedling Avoid sun exposure for a few days post-treatment No makeup for 24 hours No hot yoga, saunas, or sweaty workouts for at least 24–48 hours Stick to gentle, hydrating skincare after 24 hours reiki: Avoid jumping right back into stress mode Avoid alcohol and caffeine for 24 hours after your session. Instead drink plenty of water glass fire cupping: Avoid sun exposure, hot showers, or saunas for 24 hours Avoid pools, cold plunges, and the ocean for 24 hours Skip intense workouts or anything that makes you sweat a lot Expect some marks

Here’s how to get the most out of your session Have a light meal or snack beforehand: You don’t want to show up hangry or on an empty stomach. Acupuncture works best when your body has some fuel. Keep hydrated: Water helps your energy flow more smoothly, and it supports the healing process. Wear comfy, loose comfortable clothes: This makes it easier to access acupuncture points and keeps you cozy during your session. Bring any questions or health updates We'll check in about how you’ve been feeling physically, emotionally, and energetically. Feel free to bring any lab work to review as well. Plan appointment timing wisely: It's hard to relax when you've been rushing to make your appointment! Come with an open mind and desire to grow Whether it’s your first session or your 15th, just be open to the experience. Acupuncture is about tuning in, letting go, and giving your body the care it deserves.

Auna Wellness does not accept insurance; however, we can provide a super bill for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. A super bill is a detailed receipt of your acupuncture services. If your plan includes "out-of-network" acupuncture benefits, you can submit the super bill to your insurance provider, and they may reimburse you directly for a percentage of the covered amount. Please note that insurance typically only reimburses for acupuncture. Services such as Reiki, microneedling, cosmetic acupuncture, and facials are usually not covered. We do accept HSA and FSA payments!

Yes, Auna Wellness does offer discounted packages for some services! acupuncture: $135 per session $750 for 6 sessions ($60 savings)* $1440 for 12 sessions ($180 savings)* *split payments available for packages cosmetic acupuncture: $175 per session $1020 for 6 sessions ($30 savings)* $1980 for 12 sessions ($120 savings)* *split payments available for packages microneedling: microneedling (face only): $325 per session $1900 for 6 sessions ($50 savings)* $3600 for 12 sessions ($300 savings)* microneedling (face + neck): $375 per session $2200 for 6 sessions ($50 savings)* $4200 for 12 sessions ($300 savings)* microneedling for hair loss (scalp +/or bald spots): $385 per session $2260 for 6 sessions ($50 savings)* $4320 for 12 sessions ($300 savings)* *split payments available for packages

acupuncture: new clients: $210 for the first session (2 hours) existing clients: $135 per session $750 for 6 sessions ($60 savings)* $1440 for 12 sessions ($180 savings)* *split payments available for packages cosmetic acupuncture: new clients: $220 for the first session (1.5 hours) existing clients: $175 per session $1020 for 6 sessions ($30 savings)* $1980 for 12 sessions ($120 savings)* *split payments available for packages reiki energy healing: reiki healing session (1 hour): $150 reiki healing session + acupuncture (1 hour): $185 microneedling: microneedling (face only): $325 per session $1900 for 6 sessions ($50 savings)* $3600 for 12 sessions ($300 savings)* microneedling (face + neck): $375 per session $2200 for 6 sessions ($50 savings)* $4200 for 12 sessions ($300 savings)* microneedling for hair loss (scalp +/or bald spots): $385 per session $2260 for 6 sessions ($50 savings)* $4320 for 12 sessions ($300 savings)* *split payments available for packages glass fire cupping: $75 per session (45 min) eastern medicine inspired facials: acupuncture facial (1.5 hours): $200 gua sha, cupping, micro-current facial (1 hour): $145

Yes, we've got plenty of parking available! Just pull right in and you're good to go!

Auna Wellness is located in the Landmark Center at 4540 Kearny Villa Rd, Suite #211. When you arrive, turn right into the parking lot, and you'll see the first building on your left. Head to either end of the building, where you'll find a blue staircase. We are on the second floor, just follow the hallway down to suite #211.