FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What can I expect to happen during an acupuncture appointment?
What exactly is acupuncture and how does it work?
How many treatments will I need?
What are other acupuncture techniques?
What can I expect to happen during an acupuncture appointment?
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The initial appointment takes about 60 minutes. I will go through a thorough health history, current health status, and goals, along with an acupuncture treatment. An acupuncture treatment consists of needle insertion and then a resting period of approximately 25 minutes. The needles are removed and the treatment is over.
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Follow-up treatments are usually no longer than 60 minutes, consisting of a shorter conversation and an acupuncture treatment. Other healing modalities such as tuina, guasha, essential oils or cupping may be used during this time as needed.
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What exactly is acupuncture and how does it work?
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Acupuncture is the Chinese art of healing. It involves inserting fine, sterile, disposable needles into specific body parts. Acupuncture stimulates the body's immune and healing systems.
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Acupuncture works by using tiny needles to access and manipulate the body's vital energy at specific points. Clinical studies show that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for a number of disorders and conditions, many of which are known to cause chronic, debilitating pain.
Chinese Medicine is one of the oldest and most respected medical treatments in the world. It originated over 5000 years ago and has a proven history of effectiveness. Acupuncture deals with imbalance in the natural, healthy states of the body. My work is to find out where the body is struggling to heal itself, often because underneath, we are just worn out. We do not sleep enough, we do not eat real foods that build back our energy stores, and the pace of life in this culture does not support an in-balance existence. Using the Chinese Medicine model enables practitioners to determine how to help the body help itself.
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Does acupuncture hurt?
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Patients experience acupuncture differently. For most patients, acupuncture is painless. Most patients have stated that there is little or no pain. Treatment energizes some patients and relaxes others.
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What are the needles like?
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Acupuncture needles are hair-thin, sterile, individually packaged, and disposable. There are many different brands, gauges and lengths to choose from.
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How many treatments will I need?
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The number of visits depends on the disorder and the patient's general health. An acute disorder may only need one or two treatments. Chronic conditions require more. Two to 12 treatments is a common acupuncture prescription.
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What are other acupuncture techniques?
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Other acupuncture techniques include moxabustion (application of heat), tuina (Chinese massage), exercise, diet, and cupping (a cup is applied to the skin, and the pressure in the cup is decreased, drawing the skin and muscles up into the cup)
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How long does it last?
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Everyone responds differently to acupuncture and the lasting effects of treatment will vary from person to person.
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Are there any side effects?
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Acupuncture itself carries little risk when done by a licensed practitioner. Sometimes bruising, fatigue, and soreness follow an acupuncture appointment, especially after your first time.
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Why should I try acupuncture?
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If you've tried other methods of treatment and they have not worked, or if you are looking for an alternative method of treatment that does not require prescription medications, acupuncture may be right for you.
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Does insurance cover acupuncture?
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Most insurance plans reimburse for acupuncture. Ask your insurance provider if they reimburse for treatment by a Licensed Acupuncturist. At this time I do not accept insurance.
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Acupuncture is considered "preventative" and reimbursable under most Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). It is also covered under many Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and may be an eligible tax deduction. Please check with your health plan or speak with a tax adviser for more information.
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What can acupuncture treat?
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According to the World Health Organization, there are 47 specific disorders treatable by acupuncture. Hundreds of clinical studies on the benefits of acupuncture show that it successfully treats conditions ranging from musculoskeletal problems (back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and others) to nausea, migraine headaches, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and infertility.
Headaches and Migraines
Acupuncture Beats Aspirin For Chronic Headaches
Chronic Pain
Chronic Low Back Pain and Acupuncture
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Anxiety and Depression
Can Acupuncture Treat Depression?
Fertility Support
Acupuncture Can Offer Natural Fertility Help
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Other Conditions
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) recognizes the list below of some of the conditions acupuncture can help effectively treat.
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Acupuncture can also be effective for many other conditions not included in this list. Please feel free to call and schedule a free phone consultation if you have any questions about these or other conditions and how acupuncture may help.
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Depression
Anxiety
PTSD
Insomnia
Headache and Migraine
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Facial Palsy
Paralysis Following Stroke
Peripheral Neuropathies
Intercostal Neuralgia
Disc Problems
Irritable Bowel and Colitis
Constipation and Diarrhea
Acute and Chronic Colitis
Fibromyalgia
Sciatica
Arthritis
PMS
Infertility
Dysmenorrhea
Menopause
Irregular Menstruation
Questions about whether or not acupuncture or Traditional Chinese Medicine is right for you? Schedule a free phone consultation to get your questions answered and to help determine if acupuncture is a good fit for your health care goals.