FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT DOES ACUPUNCTURE TREAT?
Millions of people have found acupuncture to be a much better solution to their health issues than drugs or surgery. With a 4,000-year history, acupuncture successfully addresses many ailments and relieves pain with no drugs or side affects. The World Health Organization has issued a comprehensive list of diseases and conditions for which acupuncture has demonstrated therapeutic effect. Acupuncture is a safe, painless alternative for treating the following:
-Arthritis, fibromyalgia, low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, joint pain and range of motion Issues.
-Asthma, allergies, auto-immune diseases and other respiratory issues.
-Gastrointestinal/Digestive issues.
-Gynecological issues such as infertility, PMS, PCOS, PMDD, irregular and/or painful menses.
-Depression, anxiety, insomnia, stress.
-Prenatal and post natal care
-Weight loss, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, high blood pressure, prostate issues, hair loss, POTS
-And much more...
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
Eastern Explanation:
Acupuncture is a healing therapy that involves the placement of ultra-fine needles at specific points on the body along meridians (energy channels of the body). As long as the energy flows freely through these pathways and the organ systems, health is maintained. When the flow of energy is disturbed for any reason, there is disruption in health, resulting in pain or illness. By stimulating the proper acupuncture points along these meridians, the energy is regulated, and health is restored. Organ system function is an essential part of acupuncture healing. Restoring liver, kidney, heart, lungs and digestive function to optimal levels is one of the key elements that is regulated through acupuncture--through these systems all of the organs, tissues, joints and fluids
Western Explanation:
Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points located near or on the surface of the skin which have the ability to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions in order to achieve the desired effect of healing and balance.
Acupuncture points are areas of designated neuro-muscular sensitivity. Inserting needles at these points stimulates various sensory receptors that, in turn, stimulate nerves that transmit impulses to the hypothalamic-pituitary system at the base of the brain. The hypothalamus-pituitary glands are responsible for regulating many different cells in the body--neurotransmitters, hormones, proteins, and more. These cells help heal by reducing inflammation, balancing neuroendocrine systems and releasing endorphins into the bloodstream.The substances released as a result of acupuncture not only relax the whole body, they regulate serotonin in the brain (one of the "feel good" cells of our body that regulates sleep, mood, etc.). This is why depression and anxiety is often treated successfully with acupuncture. Some of the physiological effects observed throughout the body include increased circulation, decreased inflammation, relief from pain, relief of muscle spasms and increased T-cell count which stimulates the immune system.
IS ACUPUNCTURE SAFE?
Acupuncture is widely acknowledged as one of the safest forms of medicine. Acupuncture needles are pre-sterilized, individually packaged, and disposable. Acupuncturists undergo extensive training and are regulated by the individual states’ medical board.
One of the greatest advantages of acupuncture is that it has virtually no side effects. Occasionally, a small temporary bruise may appear at the site of an acupuncture needle. When compared to the laundry list of cautions and side effects for the average pharmaceutical drug, acupuncture is very low risk!
DOES IT HURT?
Most people barely feel a thing when needles are inserted. Some people feel a slight pinch, and others ask “Is it in yet?” Acupuncture needles are solid, flexible, and very, very thin (about the width of two hairs). There are certain sensations associated with the therapeutic effects of acupuncture. These may include heaviness, distention, tingling or electric sensation traveling along a meridian. Some people say it feels like you are floating on clouds. If any discomfort is experienced, it is usually mild and temporary. Most people find acupuncture treatments very relaxing and comfortable and usually drift off to sleep.
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO COME IN FOR TREATMENTS?
That depends on your medical condition. Many conditions respond more quickly to frequent acupuncture treatments, while other patients only need to come in once a week. Once your condition is stabilized, you won’t need to come in as frequently. When you come in for your first treatment, we’ll formulate a specific treatment plan for you. Click here to
DO I NEED TO DO ANYTHING TO PREPARE FOR A TREATMENT?
Eat something light a few hours before treatment. We ask that you turn off or airplane mode your cell phone to experience a deeply relaxing, healing experience.
WHAT IS A TYPICAL ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT LIKE AT THE CLINIC? HOW LONG ARE TREATMENTS?
After completing necessary paperwork, you will be taken into the treatment room where the acupuncturist will ask you some questions pertaining to your health concerns, take your pulse diagnosis and create a treatment plan for your health concerns. Sometimes alternative therapies such as cupping, gua sha, moxibustion, massage or stretching along with herbal therapies will be recommended in order to have optimal healing outcomes. After the acupuncturist has placed the needles, you will relax with your needles in for at least 30 minutes. The average treatment time is about an hour--so plan on at least an hour and half for your first visit to our clinic.
DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?
If you have insurance that covers acupuncture we will be happy to give you a detailed payment receipt that you can submit to your provider, sometimes called a Superbill by insurance companies.