+ What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a complete medical system focusing on balancing energy in the body. It is based on an ancient Chinese system of healthcare started almost 3,000 years ago. It prevents and treats specific diseases and conditions by using fine, solid needles inserted into specific acupoints.
+ What are the effects of acupuncture?
· Improves blood flow and circulation
· Influences and balances hormones
· Reduces inflammation
· Influences brain’s perception of pain (stops pain)
· Influences dopamine, serotonin, beta-endorphins (and other endogenous opioids)
· Effects the pituitary, reproductive organs, adrenals, thyroid, and digestive organs
+ What does acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture can treat all systems of the body including:
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Neurological disorders
- Headache & migraine
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Stress, anxiety, depression
- Respiratory conditions
- Eye and mouth disorders
- Adverse reactions to radiotherapy and chemotherapy
- Allergies
- Blood pressure
- Infertility
- Sexual dysfunction (low libido, erectile dysfunction)
- Breech position in pregnancy
- Induction of labor
- Rheumatoid arthritis
+ Is acupuncture safe?
Yes. Acupuncture is safe when performed by a licensed acupuncturist who is certified in clean needle technique. Only new sterilized disposable needles are used for treatment. We also follow the latest safety standards set by the CDC.
+ Will it hurt?
The needles we use during your session are hair thin. They are not supposed to hurt, in fact most patients take a nap during their session. Some patients report no sensation at all, a muscle twitch, warmth, or a tingling sensation. The sterile needles are disposed of immediately after your session. Do you have a needle phobia, no worries! We can work slowly to make sure you are comfortable and at ease.
+ How can I prepare for my first treatment?
Eat a light meal a few hours before treatment. Acupuncture moves your qi and causes deep relaxation, we want to make sure you had a meal to help prevent lightheadedness.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing is always best for treatments, as it provides easy access to your knees and elbows, and it provides you an even greater chance for complete relaxation. If you are unable to wear loose clothing, sheets and blankets are always available for draping.
Some interview questions will be different from your MD’s. Expect the routine questions usually covered by your medical doctor. You might also be asked about your menses, bowel movements, sleep habits, your emotions, urine quality and other questions that might not seem related to your chief complaint, but will help further pinpoint your Chinese medicine diagnosis.
Take it easy after your first session. Try to avoid alcohol and drink water. Give the acupuncture session 24 hours to take effect. Avoid any painful repetitive movements if you came in for a musculoskeletal condition.
+ What will the acupuncturist do?
An acupuncture session begins with a personal interview. We thoroughly review all the body systems, your chief complaint, past medical history, and any other concerns. We choose a Chinese medicine diagnosis based on your symptoms, examining your pulse, observing your tongue, and examining the area of concern. We then formulate a treatment plan and schedule your first treatment.
+ What happens during a follow up session?
Your interview will be brief compared to the initial consult, unless there are any new changes. After you are properly draped and lying on a massage table, we insert hair thin sterile needles into acupoints. Depending on your chief complaint, other modalities may be added to address your condition. We then let you rest for about 20-30 minutes.
+ How many treatments will I need?
We will recommend a comprehensive treatment plan based on your specific condition. Acupuncture works cumulatively, through a series of tailored treatments. Improvement can be affected by frequency of treatment, your age, condition, and if follow up care instructions are completed at home. We will work together to achieve the best possible results!
+ Which modalities are included in my session?
Every patient receives a customized treatment. This whole-body medicine can include one or more of the following: body acupuncture, ear acupuncture, stick on ear seeds, e-stim, microcurrent, LED light, linaments, shiatsu stretches, or infrared heat. Please note cupping, gua sha, supplements, mask treatments, and herbal remedies are available at an additional cost.
+ Will insurance pay?
Many insurance companies do cover acupuncture. We provide patients an itemized superbill to be submitted to your insurance carrier.
+ What are your office policies?
Appointments & Scheduling
Consultations may be booked online, or by calling our reception desk. We generally book follow up appointments three weeks in advance to guarantee you get the best time that works for you.
Fees & Superbills
Quoted fees will be documented in a Good Faith Estimate Form. Please note charges may incur if changes are made to the agreed upon treatment plan.
Superbills will be emailed on the second Friday of the month. These are itemized bills that may be submitted to your insurance.
Cancellations Any appointment cancelled with less than 48-hours notice is considered a late cancellation and will be charged the full amount. Any no-shows will also be charged the full amount. There is no charge for early cancellations.
Late Arrivals
We will do our best to accommodate late patients up to 15-minutes after the scheduled treatment time, but you may be asked to wait, or the treatment may be cut short in order to treat on-time patients.
Patients running more than 15-minutes late, will be charged in full for your session, or a session will be deducted from your treatment plan. Please note, late cancellation or missed appointment fees are not billable to your insurance.
Late Cancels/Rescheduling
If a patient is a late arrival, late cancels, or no-shows more than three times in a six month period, we will permit these patients to reserve appointments, only if they provide a non-refundable deposit. Due to our busy schedule, same day rescheduling is unavailable.
Exceptions to our cancellation policy would include inclement weather, or a documented case of illness/COVID-19.
+ What is an integrative medicine practice?
The World Health Organization has recently renamed Traditional Chinese Medicine to Complementary Integrated Medicine. It was renamed to be more inclusive to today’s healthcare setting.
As a former hospital worker, I think it is important to consider biomedical tests and diagnoses provided by your Western medical doctor. Even though Eastern medicine has its own set of diagnostic processes, we aim to work as an integrative team with those who you entrust your care. A prescription is not necessary to receive an acupuncture session, however, we will refer out to a medical doctor if diagnostic imaging or lab work is recommended. We also keep up to date with the latest acupuncture research.
+ Can my spouse, child or parent be treated as well?
Yes, I treat women, men, and teenagers ages 13-90+. Please note due to COVID-19 only one patient is allowed in the treatment room at a time. Exceptions will be made for those who need home health aide assistance, or minors under the age of 18.
+ Is your office handicap accesible?
Yes, our building has elevator access and there are no stairs at the front entrance.