FAQ | mysite

1) Do the needle Hurt?

Not really much at all. However, getting an acupuncture treatment isn't always painless. More than than anything a treatment should be a deeply relaxing and sleepy slice of time for you.

Here's what we'd like our patients to know: you may feel a bit of a pinch when the needles are tapped in, but this should ease right away. If you continue to feel a pinching or a burning sensation at the needle site any longer than this, let us now. It means we haven't placed that needle real well. If on the other hand you are feeling a slight sore or heavy sensation near the needle, this is usually a good sign - a clue that the body is reacting in a productive way.

2) Do you sterilize your needles?

When people ask this, there may be an assumption that we are re-using needles. The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that acupuncturists follow strict safety guidelines and using only one-time use, sterilized, disposable needles that labeled for single use only.

3) What does a first visit include?

The first visit includes a consultation to develop an individualized plan and treatment. Besides acupuncture, the plan may include nutritional counseling, herbal consultations, electro-acupuncture and moxibustion at no additional charge. Herbs and supplements, cupping are an additional cost.

4) How often should i come? Is it better for me to come in three times per week or once a week for six weeks?

The number of treatment recomended is depend opon each patient's condition. One average, most people need 6-10 session and start to see some improvement between the 4th and 6th treatment.

The length of treatment depends on how long the condition has been present and how quickly the patient responds to treatment. Generally if a condition is more acute, patients respond faster than if it's been a chronic condition.

5) Why most of patients choose Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Package?

In the course of acupuncture treatment, you may be prescribed Chinese herbal supplements. Chinese herbs consists of a variety of naturally found products that have medicinal properties which add to the healthful benefits of acupuncture and TCM treatments. Herbal formulas can be taken in a variety of ways. They can be taken as tea, tincture, or in a pill or capsule form. Herbal formulas tend to be customized for each patient according to their specific health needs. Herbal formulas along with dietary recommendations are often part of the integrated treatment plan.

6) Does my Insurance cover Acupuncture?

Today many health insurance companies cover the cost of acupuncture treatments. We accept all major insurance including ASH, Cigna, United Health Care, Optum and Blue Cross Blue shield. Each of these insurers offer different plans to choose from, some of which include acupuncture benefits and some of which may not, but we will help you find out if your plan covers our services.

By contacting us today, we can begin the process of verifying your insurance benefits through your insurance provider. Some of the answers that we will obtain for you are:

If your policy covers our treatments, we will bill your insurance providers for our services. If our services are not covered under your plan, then we will be informed of alternate payment options for future treatments during your consultation. We accept cash, check and most major credit cards.

Cash patients can enjoy big savings by purchasing can acupuncture package. Our packages include large discounts for pre-paying for your payments, No matter what your financial situation is, we will tailor a treatment package if your insurance policy does not cover our services.

To learn more about office policies regarding payments and policies, please contact our friendly staff. We will provide the service of verifying your insurance benefits, free of charge, today!

My practice now accepts insurance for acupuncture patients. In order to best serve you, i can verify your insurance benefits before you arrive.

5) What should i wear to my appointment?

Loose, comfortable clothing is best. Also, don't forget to eat something before your appointment.

6) How long before feel results?

Acupuncture is a process. It is very rare that a problem can be resolved in one treatment. In China, a typical protocol for any chronic condition is acupuncture every other day for three months. Most of our patients don't need that many treatments, but virtually everyone requires a course of treatment in order to get what they want from acupuncture.

On your first visit, your acupuncturist will suggest a course of treatment, which can be anything from "we'd like to see you every day for the next four days." This suggestions is based on our experience with treating your particular conditions. If you don't come in often enough or long enough, you may not achieve the full benefits. The purpose of our sliding scale is to help you make that commitment. If you have questions about how long it will take to see results,. please ask us.

If your pain is a 10 out of 10, or you are at the end of your rope, come in daily until we see some changes.
If your pain is a 5 out of 10 or over, preferably two to three times a week.
If your pain is a 4 or less, come in once or twice twice a week.
Chronic issues that are not severe, once a week for 6-8 weeks, and then we will re-evaluate.

Really long term chronic issues: once a week for ten weeks or twice a week for 5 weeks

PMS, endometriosis, menstrual cycle related issues: weekly until you have a cycle that is ok then every other week until 2 OK cycles, then once a month in the week before the problem week.

Chronic stress: once a week until the stress subsides, meaning the evil boss quits, the sick kids get better, or you find different ways to cope.

Most other issues: weekly until 50% improvement, and then every other week until resolution.

Chronic conditions with very poor prognosis we recommend weekly indefinitely. Treatment will most likely focus on symptom control and overall support.