FAQ
Does acupuncture work?
Yes. Many health insurance companies are including acupuncture in their coverage, because research has demonstrated that it can reduce costly surgeries and medications. If acupuncture didn’t work, they would not cover it.
After acupuncture treatment, how soon can I expect to feel better?
Acupuncture usually works instantly. Most people experience improvement during the first treatment. This also means that you can generally learn whether or not acupuncture can help you, after just one treatment.
Does it hurt?
Acupuncture needles are hair-thin, metallic, and solid. While people experience acupuncture differently, most feel no discomfort or only minimal pain as the needles are inserted. Many actually fall asleep during the treatment, because it relaxes them.
I’m very afraid of needles. Can you help me?
When a patient is unusually anxious about needles, we let them try just one. If they don’t like it for any reason, they can stop the treatment right away and leave with no charge. In the past, only one percent of people have left after the first needle; that’s one in a hundred.
Tell me more about the needles that are used. Can I get an infection?
The FDA requires that all acupuncture needles be sterile, nontoxic, and disposed of after a single use. We use only FDA -approved sterile, disposable needles, which are discarded after one use and carefully manufactured under FDA guidance. Therefore, the risk of infection is nonexistent.
How many treatments will I need? How often should I come for acupuncture treatment?
This depends on your condition. Some conditions can be treated with just one visit. We also have patients who come in every week on a long-term basis, because nothing else helps them. We can usually figure out the number of treatments you will need, after 3 to 4 sessions.
How does acupuncture work?
This is a difficult question to answer, because acupuncture utilizes very complex systems within the body. Basically, there are numerous pressure points connected throughout the body, and each point can stimulate different parts including muscles, bones, and joints, and different aspects such as hormones, body temperature, blood circulation, and the immune system.
Do you use herbs?
Yes. Herbs can enhance the acupuncture treatment. We first use acupuncture to see if you experience improvement, and then we recommend certain herbs, if we believe you can benefit from them.
How long is each session?
This depends on the specific condition for which you are being treated, but generally, a session lasts for 30 minutes to an hour.
Does a session include any extra services like massage or cupping?
No. We currently do not offer massage or cupping.
What should I wear when I come in for the treatment?
It’s best to wear loose, comfortable clothing.
Do I need fill out a form?
Yes, please come in 10 minutes early to fill out a medical history form.
Do you accept insurance?
Most PPO plans are accepted. Please call your health insurance company to find out if your insurance covers acupuncture.