FAQs

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most common FAQs that are often asked of our office.

What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles, roughly about the thickness of a human hair, into specific points along the body to promote blood flow and stimulate the body’s natural ability to repair itself.

How does acupuncture work?
—Needles are used to relieve pain, reduce swelling and also to stimulate the immune system to promote good health. —Acupuncture can help reduce stress and tension by promoting relaxation and regulating sleep. It also helps speed up recovery from injury, as well as disease, by increasing blood flow and improving circulation in order to boost cellular repair.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
—Traditional Chinese Medicine is a medicine that has been practiced for thousands of years in China. It pre-dates Western Medicine with a history that can be traced back more than 4,000 years. It is a comprehensive holistic system that incorporates the use of medicinal herbs, acupuncture, nutrition and physical movement. TCM is based upon the belief that all life has energy, commonly referred to as Qi (pronounced “chee”) and that all aspects of a patient’s life and lifestyle play an important role in his/her health. The focus of TCM is about maintaining balance in the body; if energy does not flow correctly, there will be some dysfunction in the body’s  natural processes—.

What can acupuncture and TCM treat?
Here is a partial list of some of the conditions that acupuncture and TCM can treat:

  • —Acute and chronic pain – injuries, carpal tunnel, arthritis, headaches, migraines, sciatica, tendonitis, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel
  • —Digestive issues – nausea, irritable bowel, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, ulcers, food allergies
  • —Respiratory issues – asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, sore throat, colds and flu
  • —Immune function – recurrent infections, immuno-compromised patients (e.g. patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV, etc.)
  • —Neurological disorders – post-stroke treatment, Bell’s Palsy, trigeminal neuralgia, movement disorders
  • —Urinary and reproductive organ disorders
  • —Psychological issues – depression, anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD, addictions
  • —Pediatric issues
  • —Pets (under veterinary supervision)

Does it hurt?
—In most cases, the insertion and manipulation of the needles does not hurt. —Most patients do not feel the insertion of the needles.—There may be a heavy sensation, an aching or tingling at the point of insertion, but most patients do not describe acupuncture as painful. —Needles are made of solid stainless steel filaments, most of which are no thicker than the width of a human hair. Compared to a hypodermic needle, acupuncture needles are solid, not hollow, and not meant to create a hole in the skin.

How many treatments will I need?
Due to variations in severity, how long the condition has persisted and the nature of your own particular condition, treatment plans will vary. Two to three treatments may suffice for acute conditions, whereas five to fifteen treatments may be required in order to resolve chronic issues.You should always evaluate your progress after each session. You should notice some relief after a couple of sessions, or more if you are suffering from a more pervasive condition. As your practitioner, you should come to me if you have any questions about your treatment and progress. If your response to treatments is unsatisfactory, then I may consider further diagnostic exams, modification of your treatment plan or perhaps a referral to an appropriate practitioner, if necessary.

How often should I come in?
The effects of acupuncture are cumulative. The more often you come in with less time in between visits, the better. It’s best not to space out your visits over long periods of time, especially if you have a condition that has not been addressed for a considerable amount of time. Once significant progress has been achieved with your condition, visits can become more sporadic. As soon as your short-term wellness goals for your immediate needs have been met, it is important to evaluate your long-term wellness goals, as well. Optimal health and results can be achieved with regular maintenance as a preventative measure.

Do you accept insurance?
At the moment, I am not accepting any insurance. All payments are to be rendered at the time of service. If your insurance provides acupuncture coverage, which you are responsible for determining your own eligibility, then I can provide you with a Superbill that you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.

These are just some of the most frequently asked questions about acupuncture and our practice. If you have further questions or didn’t find your question covered here in the FAQs, please contact our office via our Contact Our Office page.

 

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