What is Acupuncture? - $40 for 45 minutes
Acupuncture is a component of traditional Chinese medicine that originated in China over 5,000 years ago. It is based on the belief that living beings have a vital energy, called "qi", that circulates through twelve invisible energy lines known as meridians on the body. Each meridian is associated with a different organ system. An imbalance in the flow of qi throughout a meridian is how disease begins.
Acupuncturists insert needles into specified points along meridian lines to
influence the restore balance to the flow of qi. There are over 1,000
acupuncture points on the body.
In 1997, acupuncture needles were reclassified from "experimental" to
"medical device" by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The National
Institutes of Health released a consensus statment in the same year endorsing
acupuncture for the treatment of a variety of conditions such as post-operative pain, tennis elbow
and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Acupuncture is one of the best known of the alternative therapies. The FDA estimates that people in the United States spend more than $500 million annually on acupuncture treatments. Many people have insurance coverage for acupuncture.
How Acupuncture Works
There are numerous theories about how acupuncture works. Some of them are:
•Acupuncture stimulates the release of pain-relieving endorphins
•Acupuncture influences the release of neurotransmitters, substances that transmit nerve
impulses to the brain
•Acupuncture influences the autonomic nervous system
•Acupuncture stimulates circulation
•Acupuncture influences the electrical currents of the body
What problems are commonly treated with Acupuncture?
The most common ailments presented to an acupuncturist tend to be pain related conditions. For example; arthritis, back, neck, knee and shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatica.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is a complete medical system that is capable of diagnosing and successfully treating a wide range of conditions including: (This is by no means a complete list of what Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can treat.)
Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat Disorders
Sinusitis Sore Throat
Hay Fever Earache
Nerve Deafness Ringing in the Ears
Dizziness Poor Eyesight
Meniere's disease Vertigo
Circulatory Disorders
High Blood Pressure Angina Pectoris
Arteriosclerosis Anemia
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Spastic colon
Colitis Constipation
Diarrhea Food Allergies
Ulcers Gastritis
Abdominal Bloating Hemorrhoids
Gynecological / Genitourinary Disorders
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Irregular, Heavy or Painful Menstruation
Endometriosis Menopause
Fibroids Kidney Stones
Chronic Bladder Infection
Complications in Pregnancy
Morning Sickness Impotence
Infertility in Men and Women
Sexual Dysfunction
Immune Disorders
Candida Chronic Fatigue
HIV and AIDS Epstein Barr Virus
Allergies Lupus
MS Hepatitis
Addiction
Smoking Cessation Drugs
Alcohol
Emotional and Psychological Disorders
Anxiety Insomnia
Depression Stress
Nervous
Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders
Arthritis Neuralgia
Sciatica Back Pain
Bursitis Tendonitis
Stiff Neck Facial (Bellвs) Palsy
Trigeminal Neuralgia Stroke / Stroke Recovery
Headaches and Migraines Polio
Cerebral Palsy Sprains
Muscle Spasms Shingles
Respiratory Disorders
Asthma Emphysema
Bronchitis Colds and Flus
Acupuncture Also Treats
Chemotherapy/Radiation Side Effects
Diabetes Weight Control
Dermatological Disorders
How many treatments will I need?
Unfortunately, there is no definite answer to this question. The length, number and frequency of treatments will vary from person to person depending on the conditions being treated, your age and health, and how you respond to acupuncture. Acupuncture is a natural medicine that is assisting your body to make changes. This can be a gradual process.
A consultation with an experienced practitioner about you and your condition will offer the best guide for the length of treatment.
Generally, acute problems require less time and frequency of treatment. For example, an acute sprain may require only one or two treatments, whereas more chronic or severe ailments may require several (or several dozen) treatments.
How long will it take for the treatments to work?
A positive response to acupuncture treatments is generally seen after the first to fourth treatment. If you are being treated for a menstrual problem or infertility, give the treatments three menstrual cycles for your body to respond. You will schedule your appointments further and further apart after you have achieved optimal response.
How often should I be treated?
Again, this depends on what you are being treated for and your practitioner. It is common for treatments to be scheduled one or two times a week in the beginning to obtain optimal response and then once every other week. If you are not able to schedule appointments that frequently, your acupuncturist may prescribe Chinese herbs, dietary changes, exercises or pressure points for you to use at home.
Acupuncture is also often used as a preventative medicine. Many people see their acupuncturist only 2-4 times a year for a "tune up" or "balancing" treatment. This can prevent disease and promote health, energy and vitality.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are 25-50 times thinner than a hypodermic needle. They are
so thin that several acupuncture needles can go into the middle of a hypodermic needle.
There is little sensitivity to the insertion of acupuncture needles. We also only use disposable
needles so no need to worry for your safety and health.
While some people feel nothing at all; others may experience a brief moment of discomfort
as the needle penetrates the skin that can be followed by a mild sensation of cramping,
tingling, numbness, traveling warmth, or heaviness. The needles are left in place for
twenty to forty minutes. Most people find the experience extremely relaxing and
uplifting and even fall asleep for the duration of the treatment.
That being said, some conditions will respond better to a thicker gauge acupuncture
needle. It is common to experience soreness during and after an acupuncture treatment.
It is important to let your acupuncturist know immediately so that they can make you
more comfortable. If you are sensitive to acupuncture or ‘needle-phobic’ your acupuncturist
can use thinner needles and be gentler. Be sure to speak up and let the practitioner know
how you are feeling!
Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
The good news is that yes, many insurance companies now offer policies that cover acupuncture and related services performed by an acupuncturist.
Does my insurance cover acupuncture?
You can find out if your insurance provides acupuncture benefits by calling your insurance company's patient information or benefits line or looking over your insurance package. This number can be found on your insurance card.
If your insurance provider does cover acupuncture, here are a few questions that you can ask to determine your eligibility and coverage:
** How many treatments do I get?
** How much does the insurance company pay?
** What is the normal co-pay for acupuncture from a preferred provider? (This is the amount you would pay out-of-pocket for each visit to a practitioner on their provider list.)
** What percentage will I pay for out-of-network
practitioners? (This is the amount you would
pay out-of-pocket for each visit to a
practitioner who is NOT on their provider list.)
** Who must provide the acupuncture?
** Will I need a referral from an MD to see the acupuncturist?
** What is my deductible?
** What conditions are covered for acupuncture?
(Many plans only cover the treatment of pain)
