Where are you located?

I am located at 1 North 5th Street downtown Richmond on the corner of 5th and Main Street next to the church. The studio is in Suite 416 on the 4th floor. There is an elevator in the building, however there is a small set of stairs in the building entrance.

Please dial 416 to be buzzed in. I may be finishing up with another patient when you arrive. There are bathrooms in the hallway on your way in, and a waiting area with chairs and filtered water in the clinic. Please help yourself.

Where should I park?

There is typically abundant metered street parking available during they day on 5th Street or Main Street for $2/hr. If it’s your first appointment, please allow yourself a few extra minutes to park and find the office.

Do you accept insurance?

Modern Folk Acupuncture is not in-network with any health insurance companies, and I do not bill insurance directly for services provided. I do accept HSA and Flex Spend Account cards for payment. Please see the policies page for more information. 

What should I do if I need to cancel my appointment?

To cancel or reschedule, please email me at sarah@modernfolkacu.com or call the clinic at 804.575.1522 and leave a message. There is a 24 hour cancellation policy.

How do I prepare for my first appointment?

Please fill out the intake form ahead of your appointment  to make the best use of our time together. Include any relevant recent lab work or imaging, if available. Eat something small, but avoid big, heavy meals before your appointment and avoid caffeine if possible. Being highly caffeinated before a treatment can make it difficult for the body to relax. The body heals best in a parasympathetic state and we want to set ourselves up for success. 

What should I expect during my first appointment?

The intention of the initial session is to lay the foundation of our work together. In our first appointment together, we will begin with a comprehensive review of your current concerns, health history, and treatment goals. Together we will determine the best approach to healing by meeting your body where it is in the moment. I may use Chinese medical diagnostic tools like pulse reading and tongue diagnosis to inform treatment strategy. Your appointment will include acupuncture treatment, which may be complemented by cupping, gua sha, or moxibustion. In most cases, you will spend time resting with needles retained for 20-35 minutes, depending on treatment needs.

How many appointments will I need?

It can depend on your health goals, treatment response and lifestyle. A series of weekly treatments at the beginning may be necessary, because the effects of Chinese medicine are cumulative and tend to build more rapidly when treatments are closer together. Some people experience significant improvement in just a few treatments, while others benefit from more regular treatments or monthly tune-ups to maintain balance and prevent flare ups. 

What conditions can acupuncture address?

Acupuncture can effectively alleviate a wide range of common conditions, including but not limited to: chronic or acute pain and injuries, arthritis, sinus congestion, autoimmune disorders, depression, anxiety, stress management, headaches or migraines, menstrual disorders, fertility challenges, endometriosis, dental pain, dry eyes, allergies, cold and flu prevention, insomnia, fatigue, circulation issues, post-stroke symptoms, acid reflux, bloating, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, and more. If you'd like to discuss your specific concerns further, please don't hesitate to reach out to me directly.