FAQ
No, acupuncture should not hurt. Many people do not even notice that needles are being used. A momentary sensation may be felt around the needle as it is inserted, eventually creating a dull pressure or tingling around the area during the treatment. Most people are amazed by how relaxed they feel during and after the treatment. Many actually feel so relaxed during a treatment that they fall asleep.
Acupuncture can treat a wide variety of conditions and is very effective in treating pain and conditions or diseases that are stress induced. Some of the many conditions for which acupuncture is recognized for being effective and that I have seen success include:
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- Musculoskeletal conditions and sports injuries
- Headaches, migraines, concussions
- Stress management
- Digestive disorders
- Anxiety and depression
- Fatigue
- Chronic pain
- Insomnia
- Weak immunity
- Dermatological conditions
- PMS
- Menstrual cramps
- Menopausal symptoms
- Allergies
- Addictions
As long as it is performed by a competent, licensed practitioner, acupuncture is extremely safe. Acupuncturists are required to use disposable needles that are discarded after one use.
Many companies do provide acupuncture coverage. When you call for your free 15 minute consultation at (856) 448-4676 provide us with your insurance information and we will find out for you if you have coverage on your plan.
United Heathcare covers acupuncture for Medicaid and the combined Medicare/Medicaid Dual One Complete plan. Other than these plans, Medicaid does not cover acupuncture. By law, Medicare will cover treatment for back pain but not if done by acupuncturists, since we are not “Medicare providers”.
Cash, check, Visa and MasterCard are the accepted forms of payment.
This is unique to the individual. However, acupuncture is a PROCESS. While many people notice an immediate improvement in their health, it is very rare for any acupuncturist to be able to resolve a problem with one treatment. Most patients require a course of treatment, rather than a single treatment, in order to get what they want from acupuncture. The course of treatment depends on the condition, the severity, and the duration of the condition.
For most chronic conditions, 4-8 treatments on a weekly or biweekly basis will give the best results. Acupuncture tends to have a cumulative effect over several visits.
The first visit is typically the longest, around 90 minutes. Follow up visits are usually 45-60 minutes. The exam and treatment itself consists of taking a thorough medical history, a brief physical examination, feeling the pulses, looking at the tongue, and palpating areas of the body. Then you will receive acupuncture while relaxing on the table for 30-40 minutes. If appropriate, other adjunctive therapies may be applied after the needling such as cupping, gua sha, moxibustion, electrical stimulation or herbal liniments.
Before arriving to your appointments, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to ensure your comfort. If you can bring shorts and a tank top to change into, that is best but not necessary. For the first appointment, please bring a list of the prescription and over-the-counter drugs, herbs, and supplements you take, the dose, and the reason for each. For all appointments, we ask that you not come overly hungry or have alcohol in your system.
Cupping is a technique or method of applying suction by placing glass, plastic, or bamboo cups on the skin. This therapy is used to relieve what is called “stagnation” in Traditional Chinese Medicine terms. It is used in the treatment of respiratory diseases such as the common cold, pneumonia, and bronchitis, by relieving fluid in the lungs. Cupping is also used to treat back, neck, shoulder, neck, leg, abdominal and other musculoskeletal pain. This technique stimulates the movement of blood underneath the skin, relieving what we call stagnation. Cupping can leave temporary marks on the skin, which may range from light pink to dark purple. The marks will disappear usually within 1-7 days.
Gua Sha is a healing technique used when a patient has pain whether associated with an acute or chronic disorder. Gua means to scrape or rub. The area to be treated is lubricated with oil and the skin is then rubbed with a round-edged instrument such as a Chinese soup spoon in downward strokes. The skin will turn pink and possibly bright red in the area treated, and the discoloration usually lasts for 2-4 days. Gua Sha promotes circulation and normalizes metabolic processes. It is a valuable treatment for both external and internal pain, and facilitates the resolution of both acute and chronic disorders. Gua Sha is used to treat as well as prevent common cold, flu, bronchitis, asthma, as well as any chronic disorder involving pain and congestion of Qi and Blood.
Moxibustion is an oriental medicine therapy utilizing moxa, or mugwort herb Practitioners use moxa to warm regions and acupuncture points with the intention of stimulating circulation through the points and inducing a smoother flow of blood and qi. We would usually use it indirectly above the skin, on the ends of acupuncture needles. It is used for varying purposes, from warming cold conditions to helping release trigger points and muscle tightness to improving overall function. It is purported to elevate white blood cells in the area to promote healing. One unique use is that it can serve to turn breech babies.
Please Click on this PDF file to view a chart which is designed to illustrate the varying levels of education undertaken by healthcare professionals in acupuncture only and not in related curriculum, such as in the biosciences. Acupuncture should only be administered by a practitioner who has specific education in this field due to risk of improper needling, inadequate understanding of Oriental medical diagnostic procedures, transmission of disease, imbalancing of energy, or ethical violations. Ask your practitioner about his or her education in order to ensure that you receive the most professional acupuncture care available for your optimal health and wellness.