Acupuncture
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes. Licensed acupuncturists are highly trained healthcare professionals. We complete a master’s degree program that includes extensive study of human anatomy, physiology, and clinical training. In addition, we are required to pass national board examinations through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and maintain a state license to practice. To ensure your complete safety, we follow Clean Needle Technique standards and use only pre-sterilized, disposable, single-use needles.
What to expect at your first visit?
Your first visit is all about you, your story, your health, and your goals. After booking your appointment you will be emailed an intake form that we ask you to fill out ahead of your appointment time. We’ll begin with a conversation where I’ll ask about your main concerns in more detail, review your health history, and how you’re feeling overall. This helps me create a treatment plan that’s tailored just for you.
Once we’re ready to begin, you’ll get comfortable on the treatment table. Very fine, hair-thin needles are gently placed at specific points on your body. Most people are surprised at how relaxing this feels, some even drift off to sleep! You may notice sensations like warmth, tingling, or a gentle heaviness, which are signs your body is responding to the treatment.
A typical session lasts about 60–75 minutes, with the needles resting for 20–30 minutes while you relax. Afterward, people often describe feeling lighter, calmer, and more balanced. Sometimes results are immediate, and other times they build gradually over a series of treatments. Our goal is to make sure you feel comfortable, supported, and cared for every step of the way.
What should I wear?
If possible, wear clothing that can be easily moved to allow access to your elbows and knees. Many of the acupuncture points treated will be from your elbows down and knees down. Other commonly treated points are on the head, face or ears as it pertains to your unique situation. Needs will vary depending on what is being treated in your appointment.
Do you accept insurance for payment?
We are able to accept payments from FSA or HSA cards for Acupuncture treatments. Let our front desk staff know that you would like to pay with your FSA or HSA card.
How many treatments will I need?
Every individual’s diagnosis is unique, so treatment plans are tailored to your specific needs. For acute conditions, sessions are typically recommended once a week for 4-8 weeks, though some people prefer appointments every 2–4 weeks. Chronic conditions may take longer to improve depending on their severity, but most patients notice some relief within the first few treatments.
Parking
Where should I park?
On-street parking
We treat our Michigan Street entrance as our main entrance. We suggest looking for a spot along Michigan Street under the Lake Avenue overpass or directly in front of our entrance (you’ll see the stairs going up to the boardwalk).
The city enforces parking along Michigan St. between 8:30am-5:30pm. Weekends are free. There is a 90 minute max when using the Duluth Parking app. If you know you will need longer than 90 minutes, we recommend using one of the parking ramps or lots nearby. This has changed in 2026. Prior, the maximum time limit was 2 hours which worked well for most of our clients. We are currently in discussions with the Parking Commission to find a solution that works better for our customers.
Alternatively, the city enforces parking on Superior St. between 8:30am-9:00pm. Weekends are free with an 80 minute max.
Pay in advance.
Since there is no kiosk currently along Michigan Street, we recommend using the Park Duluth app and having a card on file makes it quick and easy every time.
Handicap
There is a handicap accessible spot directly in front of our Michigan Street door.
Parking lots
Scan the QR code to pay in advance.
- Michigan St & 1st Ave. East – known as the “Muffler Clinic” lot.
- Tech Village
- The Tech Village Lot has a machine you can pay at on the ground floor (near the Pizza Luce entrance where the elevator is located) if you don’t want to scan the QR code.
Alternative Transportation
Being located very near Lake Avenue and Superior Street, there are many buses with stops very close.
$1.50 peak, $.75 off-peak
We recommend using both the MyDTA and Transit apps. The MyDTA app can have pre-purchased tickets ready to use when you need them.
https://www.duluthtransit.com/home/getting-there/my-dta-mobile-app/
The transit app gives you realtime route planning so you know when to leave to catch the bus you need.
Lakewalk Access
With boardwalk access right outside our door, it’s easy to connect to the Lakewalk, East Duluth, and Canal Park.
Wellness Access Initiative
How does the selection process work?
Applicants will fill out an online application to collect information about financial need, physical limitations/impairments and psychosocial concerns. They will also have at least one session with one of the Halcyon team members who will report on their need for services (and which one/s), frequency and duration. This information will be provided to the selection committee.
The selection committee is composed of three to five individuals with at least one member-owner from Halcyon House. We ideally would like the majority of this panel to be composed of independent community members and donors. The member-owner from Halcyon House is a liaison between the selection committee and the cooperative, and is responsible for making sure all identifying information about applicants is removed and all information available for the committee to access is HIPAA compliant.
We will use this information and these tiers to decide the amount subsidized.
How does the selection committee determine which tier applies to you?
Level:
- 1 is our highest award level. 90% of the cost of treatment is covered. The financial guidelines are up to 150% of the Federal Poverty Limit ($48,225 for a family of 4).
- 2 70% of treatment covered with financial guidelines of up to 175% of FPL.
- 3 50% of treatment covered with financial guidelines of up to 200% of FPL.
- 4 30% of treatment covered with financial guidelines of up to 225% of FPL.
- 5 10% of treatment covered with financial guidelines of up to 250% of FPL.
Occupational Therapy
What is the age range for pediatric therapy sessions?
From birth to 12 years. Currently, we are scheduling these on select Sundays of the month. However, starting in June, these will move to every other Saturday.