Below is a list of frequently asked questions about acupuncture treatment. If you have additional questions please contact me.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture is the gentle insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the body selected by a practitioner who has years of training based on holistic Chinese medicine. This process stimulates movement of vital energy, the Qi (pronounced “chee”) within the body, allowing natural healing to take place. These points are located along channels of energy known as meridians that connect all of our major organs. Disease and illness arise when the cyclical flow of Qi in the meridians becomes unbalanced or is blocked. Acupuncture works by: treating existing illnesses and injuries, preventing both recurrence of illnesses and new illness and improving overall health.
What conditions can acupuncture treat?
According to National Institute of Health and the World Health Organizations, acupuncture has proven effective in the treatment of many common conditions some of which are listed below:
- Addictions
- Anxiety & Depression
- Arthritis, Tendonitis, & Joint pain
- Asthma & Allergies
- Cardiac Palpitations (Irregular Heartbeat)
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Common Cold & Influenza
- Degenerative Disk Disorders
- Diet, Nutrition, & Weight Control
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches & Migraines
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Indigestion, Gas, Bloating, Constipation
- Insomnia
- Low back pain, Sciatica
- Menopause Symptoms
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Nausea
- Orthopedic Conditions
- PMS & Menstrual Irregularity
- Sports Injuries
- Tension/Stress Syndromes
- Tinnitus
What can I expect on the initial visit?
Your first acupuncture appointment will usually last about 90 minutes. We begin with an in-depth conversation about your health concerns, past health history, lifestyle, goals for treatment, and any questions you may have about acupuncture and the treatment process. This conversation is an important part of the diagnostic process, and allows me as your practitioner to get to know you and understand how best to address your health concerns. Acupuncture is a healing modality that considers the whole person, not just one isolated symptom. Although treatment will focus on your chief complaint, your whole being must be considered in order to develop the most appropriate course of treatment. This is a highly individualized medicine. I recognize that your condition might be common, but that your experience of it is unique and different from that of someone else.
How often do I have to come for treatment?
Follow up visits typically last about one hour. Your individual needs determine how often, and for how long, you will need to receive treatment (generally given once, occasionally twice, a week). As your condition improves, and your symptoms are alleviated, the frequency of your treatments may be slowly reduced – to every other week, monthly or even seasonally.
- Make sure to eat something light an hour or two before arriving
- Try to avoid the intake of caffeine or pain medications
- Wear loose fitting clothes
- Bring a list of medications you are taking
How do I prepare for our first treatment?
Please bring a list of current medications you are taking, including any prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins. Please bring any lab or medical reports relevant to your condition.
Eat a light meal a few hours prior to your visit. At the same time, please do not overeat or eat any foods that cause your stomach to be upset (e,g., rich, greasy, fried, or extremely spicy foods.)
What should I expect after treatment?
Your relief may be immediate, delayed for a few hours, or even develop after one to three days. The relief may last for a few hours on the first visit and then last longer with each successive treatment, or relief may last from the first treatment until your next visit. Individual response to treatment varies. Rarely, one may feel lightheaded, dizzy, sleepy, euphoria or experience slight bruising and or residual muscle aches. Any of these side effects will dissipate after a short time. Staying hydrated after your treatment will help to minimize these side effects, as will resting after your treatment.
What is your payment policy?
Payment is due at the time of service. A 24-hours notice is requested if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment to avoid being charged the full fee for no show or late cancel. Emergency situations excepted.
What is your insurance policy?
We are preferred providers with Aetna, Cigna, CareFirst BC/BS, Bluechoice and United Healthcare. We can check your in-network benefits for acupuncture services.