Frequently Asked Questions
What is acupuncture?
How does acupuncture work?
Is acupuncture painful?
Is acupuncture safe?
How should I prepare for my treatment?
How long does each appointment last?
What can I expect from my first visit?
How many treatments will I need?
What will I feel during my treatment?
How will I feel after my treatment?
What should I do after my treatment?
How do I get the most out of each treatment?
Do I have to be ill to benefit from acupuncture?
Are there any side effects from acupuncture?
Should I stay on my medication(s) while receiving acupuncture
treatments?
Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
What methods of payment do you accept?
Do you offer any payment plans?
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine in which hair-thin
needles are inserted into the body at specific points that are proven
effective in the treatment of health problems by preventing disease and
improving well-being.
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How does acupuncture work?
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, there is a subtle energy flowing
through our bodies that guides our growth, development, movement, and
that protects us against illness and disease. This energy is called Qi
(chee). When our Qi is blocked and cannot flow freely, it causes illness
and disease.
Through acupuncture, hair-thin needles are inserted at specific points
along pathways, known as meridians, through which Qi travels throughout
the body. Each point is carefully chosen because it corresponds to a specific
organ or part of the body that is related to the unique issues and symptoms
you are experiencing.
When the blockages have been removed and Qi has been restored to a state
of balance, your body's self-healing abilities reach their maximum potential
and you feel better both physically and mentally.
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Is acupuncture painful?
Due to the fact that acupuncture needles are hair-thin and are not hollow
like a syringe, they cause very minimal, if any pain at all. Once needles
are in place, patients have reported feeling very relaxed, a warm or cool
sensation running throughout the body, a tingling sensation, energized,
or sleepy.
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Is acupuncture safe?
Yes. Acupuncture is absolutely safe because the needles that are used
are sterile, single-use, disposable needles. As well, the insertion of
acupuncture needles rarely causes bleeding or bruising. Finally, if done
properly, acupuncture does not cause harmful side-effects and does not
interfere with other treatments or therapies.
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How should I prepare for my treatment?
You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. If you exercise,
you should do it prior to 2 hours before your appointment. Your stomach
should not be too full or too empty, so it is recommended that you eat
a light to moderate meal 2 hours before your treatment.
*Before your first treatment, please be sure to complete the New Patient
Intake Form and Consent to Treatment Form, and the HIPAA Form. All of
these forms may be found on this website by clicking on the link labeled
"Forms You Will Need".
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How long does each appointment last?
Your initial appointment will last 1 ½ hours. Each appointment thereafter
will last approximately 45 minutes.
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What can I expect from my first visit?
On your first visit, we'll take a detailed health history so that we can
get to know you and your physical makeup. We'll ask a wide range of questions
about your symptoms as well as your eating, exercise and sleep habits-essentially,
anything that can give us a deeper insight into your health. We'll also
have an in-depth discussion with you about the effects that lifestyle
and emotional and mental well-being can have on the body and how they
may be affecting your condition.
You'll then receive a physical exam, an explanation of how Traditional
Chinese Medicine views your condition and your imbalances, and overall
care regimen, and the specific treatments you'll need.
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How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments required is different for each person, depending
upon age, lifestyle, condition, and response to the treatments. In general,
fewer treatments are needed for acute conditions, while more are needed
for chronic ones. Consistency and persistence in receiving treatments
are therefore important in maintaining the effectiveness of the acupuncture
regimen.
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What will I feel during my treatment?
Once the needles are inserted, they remain in the body from about 20 to
45 minutes, depending on each individual's condition. Many patients report
feeling very relaxed, energized, or sleepy. Others report feeling a tingling
sensation or a warm or cool sensation running throughout the body.
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How will I feel after my treatment?
Response to treatment varies from patient to patient. Following the first
few treatments, some patients feel immediate relief from their symptoms,
while others may experience an increase in their symptoms. Feeling an
increase in symptoms is normal and is an indication that the treatments
are working. For some people, symptoms may feel worse before they get
better. This is nothing to be concerned about, as it is a common bodily
response to the treatments.
While patients usually seek treatment for one particular condition, many
find that other bodily functions improve from treatments they are receiving
for their main complaint.
Many patients also report feeling relaxed, sleepy, or energized after
each treatment.
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What should I do after my treatment?
After your treatment, drink plenty of water. You should not consume any
alcohol or caffeine until the following day and should avoid strenuous
exercise.
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How do I get the most out of each treatment?
The effectiveness of acupuncture builds upon each concurrent treatment
you receive. It is therefore important that you be consistent and persistent
with your treatments in order to maintain the optimum benefits of acupuncture.
As well, you should avoid alcohol, caffeine, and strenuous exercise on
the days of your treatments. It is also recommended that you drink plenty
of water.
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Do I have to be ill to benefit from acupuncture?
No. Many people receive treatments to maintain their health. Even if they
are not experiencing any illness or discomfort, acupuncture treatments
can help to keep the body functioning well and prevent the onset of illness
and/or disease.
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Are there any side effects from acupuncture?
When done correctly by a licensed professional, acupuncture is rarely
known, if at all, to cause any side-effects whatsoever.
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Should I stay on my medication(s) while receiving
acupuncture treatments?
Yes. Acupuncture is not known to interact with medications. In fact, it
can be very effective when used in conjunction with other therapies. Of
course it is recommended that you notify all of your healthcare providers
of all forms of treatment you are receiving. With your permission, we
welcome communication and cooperation with other healthcare providers,
with whom you are working, in order to ensure you receive optimum care.
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Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
Most types of insurance do not cover acupuncture. We do not accept any
types of insurance at our office; however, in the event your insurance
does cover treatments, we will give you a receipt at the time payment
is made for services rendered which may then be submitted by you to your
insurance company for reimbursement.
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What methods of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, check, MC, Visa, and Discover. Unless prior arrangements
have been made, all visits are payable on the day of treatment.
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Do you offer any payment plans?
Yes. We have payment plans available to meet each individual's need.
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