Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are thin metal filaments approximately the width of several hairs. The sensations patients experience during treatments range from nothing at all to a fleeting ache or pinch in the area being needles. During treatment, most people will experience a shift to a calmer, clearer, less troubled self. Many people are amazed by how relaxed they feel during and after treatment and consistently, people report a heightened sense of well-being.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes, as long as it is performed by a competent practitioner, acupuncture is extremely safe. Acupuncturists are required to use disposable needles that are discarded after one use.
What are the benefits of acupuncture, and what conditions are treated with acupuncture?
Acupuncture is often effective with a wide range of complaints, including but not limited to the following:
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Acupuncture is also helpful for many chronic illnesses and health concerns that have no clear origin or cause. Patients committed to a healthy lifestyle who receive ongoing acupuncture treatment for maintenance and health promotion often experience being sick less often and recovering more quickly, improvement of vitality and stamina, being able to take care of their own health, relationships with others becoming more harmonious and reductions in long term health care costs.
A recent survey of people who receive acupuncture, conducted by Claire Cassidy, Ph.D., indicates that they see their physicians less frequently and use fewer medications. In addition, over two thirds of those surveyed reported having avoided recommended surgery.
Do I need to be ill in order to benefit from acupuncture treatment?
Absolutely not. Many patients come for regular treatments to prevent illness and to maintain a vital state of health throughout the year.
Does insurance cover acupuncture?
There are a few plans that cover acupuncture. If you do have coverage, I am able to give you a superbill to be reimbursed from your insurance company. Many people have flex spending accounts using pretax dollars that cover acupuncture treatments, effectively lowering costs by 30%.
What forms of payment are accepted?
Cash, check, Visa and MasterCard are the accepted forms of payment.
How many treatments will I need?
This is unique to the individual. For most chronic conditions, at least 5-7 treatments on a weekly basis tend to offer the best outcome. Some people notice an immediate improvement in their health while for others acupuncture tends to have a cumulative effect over several visits.
Does the clinic offer Chinese herbs? If so, what kind?
Yes, I use Chinese herbal remedies that consist primarily of patent herbal formulas, which come as granulated capsules, tablets or tinctures. The clinic also offers customized herbal powdered blends.
During your initial assessment of a patient, do you check pulse points on both wrists and check the tongue for possible problems?
Yes, the pulse reading done in my clinic includes extensive palpation of points along both the left and right wrist. This is a very important dimension of Chinese medicine and it informs my treatments and treatment planning with each patient visit. It is an essential part of treating underlying patterns of illness or disharmony. Similarly, I use tongue analysis for yet another source of insight into the body to help treat the root cause of illness. Pulse reading and tongue diagnosis are part of what make Chinese Medicine a truly preventive therapeutic model of health care. Signs of imbalance will generally show up in the pulse and on the tongue long before there is a physical symptom. This allows early intervention. In the case of illnesses that have developed substantially and present with difficult symptoms, these diagnostic techniques help me to get to the root condition much more quickly and effectively.
