Frequently Asked Questions

Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems. Below are some of the health concerns that acupuncture can effectively treat:

• ADD/ADHD
• Anxiety
• Allergies
• Depression
• Arthritis
• Morning Sickness
• Asthma
• Irritable Bowel
• Knee Pain
• Infertility
• Fibromyalgia
• Stress
• Obesity
• Hypertension
• Tobacco addiction
• Insomnia
• Cough and Colds
• Sciatica

Today, acupuncturists undertake three to four years of extensive and comprehensive graduate training at nationally certified schools. All acupuncturists must pass a national exam and meet strict guidelines to practice in every state.

Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is an all-natural, drug-free therapy, yielding no side effects, just feelings of well-being. There is little danger of infection from acupuncture needles because they are sterile, used once, and then discarded.

• Write down and bring any questions you have. We are here to help you.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points.
• Do not eat large meals just before or after the treatment.
• Refrain from overexertion, working out, drugs, or alcohol for up to six hours after the visit.
• Avoid stressful situations, make time to relax, and be sure to get plenty of rest.
• Between visits, take note of any changes that may have occurred, such as the alleviation of pain, pain moving to other areas, or changes in the frequency and type of problems.

Insurance coverage varies from state to state. Contact your insurance provider to learn what kind of care is covered. Here are a few questions to ask:

• Will my insurance plan cover acupuncture?
• How many visits can I make per calendar year?
• Do I need a referral for acupuncture?
• Do I have a co-pay for acupuncture?
• Do I have a deductible? If yes, has it been met yet?

Rates vary and depend on what procedures are performed. It is best to consult with your acupuncturist about costs.

The number of treatments will vary from person to person. Some people experience immediate relief; others may take months or even years to achieve results. Chronic conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute ones. Plan on a minimum of a month to see significant changes.

Rates vary and depend on what procedures are performed. It is best to consult with your acupuncturist about costs.

Yes. In some instances, children actually respond more quickly to acupuncture than adults. If your child has an aversion to needles, your acupuncturist may massage the acupuncture points. This is called acupressure or tuina.

Herbs can be a powerful adjunct to acupuncture care. They are used to strengthen, build, and support the body or to clear it of excess problems like a cold, fever, or acute pain. Your practitioner may suggest starting with herbs and then adding acupuncture to your treatment in the future. This is suggested to build up your internal strength so you can receive the full benefits acupuncture has to offer.

There are twelve pulse positions on each wrist that your acupuncturist will palpate. Each position corresponds to a specific meridian and organ. Your acupuncturist will be looking for twenty-seven individual qualities that reflect overall health. If there are any problems, they may appear in the pulse.

During the initial exam, a full health history is taken. Questions will be asked regarding symptoms, health, and lifestyle. Your acupuncturist may also check your pulses and your tongue and may conduct a physical exam. This information is then organized to create a complete, accurate, and comprehensive diagnosis of where Qi has become blocked or imbalanced. After the interview process, you may receive an acupuncture treatment. Visits with your acupuncturists may last from thirty to ninety minutes.