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Frequently Asked Questions about Acupuncture
Here are a few freqently asked questions about acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. If this page doesn't answer your question or address your concerns, feel free to contact us by phone or e-mail.
01
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a system of complementary medicine that involves pricking the skin or tissues with needles, used to alleviate pain and to treat various physical, mental, and emotional conditions. Originating in ancient China, acupuncture is now widely practiced in the West.
02
What problems can acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture can help a surprising number of problems and ailments. These are just a few of the things you can get acupuncture to help you treat. Allergies, Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Carpal Tunnel, Chronic Fatigue, Common Cold, Depression, Fertility, Headache, IBS/Digestive trouble, Menopause, Migraine, Nausea (Including Morning Sickness), Pain, PMS, Sciatica, Sleep Problems/Insomnia, Sports Injuries, Stress, and Tennis/Golf Elbow.
03
Does it hurt?
Most of the time, Acupuncture is a painless process. The needles used in acupuncture are very small. Occasionally, patients will report a pinch as the needle is inserted, but even that sensation is gone nearly as quickly as it occurrs. If you are receiving acupuncture (from us or anyone) and you experience painful needles, let your acupuncturist know. They should ajust or emove the needles immediately.
04
Are there side-effects?
Acupuncture does not cause side-effects like pharmaceuticals do. Occassionally, as a result of acupuncture, a patient may experience redness or bruising around the site of needle insertion, but even this is rare.
05
Do I have to believe in Acupuncture for it to work?
No. There are plenty of medical studies involving acupuncture that prove it is not just a placebo and can help even if you don't believe in it.
06
What should I wear?
Many acupuncture points are on the arms and legs, so loose clothes are essential. If you are having a problem with your back, you will want to wear clothes that allow you to expose the affected area (no dresses).
07
How many treatments will I need?
This always depends on the individual patient, but here are some good guidelines: If you have an acute problem that has just surfaced, 2-6 treatments is 1 course and usually a single course is all that is necessary. If you are suffering from a chronic condition 6-10 treatments makes 1 course and often you will require 2 courses.
08
How often should I come?
This depends on how badly your condition interferes with your day to day activities. If you are having trouble getting around, dressing, and feeding yourself, the acupuncturist may ask you to come as often as 3 times a week in the beginning. If, however, your problem is less serious, 1 time a week is often enough. As your symptoms improve, your visits become less frequent, going from 1 time a week to every other week, and so on. Eventually, (and only if necessary) you will only come once or twice a year to make sure your problem doesn't resurface.
09
I don't like needles, but I still want a treatment. What are my options?
Even if you are afraid of needles, there are other treatment options. You can try Acupressure, Cupping, Gua Sha, or even Chinese Herbal Medicine. See our section on SERVICES for more information.
10
Do you accept insurance?
At this time, I am not a "preferred provider" for any insurance company. However, many insurances will reimburse patients for treatments after the fact. For this to work the patient would pay at the time of service. At that time, they would receive a detailed invoice listing all the insurance billing and coding relating to their treatment. The patient would then mail that invoice (called a "superbill") to their insurance and they would receive a reimbursement check after their claim was processed. Call your insurance before going to your appointment to find out if you are elligible!