FAQ
Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of medicine in the world and modern research shows that acupuncture is safe and highly effective for treating a wide variety of conditions.
Acupuncture restores health by stimulating the body’s natural healing responses and increasing its resistance to disease. Traditional Chinese acupuncture recognizes that many times aches, pains and other discomforts are only symptoms of a deeper, underlying health problem. Therefore, a comprehensive diagnosis is compiled which takes into account the whole individual rather than simply categorizing symptoms into a disease. The basis of acupuncture is to build the body’s own immune system so that disease will not penetrate the body. Health is improved by correcting imbalances in the body and allowing it to heal itself naturally. Not only does this holistic medicine help in overcoming illness, it restores the body’s vitality and allows us to lead healthier, happier and longer lives.
The World Health Organization also recognizes acupuncture to be effective for over 43 common ailments. Because patients are now seeking natural ways to resolve their health concerns, acupuncture has become the fastest growing form of healthcare today.
From an eastern perspective, it is all about energy and its flow through the body. It works by inserting fine needles into specific points on the body which influence the flow of energy and encourage it to flow freely and correctly, which allows the body to heal itself.
From a western perspective, when inserting fine needles into the body it stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body’s own internal regulating system.
Reactions to acupuncture differ from person to person, even from treatment to treatment but it is generally very safe and painless. The needles used in acupuncture are much thinner than the needles that most of us are familiar with from visits to the doctor’s office. It should never be painful but you might have some sensation that is indicative of a therapeutic response. Often times the sensation will disappear within seconds and many people feel no sensation at all. There is minimal risk of injury and virtually no side effects when administered properly by a licensed acupuncturist.
We follow the best practice among acupuncturists in America today – using sterilized, individually packaged, disposable acupuncture needles. Used acupuncture needles should never be saved and reused for later treatments. This eliminates the possibility of transmitting any infectious disease by a contaminated needle.
The acupuncturist will explain the nature of your problem and what treatment he or she is recommending. Your practitioner will tell you what benefits and risks there are to the proposed treatment and other treatment options that are available to you through this practitioner or by referral to another practitioner or physician.
- Please be prepared to stay for 1 – 1.5 hours on the first treatment, which includes the initial consultation, health history review, and acupuncture treatment.
- Eat a light meal approximately 2 hours before your visit.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine before and after your treatments.
- Bring a list of medications you are taking.
- Treatment may include acupuncture with or without electro-stimulation, cupping, gua sha, thermo heating lamp or tui na massage therapy, depending on your conditions.
You should wear loose, comfortable clothing (sweats, shorts, tee shirt) that allows easy adjustment for accessing necessary parts of your body during the treatment. Do not wear sports bras, as they restrict access to the back. The most commonly used acupuncture points are on the lower legs and arms, back, and abdomen, so you can wear pants with legs loose enough to roll up to the knee. Avoid wearing tight stockings.
That depends upon the nature of the problem, the underlying anatomy of the points selected and the patient’s size, age, and constitution.
After an acupuncture treatment, most people feel relaxed. One may experience an immediate total or partial relief of their pain or other symptoms. This relief may last or some of the pain may return. In a few cases, the pain may seem even worse. This is called the rebound effect. By the next day, the pain can be expected to gradually improve.
Typically acupuncture treatments are given 1-3 times per week. For those with chronic conditions they may see the improvement from 5 to 10 visits.
The exact duration of treatment varies case to case, but generally depends on nature of your complaint and severity of the condition and how well you respond to acupuncture.
Usually frequent treatments are done for first few weeks, and then the frequency of treatment is reduced as balance is restored to the body.
It is understood that unavoidable circumstances arise and appointments have to be cancelled or rescheduled.
Cancellation and rescheduling can only be made 24 hours prior to your appointment. If you need to cancel and do not within the 24 hour time period,
You will be charged $40 for the missed appointment. Please call 845-501-7878 to cancel or reschedule your appointment.
- Cash
- Personal Check
- Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
We accept most health insurances plans that cover acupuncture. To find out if your medical insurance covers acupuncture, please call 845-501-7878 and we can verify your policy’s benefits for you.