Type "acupuncture Orlando" or "Altamonte acupuncture" into a search bar and you will get a long list of clinics, spas and wellness studios. They are not all the same. Whether you are dealing with back pain, headaches, stress or something your doctor has not been able to sort out, these six questions can help you find the right practitioner.

1. Is the Practitioner Licensed as an Acupuncture Physician in Florida?

In Florida, acupuncture is regulated by the Board of Acupuncture, and licensed practitioners use the title Acupuncture Physician (AP). You can look up any license on the Florida Department of Health's license verification website. Some other providers offer "dry needling" with much less training in acupuncture, so it is worth asking who will actually be treating you.

2. What Training and Experience Do They Have?

Ask where the practitioner trained and how long they have been in practice. At J.P. Hou Institute, our practice was founded in Orlando in 1982 by Dr. Joseph P. Hou, a past president of the Florida State Acupuncture Association and past vice chairman of the Florida Board of Acupuncture. Today Dr. John Y. Hou and Dr. Alexander J. Hou carry on the family practice, each with a Doctor of Oriental Medicine degree and Florida Acupuncture Physician designation. You can read more on our team page.

3. Do They Take Your Insurance?

Coverage for acupuncture varies widely by plan. Before you book, call the clinic with your insurance card handy and ask them to check your benefits. Our insurance page lists the plans we commonly work with, and our article on insurance coverage in Florida explains the questions to ask your carrier.

4. Is the Clinic Convenient Enough to Keep Coming Back?

Acupuncture usually works best as a series of visits, so location matters more than people expect. A clinic you can reach in 15 minutes is one you will actually return to. We have two offices:

  • Orlando: 2224 E Concord St, Orlando, FL 32803, near downtown, Winter Park and Maitland. Call (407) 896-3005.
  • Altamonte Springs: 421 Montgomery Rd, Suite 115, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, convenient for Longwood, Casselberry, Lake Mary and Apopka. Call (407) 682-6366.

5. What Happens at the First Visit?

A good first appointment starts with questions, not needles: your health history, current medications, what you have already tried and what you hope to improve. Ask whether the clinic offers a consultation so you can meet the practitioner first. We offer a free initial consultation at both locations. Our first appointment guide walks through a typical visit step by step.

6. Do They Offer More Than Needles?

Traditional Chinese medicine includes several therapies that can be combined with acupuncture depending on your needs, such as electroacupuncture, cupping, moxibustion and Chinese herbal medicine. A practitioner trained in all of them can tailor treatment to you rather than giving everyone the same session.

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Promises of a guaranteed cure
  • Pressure to prepay for a large package before your first visit
  • Advice to stop medications or skip care your doctor has recommended
  • Needles that are not opened from sterile, single-use packaging in front of you

Acupuncture works best alongside, not instead of, care from your doctor. If you have a serious or new symptom, get it checked by a physician first. If you have questions about whether acupuncture is a good fit for you, call either office and we will give you an honest answer.

Related: Is acupuncture safe? · Conditions we treat · Visit our Orlando or Altamonte Springs clinic.

Book Your Free Consultation