DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT?

Not at all. Acupuncture is not painful. You may feel a sensation when the needles are in but you should not feel pain. One might feel heaviness, distention, tingling, warmth, or a sensation of movement along the acupuncture channel. Most people feel very relaxed during the treatment and energized after.

 

WHERE DO YOU PUT THE NEEDLES?

Acupuncture needles are inserted in points located around the body. Usually, points are located on "channels" or "meridians" flowing through the body carrying oxygen, blood, and nourishment. Inserted at these points, needles adjust the flow to help the body re-balance and become healthier.

 

HOW MANY NEEDLES WILL I GET?

Acupuncturists typically choose between 6-18 points for a treatment depending on the presenting problem.

 

ARE THE NEEDLES CLEAN?

Yes. Acupuncture needles are single-use, disposable, sterilized, metallic, solid, and hair-thin. After each treatment, all needles are disposed of.

 

HOW SOON CAN I EXPECT TO SEE RESULTS?

Some patients feel an immediate reduction in their symptoms, for others, it may take a few treatments.

 

HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO VISIT?

The number of visits you need depends on a variety of factors including the variability of your symptoms, the length of time those symptoms have persisted, your overall health, your age, and other medical problems you may have.  For acute conditions (within the last 3 months), expect to see significant changes within 3 or 4 treatments. For chronic conditions, expect more moderately paced progress. Usually, after four treatments, I will know whether or not acupuncture is working for your condition.

 

MAY CHINESE MEDICINE BE USED WITH MEDICATION AND OTHER MEDICAL CARE?

Chinese medicine may certainly be used in conjunction with other medical care. Patients should always provide information as to what medications or medical care they are employing. This will be taken into account. Furthermore, as acupuncture treatment progresses, the need for certain drugs typically decreases and it may be appropriate to reduce or discontinue medication (with the consent of the patient's treating physician).

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WILL INSURANCE COVER THIS?

I am able to work with a wide variety of insurance providers by providing my patients with a Superbill upon request. A Superbill is an invoice for your visit that uses standardized codes for all of the treatments performed. This process requires the patient to pay the full cost of the treatment out-of-pocket at the time of the visit. The Superbill can thereafter be submitted to your insurance carrier for full or partial reimbursement depending on your policy. Patients wishing to make use of this service should check with their insurance carriers to be sure that Superbills are accepted.

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