FAQs

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an effective form of medical treatment, developed in China over 5000 years ago.  It promotes health and alleviates illness through the stimulation of anatomical points through the use of superficially inserted, fine needles.  Additionally, it strengthens the immune system to support physical and emotional health, improving overall welfare.

How does Acupuncture work?

The basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine rests in the belief that Qi or life energy, flows through specific pathways called meridians.  Each meridian is therefore linked to a specific organ.  Analogous to rivers, meridian pathways bring Qi to every cell, organ, and tissue in the body.  Any obstruction of the flow of Qi leads to an imbalance.  It is when this balance is prolonged that excessive pain or disease develops.

The insertion of needles restores the equilibrium and Qi circulation, purging the body from pain, and boosting its ability to heal itself.  Modern science proposes that needle stimulate the nervous system to release biochemicals such as: endorphins, neurotransmitters and hormones.  Some of them responsible for diminishing the pain while others influence the internal regulatory system of the body.  Thus, affecting involuntarily bodily functions including blood flow, immune reactions, temperature, body temperature and digestion.

Does Acupuncture hurt?

For majority of patients, acupuncture provides for minimal to no discomfort.   The needles utilized are fine and sterile, comparable to the diameter of a human hair.  Upon insertion, the patient may feel a slight prick, similar to a mosquito bite.  In addition, a tingling or dull ache, pressure, or warm sensation may be experienced.

What can Acupuncture treat?

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO), acupuncture has been proven effective in the treatment of a wide spectrum of medical conditions:

What can I expect during my first visit?

During the first visit, a detailed health history will be conducted, followed by an investigation of the chief complaint and a thorough physical exam.  Diagnosis and Differential Diagnosis of the precise problem will be reached and a treatment plan will be devised.  The plan may include acupuncture as well as other techniques including but not limited to: cupping, gua-sha, tuina, and heat therapy.  The first visit should be expected to take at least 1.5 hours, while follow up visits will last about 1 hour.

How many treatment sessions will I need?

The number of treatments varies for different patients.  Some present with significant improvements after the first or second treatment, others may require weeks or months to achieve lasting results.  Generally, chronic conditions demand more treatments than acute conditions.  Additional influencing factors are: the severity of the problem, patient’s lifestyle, overall health and constitution.

Will my insurance cover the treatment?

To find out if acupuncture is covered by your insurance plan, you should contact the phone number provided on the back of your insurance card.  Although we are currently unable to process an insurance billing for our services, we are able provide you with a receipt to submit to your insurance company.

What are the risks or side effects of acupuncture?

Acupuncture is generally safe when practiced by a properly trained professional, but there are some risks or side effects:

-bruising
-fainting
-bleeding
-muscle spasm
-nerve damage (extremely rare)
-punctured organ (extremely rare)