Acupuncture Clinical FAQs

Do you accept insurance?

If you have health insurance that pays for acupuncture, we can provide a standardized form which insurers expect, and that provides all the information you need to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Health Spending Account (FSA), you may be able to use funds from these accounts for acupuncture.

Do acupuncture needles hurt?

Most people barely feel a thing when needles are inserted. Some people feel a slight pinch, and others feel nothing. Acupuncture needles are solid, flexible, and very, very thin (about the width of two hairs). There are certain sensations associated with the therapeutic effects of acupuncture. These may include slight cramping, heaviness, distention, tingling or electric sensation traveling along a meridian. If any discomfort is experienced, it is usually mild and temporary.

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is widely acknowledged as one of the safest forms of medicine. Acupuncture needles are pre-sterilized, individually packaged, and disposable. Acupuncturists undergo extensive training and are regulated by the individual state’s medical board.

How often do I need to come in for treatment?

That depends on your medical condition. Many conditions respond more quickly to frequent acupuncture treatments, while other patients may need less frequent treatment. When you come in for your first treatment, we’ll formulate a specific treatment plan for you.

What conditions can be treated?

Some of the diseases, symptoms, and conditions recognized by World Health Organization (WHO) for which acupuncture has been proven to be an effective treatment or for which therapeutic effects of acupuncture have been demonstrated include: Acne, Adverse Reactions to Radiotherapy and/or Chemotherapy, Alcohol & Tobacco Dependence & Detoxification, Allergic rhinitis (including hay fever), Back, Neck, Elbow and Knee Pain, Bronchial Asthma, Cancer Pain, Common Cold, Diabetes, Mellitus, Depression, Facial Rejuvenation, Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Gastrointestinal Disorders (including Diarrhea, Constipation, and Gastritis) Headaches (including Migraines), Hypertension, Infertility–Male and Female, Insomnia, Menstrual Pain & Premenstrual Syndrome, Menopause, Obesity, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sciatica, Sports Injuries, Stroke, Tendinitis, Whiplash, Injuries.

How does acupuncture work?

In Chinese medical theory, acupuncture works by balancing the body’s Qi. Qi can be described as a form of bioenergy that runs along meridians. If Qi gets blocked, it shows up as an imbalance or illness. Basically, if you have a health condition, some part of your body’s system is out of whack. Chinese medical theory allows us to diagnose the imbalance… and balance it. In Western medical theory, acupuncture appears to work by stimulating parts of the brain. It also stimulates the body to release natural biomolecules such as neurotransmitters, vasodilators, and hormones.

What does a typical Initial Office Visit consist of?
Initial Assessment: Your first visit involves assessing the problem, educating you about the problem and often providing an acupuncture and/or herbal treatment at the same time.

The appointment will consist of a detailed history and Traditional Oriental Medicine assessment, often providing you with a treatment program to get you started. All your questions related to your condition(s) will be answered as clearly as possible. Schedule yourself from an hour to one and a half hour depending on the problem.

How should I prepare for my appointment?
Because the tongue is routinely examined as part of Chinese diagnosis, please do not
brush the tongue or discolor it with hard candy, cough drops, tea or coffee within three
hours of your appointment.

For best results from your acupuncture treatment, eat moderately within three hours of
your treatment. Please do not come on an empty stomach or overly full.

What should I wear?
Loose clothing is best, especially pants. If it is necessary to remove constrictive
clothing, sheets are available for coverage.

Should I avoid anything after acupuncture?
Avoid strenuous activity, baths, hot tubs and preferably any strong substances such as
nicotine or alcohol for three hours after the treatment. Soup or a warm cup of tea is very beneficial after a treatment.

Will I get Herbs?
Most patients are prescribed herbs in one form or another. Chinese herbs are usually in
the form of pills, powders, liniments, plasters or raw, which are boiled into a decoction.
We will discuss which type is best for you in terms of effectiveness and convenience.

If I have a Cold or Flu, what should I do?
Don’t wait until your next appointment. Call so you can get advice over the phone or be seen if necessary. The sooner a cold or flu is treated, the better it responds.

What is Tuina, Cupping, and Moxibustion?
Tuina is a form of Chinese bodywork commonly used in conjunction with acupuncture. Your practitioner may use tuina in your treatment to further enhance Qi flow and increase your session’s therapeutic value. Cupping involves the use of glass or other material globes to apply vacuum suction to the skin. It increases blood circulation and heightens the flow of Qi. Cupping is useful for muscle injuries, joint pain, headaches, and acute bronchial congestion. Moxibustion applies focused heat from a slow-burning herb over acupuncture points to stimulate the flow of Qi. It may be used to relieve traumatic pain or alleviate debilitating conditions such as weakness and fatigue. Moxibustion is also effective for some gynecological problems.


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