FAQ

Acupuncture Frequently Asked Questions

Acupuncture

Systemic balance is critical to one's health and wellness, in western medicine this is known as homeostasis.  Any imbalance can result in disorders such as pain, injury, insomnia, digestive issues, stress, gynecological disorders, allergies, depression, colds and a myriad of other complications.  Acupuncture helps restore one's nature balance so organs and bodily systems can work together in harmony. This sets the stage for the body to repair itself and maintain its own optimal health. 

From a Western medicine perspective, research has shown that acupuncture treatment triggers different physiological responses, such as:

• Stimulating the immune system and increasing white blood cells, which defend the body against infection.

• Regulating blood sugar metabolism, which helps the body use energy more efficiently.

• Increasing blood circulation and producing beneficial changes in blood pressure; Decreasing cholesterol and triglycerides.

• Increasing stomach peristaltic activity and regulating digestive fluids, thereby improving digestion.

• Regulating and stimulating serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is directly related to sleep, appetite, and moods.

• Increasing the availability of receptors in the brain that process and weaken pain signals.

• Affecting both the brain’s short- and long-term ability to reduce pain sensation.

Q. Does Insurance cover Acupuncture?

We no longer bill insurance, but many of our patients are able to be reimbursed for our services by submitting a “superbill”, an invoice with specific insurance coding, to their insurance provider. We're happy to provide you with a superbill for reimbursement.

To find out about your policy's acupuncture coverage, call the patient number on the back of your card and ask:

• Do I have out-of-network coverage for acupuncture?

• What percentage of the visit is covered?

• Is there a limit to how many visits per year?

• Do I have an out-of-network deductible to meet? If so, how much has been met?

• What diagnoses are covered?

• How do I submit super-bills?

You can use your flexible spending and health savings account debit cards for our services—these pretax accounts provided by some insurance companies are a great way to offset the cost of your out-of-pocket health care costs. And they'll cover acupuncture with us!

Q.What can I expect in the first acupuncture session?

 Your acupuncture  appointment will last an hour.  The first acupuncture appointment will be a thorough interview process as we discuss the main reasons for your visit and all else relating to your health, past and present.  I will then take your pulse as the main form of diagnosis. We will end the session with the acupuncture, in which the needles are retained for about 25 minutes. There is an infrared heat lamp, music, in a tranquil environment.The benefits of acupuncture start immediately.  After your first treatment you could experience an excellent night of sleep, higher energy, more focus, less stress and a reduction in pain.

Q. Does acupuncture hurt?

• Acupuncture needles can have a certain sensation after they are inserted.  If one does experience the sensation of pain it lasts only for a few seconds.  

• Unlike hypodermic needles which are used for the delivery of liquids and have a hollow edge to cut the skin, acupuncture needles are solid and part the tissue rather than cut it.  

• Acupuncture needles are also much finer than hypodermic needles.  About 40 acupuncture needles can fit into the tip of one standard 18 gauge hypodermic needle!  Due to the acupuncture needles being so fine and the swiftness of the insertion, the pain reflexes on the nerve endings are not even stimulated.  

• There are some areas of the body that will always be more sensitive including the fingers, toes and palms, but it's generally nothing more than a quick little prick.  By the time all the needles are inserted, you generally do not feel any of them and are consumed with a sense of calm relaxation.

Q. Where do the needles go?

• This depends on the pattern of disharmony being treated. Acupuncture points are located over the entire body. 

• Points are chosen locally at the location of pain as well as distally. All acupuncture treatments and point selection are dependent on individual presentation not the condition.

Q.  How often do I have to come?

• Typically acupuncture treatments are given 1-2 times per week.  The exact duration of treatment varies case to case but generally depends on the condition, your basic level of health and how well you respond to acupuncture. Acupuncture works cumulatively and optimal benefits are seen when administered over a period of time.  

• For acute conditions, as little as one to a few treatments may be needed, while chronic conditions may require several weeks or months of treatment.  On average, 4-6 regular treatments are suggested to start, and the treatment plan is adjusted according to progress made.  

• Usually frequent treatments are done for the first few weeks; after that, the frequency of treatment may be reduced as wellness is restored.  Average cases take around 4-6 treatments to resolve, while more challenging chronic cases can take 10+.

• Acupuncture is also a preventive medicine, and some clients enjoy receiving acupuncture "tune-ups" or wellness visits on a regular or occasional basis after their initial main complaint has been resolved.

• The treatment course will be determined during the first visit and reassessed during each followup visit.

Q. How can I prepare for my session?

• Please eat a light meal and drink water one hour before your appointment. This will reduce the possibility of feeling weak or dizzy after the session.

• It is best to wear loose comfortable clothing so that the elbows, knees, abdomen and back are accessible. However, that is not a requirement by any means.

• After the session please refrain from strenuous activity, consumption of alcoholic beverages, smoking, and greasy heavy meals for the rest of the day.  This will allow the maximum effects of the treatment.

• It is important to drink water after the session, and throughout the rest of the day.

Q. How does acupuncture work?

 Systemic balance is critical to one's health and wellness, in western medicine this is known as homeostasis.  Any imbalance can result in disorders such as pain, injury, insomnia, digestive issues, stress, gynecological disorders, allergies, depression, colds and a myriad of other complications.  Acupuncture helps restore one's nature balance so organs and bodily systems can work together in harmony. This sets the stage for the body to repair itself and maintain its own optimal health. 

From a Western medicine perspective, research has shown that acupuncture treatment triggers different physiological responses, such as:

• Stimulating the immune system and increasing white blood cells, which defend the body against infection.

• Regulating blood sugar metabolism, which helps the body use energy more efficiently.

• Increasing blood circulation and producing beneficial changes in blood pressure; Decreasing cholesterol and triglycerides.

• Increasing stomach peristaltic activity and regulating digestive fluids, thereby improving digestion.

• Regulating and stimulating serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is directly related to sleep, appetite, and moods.

• Increasing the availability of receptors in the brain that process and weaken pain signals.

• Affecting both the brain’s short- and long-term ability to reduce pain sensation.

Q. Can I receive Acupuncture if I am pregnant?

• Yes. There are acupuncture points contraindicated during pregnancy and the practitioner is trained to avoid these areas.

• It is important to inform your practitioner if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant.

Q.  What does acupuncture treat?

  Acupuncture is extremely successful in the treatment of a multitude of conditions.  The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified approximately 40 diseases that are effectively treated with acupuncture.  However Chinese Medicine is a complete medical system that is capable of diagnosing and effectively treating a wide range of conditions including but certainly not limited to: