Acupuncture Q & A
Acupuncture promotes blood circulation in the superficial and internal body tissues. All parts of the body need a constant supply of vital materials to maintain health. Internal problems are often the result of impaired blood flow, deficiency of nutrients, immune substances, and vital oxygen. External environmental factors, emotions, and stress can have adverse effects on blood flow. Acupuncture can affect the autonomic nervous system, central nervous system, brain and endocrine glands.
Is acupuncture painful?
The client may feel a slight sensation at the insertion if anything at all. The needles are extremely thin, and a characteristic sensation of heaviness, tingling, pressure or dull ache may be experienced. One must note that these are not hypodermic needles. Therefore no substances will be injected, and no blood will be drawn from the site. Most people feel a sensation of relaxation and often fall asleep during treatment.
How many treatments do I need? How often do I need to come in?
The number of treatments will vary from person to person due to the constitution, lifestyle, diet, level of activity, nature, and severity of the complaint. It is recommended that a series of treatments, anywhere from 4-6, be administered close together to get a sense of the rate of the response. Chronic issues may have taken years to develop and will take some time to change. However, acupuncture treatments are cumulative, and treatments will build upon the previous one. As the condition improves, the treatment frequency will decrease and eventually, the client will be discharged.
Does insurance cover acupuncture treatment?
Some insurance plans provide limited coverage for acupuncture, but many do not. We can provide the client with an invoice to submit to their carrier should coverage be part of their plan. Many clients use acupuncture services as part of their flexible spending plan.
What happens during the first visit?
A thorough medical history, pulse, and tongue diagnosis will be gathered. Questions will be asked regarding sleep, energy, diet, digestion, etc... Once a Chinese medical diagnosis is established, a treatment plan will be devised, and the acupuncture will proceed from the intake. The client will relax with needles on the table anywhere from 20-30 minutes.
What to expect after an acupuncture treatment?
The immediate response to acupuncture varies on the constitution of the client and the condition that is being treated. Some clients experience immediate relief from their pain or symptoms. Others may notice symptoms diminish over the next couple of days. The treatment does not end once the needles are removed. The acupuncture has initiated a change in the body, and the client is encouraged to assist these changes through lifestyle and dietary change. It is best to relax after treatment and avoid strenuous or stressful activities.
Occasionally, symptoms of illness may temporarily increase after treatment. This is known as a “healing crisis” and can be seen as a good sign. The body is using energy to remove old patterns of disease so that a new balanced flow of energy may be established. Several treatments close together are recommended to evaluate how quickly the rate of response will be to the acupuncture. The effect is cumulative, and once the positive change is established, treatment frequency can be decreased.
How many treatments do I need? How often do I need to come in?
The number of treatments will vary from person to person due to the constitution, lifestyle, diet, level of activity, nature, and severity of the complaint. It is recommended that a series of treatments, anywhere from 4-6, be administered close together to get a sense of the rate of the response. Chronic issues may have taken years to develop and will take some time to change. However, acupuncture treatments are cumulative, and treatments will build upon the previous one. As the condition improves, the treatment frequency will decrease and eventually, the client will be discharged.