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FAQ's Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the stimulation or sedation of a specific point located on energy flow pathway known as a meridian. Single use, small, hair like needles are inserted into specific points along meridian to treat various conditions including but not limited to headaches, low back pain, neck pain, foot pain, insomnia, anxiety, depression, allergies, sinusitis, menstrual irregularities, respiratory disorders, cough, addiction, gastrointestinal disorders, arthritis pain and Fibromyalgia. Acupuncture has been proven effective in many studies. It is thought that acupuncture works by stimulating the release of chemicals in the brain.

What can I expect from my first visit to an Acupuncturist?

You will be asked to fill out general patient history information. After you've completed your paperwork you will meet with the Acupuncturist who will perform a detailed consultation with you about your overall health as well as the specific problem that brought you to our office. After the consultation the doctor will let you know what their working diagnosis is and whether or not they believe Acupuncture is a good fit for your condition. If you are a candidate for Acupuncture care, treatment recommendations will be made.  You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have before beginning care.

Does Acupuncture treatment hurt?

Acupuncture treatment is typically pain free. Acupuncture needles are solid and very small in diameter unlike needles used to give shots or draw blood which are designed to tear the skin so that they can either withdraw blood or inject medication.

How many treatments will be required to treat my condition?

The number and frequency of treatments for any condition varies based on many factors. We typically start new acupuncture patients on a twice per week regimen for the first 2-4 weeks then begin to taper down care while retaining desired results. The frequency and treatment level may vary significantly depending up on your condition and specific circumstance.

Is Acupuncture Safe?

If you go to a licensed Acupuncturist for your care, Acupuncture is very safe. Most adverse effects are limited to slight bleeding when needles are removed and possible bruising where the needle was inserted. It is possible during the course of treatment that you may have side effects such as fatigue, headache, dizziness, etc. Any symptom associated with the condition you seek care for can be intensified or dulled with treatment. All symptom changes noticed after you begin care should be reported to your Acupuncturist at your follow up appointment. Our office utilizes single use, sterile needles and clean needling technique to minimize risk of infection.

Is Acupuncture safe during pregnancy?

Yes. Acupuncture is safe during all stages of pregnancy and can be helpful in treating ailments related to pregnancy such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, sinusitis, headaches, and various aches and pains. There are specific points your Acupuncturist needs to avoid during pregnancy so be sure to mention if you are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant.

Do Medical Doctors recognize Acupuncture?

Yes. In fact the National Institute of Health issued a consensus statement supporting the use of Acupuncture in various clinical settings and suggested it should become more integrated with conventional medicine.

Is Acupuncture effective for both Acute and Chronic Pain?

Acupuncture has been proven to aid in pain relief for both acute and chronic conditions. Studies have shown that Acupuncture delivers effective pain relief by00 stimulating the release of your body's own pain killing chemicals.

Will my insurance cover Acupuncture?

Most insurances in our area do not currently cover Acupuncture. Call our office for specific information to determine whether or not your health insurance has Acupuncture coverage.