Send this page to a friend! Frequently Asked Questions! "What is Acupuncture? Is that the thing with the needles?" (This was an actual question) Yes, Acupuncture is pretty much all about the needles. They put the 'puncture' in Acupuncture! Acupuncture encompasses other modalities as well: Moxibustion - a heat therapy where Chinese herbs are burned, creating an infra-red-type heat. It really gets deep into painful joints and sore muscles. Fire/Suction Cupping - a type of massage where a glass or plastic cup is used to create suction on your skin, drawing the skin up into the cup. This modality helps to facilitate healing in cramped muscles, old injuries and even lung/chest congestion. Electric Stimulation - the stimulation is created by passing a very low electrical current through the Acupuncture needles. This therapy is wonderful for arthritis and cramping muscles. Acupuncture is a form of holistic medicine that has been practiced in China, Japan, Korea and other parts of the world for thousands of years! Acupuncture works on the idea that there are channels of energy running throughout the body. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, problems arise in the body when that energy is obstructed. Energy can be slowed or completely blocked due to trauma (whether physical or emotional), external influence (exposure to poor environment), internal influence (poor diet, insufficient sleep, constant stress) or a congenital problem. By inserting needles into points along the channels, or by using one of the other modalities listed above, the obstructions may begin to lessen and the energy may be allowed to flow freely, bringing the body back into balance. What is Acupuncture good for? Lots! Acupuncture is widely used for both acute and chronic pain relief, but people are finding out that it can do so much more! The following is a small sampling of disorders that the World Health Organization has recognized to be effectively treated by Acupuncture: Stress - Headaches - Depression - Migraines - Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis - Sciatica - TMJ Disorder - Dental and Post-Operative Pain - Allergies - Insomnia - Anxiety - Fibromyalgia - Women's Health Issues (Infertility, Menstrual Problems, PMS) - Men's Health Issues (Infertility, ED) - Weight Loss - Digestive Disorders (GERD, IBS) - Skin Problems - Smoking Cessation and so much more!! Do the needles hurt? Generally, the needles don't hurt! When the needles are inserted, many people experience a feeling of pressure or a very slight pinch. The Acupuncture needles used are a very fine gauge, much smaller than those used to draw blood or give a shot. The needles are about the thickness of one of the hairs on your head! Are the needles sterile? Yes, only sterile, disposable needles are used. The needle packages are opened and used only for your treatment and then they are disposed of properly in a biohazard container. What should I expect during my treatment? During your session, the Acupuncturist will have you fill out a thorough health history and will ask a series of questions to determine the most appropriate plan for your condition. They will also take your pulse and examine your tongue to confirm their plan. The Acupuncturist will clean the desired acu-points with antiseptic and insert the Acupuncture needles. The needles may remain in the skin for 10 to 20 minutes. You may have another modality like cupping or moxibustion used in conjuction with the needles. How many treatments will I need? When will I see results? Your treatment plan will depend on your condition and its severity. Generally, some relief can be seen within 2-3 sessions, but you should not consider your treatment to be finished at this point. Once some relief is achieved, your treatments can be tapered off over a few weeks so that your body is not only feeling better, but is strengthened so that that condition will have a difficult time returning. This is the hardest question to answer (especially over the internet!). Most people want to know if they will be better after only one treatment. The answer to this is NO. You may notice a small change in your condition, or at least your general health, but you will need more than one treatment to put a significant dent in your symptoms. Think about it this way - how well does one dose of antibiotics work? How about one vitamin pill? Not very well! They need time to get into your body, to get into each cell to help your body heal. Your body has an innate ability to heal itself, Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine are all about reminding your body how to do what it does best! Does my insurance or health savings plan cover acupuncture? What forms of payment are accepted? Normally, insurance companies will not cover acupuncture treatments performed by a Licensed Acupuncturist; this includes government programs like MediCare and MediCaid. Many health savings plans offered by your bank or your employer will reimburse you for your treatments, after you have already paid the fees "out of pocket." Be sure to check with your plan administrator to find out the specifics. Fees are expected to be paid in full at the time of treatment. Visa, Mastercard, Debit, Personal/Business Checks and Cash are gladly accepted. What training should my Acupuncturist have? It is important that the Acupuncturist be licensed in the state in which they practice. Licensed Acupuncturists (L.Ac.) have an average of 2,700 hours of Master's level training and have hundreds of hours of clinical experience with actual patients before they graduate. Licensed Acupuncturists are required to pass the National Certification exam and to seek continuing education to maintain their license.

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