Understand insurance coverage
When you’re exploring a cupping and acupuncture combo accepted by insurance, understanding the nuances of your plan is critical. Coverage varies widely depending on your provider, plan type and state regulations.
Insurance for acupuncture
Medicare Part B now covers acupuncture for chronic low back pain, providing up to 12 treatments in 90 days and an additional eight sessions if you show improvement, for a total of 20 treatments per year (Medicare). Medicare beneficiaries must receive care from a qualified professional; however, acupuncturists cannot bill Medicare directly, so Doyle Chiropractic and Acupuncture coordinates billing through eligible providers.
Many private insurers have expanded benefits to include acupuncture for conditions such as osteoarthritis pain, chemotherapy side effects and chronic musculoskeletal disorders. Major carriers like Aetna, UnitedHealthcare and Cigna offer coverage for acupuncture visits under their specialist or holistic care benefits (Nature Acupuncture & Herbs). Copays typically range from $15 to $50 per session, and some plans require a referral or preauthorization.
Insurance for cupping
Cupping therapy is less frequently covered by standard health plans, but you can often use flexible spending accounts (FSA) or health savings accounts (HSA) to pay for sessions. Certain veteran benefits programs may include cupping as part of rehabilitation services (va-approved-cupping-therapy-services). Aetna members may access cupping for inflammation under their complementary therapy riders (cupping for inflammation accepted by aetna). Cigna may list cupping providers in-network for recovery and stress relief sessions (cigna in-network cupping therapy). For broader wellness plans, ask us about holistic chiropractic services covered by insurance and how we can verify your cupping benefits before your first visit.
Explore combined therapies
Integrative chiropractic care at Doyle combines multiple modalities in a single session to address the root causes of pain and dysfunction. A cupping and acupuncture combo merges two time-tested techniques for a holistic healing experience.
Acupuncture overview
Originating over 2,500 years ago in ancient China, acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points to balance the body’s energy, or Qi. Clinical trials indicate that acupuncture may offer small to moderate improvements in function and pain relief for chronic low back pain, often outperforming usual care and rivaling medication outcomes with fewer side effects (CMS). Acupuncture can also alleviate stress, headaches and musculoskeletal stiffness.
Cupping overview
Cupping therapy dates back to ancient Egyptian and Chinese civilizations as early as 1550 B.C. and has been used across cultures to promote healing. Dry cupping uses suction cups to lift the skin and increase blood flow, while wet cupping involves controlled lacerations to draw blood into the cups. Research suggests cupping can stimulate metabolic activity, enhance immune function and reduce pain through mechanisms like Pain-Gate Theory, Nitric Oxide release and activation of endogenous opioids (NCBI Bookshelf; NCBI PMC). Myofascial cupping targets the connective tissue layer, making it effective for athletes and individuals with chronic pain.
Synergy in combo therapy
When combined, acupuncture focuses on precise acupoints to restore Qi flow, and cupping covers larger areas to draw stagnant blood and toxins to the surface. This synergy enhances pain relief, accelerates muscle recovery and supports overall wellness. Many patients report deeper relaxation, reduced inflammation and longer-lasting results after a blended session.
| Therapy | Mechanism | Common uses | Session length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncture | Needle stimulation at acupoints | Chronic pain, stress, nerve disorders | 20–30 minutes |
| Cupping | Suction to lift tissue and boost blood flow | Muscle recovery, inflammation, detox | 10–20 minutes |
| Combo | Sequential acupuncture and cupping | Enhanced pain relief, immune support | 40–50 minutes |
Compare therapy benefits
A combined approach delivers advantages that go beyond individual treatments:
- Enhanced pain control: dual mechanisms reduce acute and chronic discomfort
- Improved circulation: cupping boosts local blood flow, acupuncture balances systemic energy
- Reduced inflammation: studies show lower inflammatory markers after cupping and acupuncture sessions
- Stress relief: needle therapy and suction induce relaxation and lower cortisol levels
- Faster recovery: athletes benefit from myofascial release and tissue repair
- Immune support: cupping may increase immunoglobulins, acupuncture can boost natural defenses (NCBI PMC)
- Medication reduction: many clients reduce reliance on NSAIDs and muscle relaxants
- Holistic wellness: addresses physical, mental and energetic aspects for lasting health
Plan your sessions
To get the most from your integrated treatment, follow these steps:
- Verify your benefits: we help you confirm acupuncture and cupping coverage, copays and preauthorization requirements
- Gather referrals: some plans require a physician’s referral for specialty services
- Schedule an initial consultation: our team reviews your history, goals and develops a personalized plan
- Book combo treatments: choose a sequence of sessions based on your condition—typically six to twelve visits for optimal results
- Track progress: we monitor pain levels, mobility and overall wellness at each appointment
- Maintain gains: transition into maintenance care or add other modalities like insurance accepted cupping and detox treatment
You can use your HSA or FSA funds to cover any out-of-pocket costs. Many employers also include complementary therapies in their corporate wellness programs; invite your human resources team to contact us about on-site screenings and group sessions.
Choose Doyle Chiropractic
At Doyle Chiropractic and Acupuncture in Huntersville, NC, our multimodal healing programs blend chiropractic adjustments, regenerative therapies and time-tested Eastern modalities to address the root cause of dysfunction. You’ll benefit from our supportive environment, individualized plans and a team dedicated to your long-term health.
We take pride in being Huntersville’s premier provider of holistic care that goes beyond symptom relief. From spinal alignment to cupping and acupuncture, our services are designed to complement each other for comprehensive results. Discover what sets us apart:
- Licensed acupuncturists and experienced chiropractors working side by side
- Seamless insurance billing for acupuncture, with guidance on cupping benefits
- Customized plans incorporating weight-management, red light or laser therapies
- A welcoming, family-friendly clinic equipped for athletes and aging adults
Ready to experience lasting relief? Contact Doyle Chiropractic and Acupuncture today to schedule your consultation and find out how a cupping and acupuncture combo accepted by insurance can transform your health journey.
