WHAT IS A TREATMENT LIKE?

Treatments are given in a professional and relaxing atmosphere. Most patients would say their treatments are both physically and mentally calming. Relaxing on a massage table, the thin acupuncture needles are inserted. You then have the comfort of a mineral heat lamp placed over you (relaxing and therapeutic) as the needles help regulate the changes and imbalances in your body. Many people find their treatments to be more relaxing than a massage.

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IS IT SAFE?

Yes, as long as a licensed Acupuncturist performs it. Licensed Acupuncturists are highly trained and know the human anatomy very well. Since we are interested in a patients health holistically, we take our time and don’t rush treatments. The safety and comfort of the patient is always taken into consideration during treatments. The needles we use are pre-sterilized and disposed after a single use.

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WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE?

Acupuncture needles are hair thin. They are individually wrapped, pre-sterilized, single use needles. Patients typically report a sensation of pressure at the acupuncture site when receiving a treatment. Some spots may feel like a hair is being plucked. Even patients who claim to be afraid of needles are surprised at the fact they really can’t feel the needles. Many patients have also been know to fall asleep when the needles are in and later report they get their best night of sleep on the days of treatment.

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WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM TREATMENT?

Patients of acupuncture range from infants to senior citizens. They may be seeking an alternative to Western medicine or it may be their last hope for relief, having exhausted other methods of treatment for a chronic condition. Or, an acupuncturist may be their first choice of health care practitioner for a low-risk form of treatment with few side effects.

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WHAT ABOUT INSURANCE COVERAGE?

Although we don't accept insurance, a superbill can be provided for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. We happily accept all HSA and FSA's.

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WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW BEFORE A TREATMENT?

1. Arrive on time

2. Eat before treatment. Doesn't need to be a full meal, but don't go into your treatment hungry

3. No alcohol before treatment

4. Try not to consume caffeine before as it makes you more sensitive to the needles.

5. As your appointment approaches, use your phone to write down particular health concerns you want addressed. You'll want to keep a ledger of your progress. Write down limitations you have due to each particular condition, whether it's how far you can walk, how much range of motion you have, how long you can stay seated, how much sleep you get, how much energy you have when you wake up in the morning. Although we want to really focus on your chief complaint each visit, we'll be helping the secondary complaint each time too. It's important we track those, as we're not just trying to improve one condition. We want to make as many aspects of your life better as possible!

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WHAT DO I NEED TO DO AFTER A TREATMENT?

• Please drink water to flush out any impurities (Acupuncture will get your blood moving).

• Continue taking your medications, as prescribed by your medical doctor.

• Notice how you feel for the next hours or days. I will be asking you questions about changes on your next visit to see your progress. Pay particular attention to any changes in your pain level, quality of sleep, energy level and appetite.

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IF I AM HEALTHY, WILL I BENEFIT FROM ACUPUNCTURE?

Yes. Everyone can benefit from acupuncture when it is done correctly.

Even though you feel healthy now, your body is in a constant state of defense and repair. Acupuncture will help boost your immune system and keep your body’s energy more balanced. Acupuncture is a great preventative medicine. By finding the small imbalances now, we can avoid big health problems later. By allowing your body to function at its highest level, you are able to fight off the daily pressures of work, stress, illness and weather changes.

This improved efficiency will lead to a healthier, happier, less stressful and possibly even longer life.

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WHERE ON THE BODY DO YOU INSERT NEEDLES?

There are hundreds of acupuncture points. However, most of the points I use are on the extremities (hands, feet, arms, legs), the abdomen (between the ribs and just below the navel), and the upper and lower back. Where the needles are placed varies greatly on each patient's condition and their constitution. Each treatment is customized to each patient's needs!

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DO I HAVE TO BELIEVE IN ACUPUNCTURE FOR IT TO WORK?

No. Acupuncture works on animals and they don’t have a placebo effect. Children are also treated and they respond very well to acupuncture, without having any preconceived notions about it.

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HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED TO GET WELL?

That depends on the state of your health when you come to see us and what you need treated. Generally speaking, patients with acute conditions recover faster than those with chronic conditions.

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HOW BIG ARE THE NEEDLES?

The acupuncture needles come in different diameters and lengths. The average size or most commonly used needles are .20mm in diameter and 1 inch in length. Basically, they’re about the size of the fine whiskers of a cat. Thin and flexible.

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DOES IT HURT?

After you put the first needle in, most people say “That was it?”.  The sensation received from correct needle technique is not painful. Typically, you'll only feel a sensation of pressure or tingling. If there is pain it is usually slight and if it doesn’t dissipate within a few seconds, it will go away quickly once the needle is adjusted or removed.

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ARE THE NEEDLES REUSED?

NEVER. NEVER. NEVER. The needles are only used one time and then placed in a biohazard container. So, to clarify, they are NEVER reused.

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HOW DEEP DO THE NEEDLES GO?

The depths of the needles vary depending upon where the acupuncture point is located. Needles used on hands, feet, chest, and upper back are all inserted superficially, meaning less than .25 of an inch. The abdomen, gluteal region, and the legs are needled slightly deeper depending upon the size of the patient, meaning between .25 to 1.0 inch.

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ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS?

When performed by a properly trained and licensed practitioner, acupuncture is safe and effective. Quite often, a sense of relaxation and well-being occurs during and after treatments. While undergoing therapy for one ailment, other problems may resolve concurrently. This is a common benefit that demonstrates the value of finding and restoring balance to your health.

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