Questions About Acupuncture 

Since acupuncture is a holistic system and addresses the whole person, it is effective for almost all physical, psychological and emotional symptoms. Listed below are just a few examples:

• Stress
• Depression
• Sleeping Disorders
• Headaches
• Chronic or acute pain (back, knee, neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hip pain, arthritis)
• Menstrual Disorders
• Allergies
• Gastrointestinal Disorders (food allergies, peptic ulcers, chronic diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, gastrointestinal weakness, anorexia, IBS, and gastritis)
• Urogenital Disorders (stress, incontinence, urinary tract infections, and sexual dysfunctions)
• Gynecological Disorders (absent, irregular, heavy or painful menstruation, infertility in women and men, and premenstrual syndrome)
• Respiratory Disorders (emphysema, sinusitis, asthma, allergies, and bronchitis)
• Disorders of the Bones, Muscles, Joints, and Nervous System, such as arthritis, migraine, headaches, neuralgia, insomnia, dizziness and low back, neck and shoulder pain
• Circulatory Disorders (hypertension, angina pectoris, arteriosclerosis and anemia)
• Emotional and Psychological Disorders (depression and anxiety)
• Addictions (alcohol, nicotine, and drugs)
• Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders
• Learn more about what acupuncture can treat at the World Health Organization 

Yes. Sterile disposable needles are used once and then disposed of immediately. The needles a much smaller in diameter and solid rather than the large, hollow needles used for injections or phlebotomy.

Every person’s experience is unique. The range of sensation starts from nothing at all to a brief numbing, tingling, warming, radiating sensation, ache or heaviness in the area being needled. Some points are more sensitive than others. What most patients describe is that these sensations
are fleeting and followed by deep relaxation.

Treatments typically last an hour, and as gently as you went to sleep you will naturally feel your treatment coming to an end, your eyes will naturally open and you will know you are done. Acupuncture points will be selected based on your diagnosis, and are typically inserted on the arms and legs, below the elbows and knees. Points on the abdomen, back, head and ear may
also be incorporated. We develop a treatment for the Primary Complaint as well as the Root cause of your complaint. As you heal, your treatments will reflect your change and different points will be used.

Be sure to eat a balanced meal before you come for your treatment. Avoid or keep to a minimum caffeine in coffee, tea, or sodas during the day of treatment. Avoid intense physical activity, very spicy foods and exposure to extreme heat like a sauna, before or after your scheduled treatment. Where comfortable clothes that will allow access to your legs, arms, and abdomen, or back. Please do not rush, take your time getting up from the treatment table. Depending on the nature of the treatment, some patients feel awake and enlivened, while others feel sensations of euphoria and bliss, and yet others are more relaxed or tired. What you feel will be unique to you and may not be the same for everyone.

More and more insurance companies are covering acupuncture treatments. Ask your insurer for the terms of coverage on your policy. If it is covered, we provide you with a Super Bill to submit to your insurance carrier for reimbursement. Full payment is required at the time of treatment.

The number of visits you will need varies for everyone, depending on the duration, severity and nature of the illness. Generally speaking, the longer you have suffered, the more treatments you will need. Acute conditions, such as sudden pain from an injury or seasonal allergies may require 3 or 4 treatments before symptoms are reduced. Chronic conditions like asthma, back pain or other problems that you have had for many years may take anywhere from 6 to 12 treatments until you notice significant changes. Typically acupuncture treatments are given once a week. If the condition is acute and relatively severe, treatments may be given 2-3 times per week until the condition starts to come under control. The exact duration of treatment depends on the condition, your basic level of health, and how well you respond to acupuncture. On your first visit, we will take a detailed health history and determine an appropriate treatment plan based on your signs and symptoms and the findings of that visit.

Many patients begin acupuncture treatment to find relief from a wide range of physical conditions. What often begins as a concern over several symptoms often transforms into deep personal healing that reaches far beyond the physical condition. The greatest reason to begin acupuncture treatment is to recover and cultivate your awareness of the tremendous healing power of your body. Acupuncture awakens the senses and offers the possibility of deep healing of the body, mind and spirit. Many patients experience increased clarity, creativity and deeper meaning in their day-to- day lives.

Absolutely not. Many patients come for regular treatments to achieve increased effectiveness and enjoyment at work. Many others come to help deepen their relationships with others. Acupuncture is also a powerful preventative measure to keep patients healthy throughout their lives.