FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world. Originating in China more than 2,000 years ago, acupuncture began to become better known in the United States in 1971, when New York Times reporter James Reston wrote about how doctors in China used needles to ease his pain after surgery.
The term acupuncture describes a family of procedures involving stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques. American practices of acupuncture incorporate medical traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and other countries. The acupuncture technique that has been most studied scientifically involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation.
What Can Acupuncture Treat?
The following link leads to The World Health Organization's endorsed list of diseases and disorders that can be treated using acupuncture. If you have specific questions about acupunctures usage please feel free to contact me directly.
World Health Organization (WHO) on Acupuncture www.who.intHow Does Acupuncture Work?
While Modern Western medicine cannot completely explain how acupuncture works within its paradigm, research has identified the ability of acupuncture to modulate neuroendocrine functions such as blood hormone levels, perhaps explaining some of this technique's effectiveness. Traditional acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of Qi (energy) through meridians or pathways that span the body. According to such theory, acupuncture allows Qi to flow to areas where it is deficient and away from areas where it is in excess. In this way, acupuncture regulates and restores the harmonious energetic balance of the body.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
You may feel a sensation of heaviness, perhaps a slight cramping or distention around the needle or traveling up or down the affected Meridian (energy pathway). If you experience any discomfort, it is usually mild and temporary, and not considered painful. Often the patient does not experience any sensations, which is also a normal response.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Yes, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners in 1996. The FDA requires that sterile, nontoxic needles be used and that they be labeled for single use by qualified practitioners only.
What Should I Expect During My Office Visit?
During your first office visit, we will discuss at length your health condition, lifestyle, and behavior. I want to obtain a complete picture of your treatment needs and behaviors that may contribute to your condition in order to best tailor your personalized treatment plan. Plan to share information regarding all complimentary treatments or medications you are taking and all medical conditions you have.
Office visits average between an hour and an hour and a half. A typical visit incorporates Tui-Na (medical massage), a front and back treatment, and a combination of complimentary modalities such as moxabustion, electrical stimulation, cranial-sacral work, and cupping dependent on chief complaint.
What Should I Wear To My Appointment?
Please wear or bring loose or comfortable clothing (ex: shorts, tank top, sports bra etc.) for easy access to acupuncture points below the knees and elbows. If access is needed to points on abdomen and/or back that your clothes do not accommodate an appropriate drape or gown may be provided to you. Also, please make sure you eat before the treatment; acupuncture can leave you feeling light-headed on an empty stomach.
How Many Appointments Will I Need?
The benefits of acupuncture are often cumulative, working through layers of disharmony in order to achieve balance. Acute conditions often only need one or two treatments for the imbalance to be resolved. Chronic disorders and pain management can take more time and a series of treatments. Three to four sessions are suggested as a first course after which we will evaluate the progress and any continued treatment plan if applicable based on how you feel.
Many patients prefer to come in for scheduled well-being/preventative care appointments and I often recommend coming in seasonally for a tune-up during those times of transition. Some patients prefer to come in on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. At the end of the day this is your well-being journey and I am here to help you decide what course of action works best for YOU.Do You Accept Insurance?
I do accept insurance as an out-of-network provider for those patients who are covered under their policies. When booking your initial appointment please provide your insurance information (full name, D.O.B., policy name and number, and your billing address) for verification purposes and your convenience prior to arriving for your appointment.