Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who can benefit from acupuncture and Traditional Chinese medicine?
A: You can! Chinese medicine is exceptional at preventative health and treating chronic illness. Using acupuncture and TCM alongside Western medicine can help the body to heal faster after injury, recover more quickly from illness or to simply maintain its healthy state.
Q: Does acupuncture hurt?
A: The needles used for acupuncture are unlike those used for other medical procedures. They are very thin and are inserted gently and painlessly. The insertion site may feel achy or tingle; this is normal. Rarely do patients report feeling pain.
Q: What is the cost of treatment?
Q: What types of insurance are accepted?
A: Each treatment is individualized based on your symptoms, level of pain and medical history. A typical acupuncture treatment lasting one hour will cost $85. Additional therapies, office visits and preventative counseling will be billed separately.
A: I can submit claims for all medical insurance on your behalf. Worker's compensation, motor vehicle accidents and other injury related claims are also covered. If you are not sure whether or not acupuncture is covered by your insurance, check with your provider by calling the customer service number typically listed on the back on your insurance card. Some insurance companies may also require you to file a request for exemption or proof of medical necessity.
Q: What can I do to prepare for my first visit?
A: Nothing! You will be asked to fill out a small amount of paperwork, including financial arrangements. Next, I will take a complete health history and discuss your symptoms, lifestyle and goals. Together we create a treatment plan suited to your individual needs.
Q: How many treatments will I need before I feel better?
A: It depends. Acupuncture is not a magic bullet; it takes time for your body to restore balance. Patients who have acute symptoms, like a headache or chest cold, may see relief after just one treatment. Most of the time, patients require several treatments over the course of a few weeks or months. A general rule of thumb is that the longer you have had a condition or the more severe your symptoms, the more treatments you will need.
Q: What can I expect after treatment?
A: Most patients feel extremely relaxed after treatment - some even sneak in a nap on the table. I advise patients to drink plenty of water after a treatment and to abstain from drugs and alcohol for at least six hours. I suggest scheduling followup before you even leave the clinic to be sure that you can get the appointment you need. If you have any questions regarding your recommended supplements or herbs, just call or email.
Q: Is acupuncture helpful even if I am not sick or injured?
A: Definitely! Acupuncture is a great way to maintain your health. Many patients come in monthly for "tune-ups," stress or immune support. Strengthening and supporting your body can help prevent illness and strain.
Q: What conditions can be treated?
Stress
- Emotional
- Distress
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Smoking cessation
- Addictions
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Weight management
Dermatological
- Acne
- Scarring
- Eczema
- Rosacea
- Keratosis pilaris
- Wrinkles
- Age spots
- UV damage
- Loss of elasticity
- Comedones
Pain
- Muscle and joint pain
- Headaches
- Nerve pain
- Dental pain
- Cancer pain
- Sciatica
- Arthritis
- Tennis elbow
- TMJ
- Fibromyalgia
Respiratory
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Cold/Flu
- Pneumonia
- Sore throat
- Tonsillitis
- Sinusitis
- Rhinitis
- Ear infections
- Shortness of breath
Women's Health
- Infertility
- PMS
- Menstrual disorders
- Menopause
- UTI
- Incontinence
- Hot flashes
- Migraines
- Weight loss
- Chronic fatigue
Digestive
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- GERD
- Gastritis
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- IBS
- Dysentery
- Colitis
- Crohn's disease