Frequently Asked Questions

Your first visit with Dr. Mara is longer than a typical follow-up — usually 75 to 90 minutes. She'll spend meaningful time getting to know your health history, your current concerns, and your goals. She'll ask questions you might not expect — about your sleep, your digestion, your stress, and your daily rhythms — because all of these paint a picture of your overall health. From there, she'll design a treatment tailored specifically to you, explain which points she's using and why, and then guide you through your first session. Most people are surprised by how relaxing it feels.

This is the question we hear most from first-timers, and the honest answer is: not the way you might expect. Acupuncture needles are hair-thin — nothing like a hypodermic needle. Most patients feel little to nothing upon insertion, and often describe the sensation as a mild heaviness, warmth, or gentle tingling at the point — signs that qi is moving. Many patients fall asleep during treatment. If you ever feel uncomfortable, Dr. Mara will always adjust.

This depends entirely on what you're working with. Acute conditions — a recent injury or a specific flare-up — may respond quickly, sometimes within three to five sessions. Chronic or complex conditions generally benefit from a longer course of care, often weekly sessions for the first month or two, followed by maintenance visits. Dr. Mara will give you her honest recommendation at your first visit and check in with you regularly about your progress.

It depends on your plan — but there's a good chance it does. HABA Acupuncture is in-network with Cigna HMO and PPO plans, meaning Cigna members are covered at the highest benefit level and often pay very little per visit. For Aetna, United Healthcare, Anthem, Healthnet, and Blue Shield, Dr. Mara is an out-of-network provider — but many of these plans still reimburse a meaningful portion of acupuncture costs, and our billing team handles all claims on your behalf — you simply submit our quick online verification form and we'll look up your plan within 48 hours.

Gua sha is an ancient Chinese healing technique that uses a smooth-edged tool — traditionally jade or rose quartz — to gently stroke the skin, stimulating blood flow, releasing fascia, and encouraging lymphatic drainage. On the face, it creates a lifting, brightening effect while releasing tension held in the jaw, brow, and neck. On the body, it's used to address pain, tightness, and stagnation. It looks dramatic in videos, but in practice it feels wonderful — like a deeply intentional massage.

Concierge Wellness is Dr. Mara's in-home or in-office service for clients who prefer to receive care in their own space. She brings everything needed for a complete treatment to your home, hotel, or place of work — ideal for busy professionals, postpartum mothers, patients with limited mobility, or anyone who values the privacy and ease of at-home care. Please visit the Concierge Wellness page or contact Dr. Mara directly for availability and rates.

Come with a light meal in your system — not too full, not fasting. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows access to your arms and legs. Avoid caffeine right before your session if possible, and plan to rest gently afterward rather than rushing back into a hectic schedule. And most importantly — come with any questions you have. Dr. Mara wants you to feel informed and at ease.

Dr. Mara brings a rare combination of academic depth, clinical expertise, and genuine warmth. Her background at Harvard Divinity School and her doctorate in Traditional Chinese Medicine give her a perspective on healing that goes beyond technique — she understands the philosophy, history, and cultural context of this medicine, and that shapes everything about the care she offers. Beyond credentials, patients consistently say that Dr. Mara makes them feel truly heard, which in itself is part of the healing.

Yes. Dr. Mara is a trained herbalist in both Eastern and Western traditions and can prescribe personalized herbal formulas as a complement to your acupuncture treatments, or as a standalone consultation.

HABA Acupuncture is located at 610 D Street, Suite C, San Rafael, CA 94901 — in the heart of Marin County, easily accessible from San Rafael, Sausalito, Mill Valley, Novato, Fairfax, and the surrounding communities. A parking lot is available for patients behind the building.